BIOBPRA2 Practical and Employable Skills Course description

The course deals with the professional role and work of biomedical laboratory scientists. It is essential that biomedical laboratory scientists have knowledge of their role and the role of laboratory medicine in the health services. Students will develop qualifications in medical laboratory sciences, enabling them to practice in this field. The course places emphasis on linking learning to authentic work situations and issues under the supervision of experienced biomedical laboratory scientists with relevant expertise.

• Passed first and second year or equivalent of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, or 
• Admitted to the Complementary Education in Biomedical Laboratory Science 

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• has knowledge of the significance that the laboratory activities at the practical training institution has to the health service and can discuss the biomedical laboratory scientist’s professional role
• has knowledge of the principles behind selected analyses and investigations at the practical training institution
• can describe the correct treatment of different types of human biological sample material and how analytical, pre- and postanalytical conditions affect analysis results
• can describe a sample's journey through the laboratory, the requisition and results communication system
• can describe the quality assurance systems at the practical training institution
• can describe the legal basis of medical laboratory activities

Skills 

The student

• can use the analysis instruments and laboratory equipment used at the practical training institution
• masters selected methods for biomedical laboratory sciences work in a structured and precise manner, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and procedures, and assess the methods’ possibilities, limitations and sources of error
• can assess the risk of undesirable incidents and is familiar with methods for following this up in a systematic manner at the practical training institution
• can master information technology and automation systems, including laboratory information systems (LIS), middleware systems and management systems for analysis instruments at the practical training institution
• can handle human biological material and protect privacy in relation to reception and storage

General competence

The student

• can document, discuss and disseminate his/her knowledge of biomedical laboratory sciences issues and exchange points of view and experience, and can update his/her knowledge both through collecting information and through contact with the academic and professional field
• can comply with laws and regulations governing the field
• can reflect on his/her own academic practice, acquire new knowledge, seek and accept supervision
• identify and reflect on relevant professional ethical issues and handle them in his/her biomedical laboratory work
• reflect on his/her own and others' role in interdisciplinary cooperation with the patient’s best interest in mind

The course consists of the following subject areas, specified below as the number of credits:

External practical training at a laboratory, 10 credits

Work and teaching methods comprise seminars and external practical training.

The students must undergo seven weeks of supervised external practical training in a medical laboratory.

No particular coursework requirements.

Note that there is an attendance requirement for practical training. For more information about the attendance requirement in practical training, see ‘Assessment of external practical training’ in the main section of the programme description.

Combined assessment:

Part 1 Assessment of practical training. The minimum attendance requirement for practical training and seminars is 90%. For more information about the attendance requirement in practical training, see ‘Assessment of external practical training’ in the main section of the programme description.

Part 2) Individual written home exam, 2,500 words (+/- 20%). The assignment is handed out at the start of the course and must be submitted after the end of the practical training.

Part 1, practical training, and part 2, home exam, can be taken independently of each other, but the student must pass both part 1 and part 2 in order to pass the course.

New assessment/exam: If the student fails one part of the course, this part must be retaken. If the student fails part 1 (practical training period), he/she must normally retake the whole practical training period. If the student fails part 2, the home exam, he/she will be given one (1) opportunity to submit a reworked version.

Students can appeal the grade awarded for part 2, the home exam.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Pass/fail

Part 1) The midway assessment is made by the practical training supervisor and the contact lecturer at the university. The final assessment is made by the practical training supervisor. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.

Part 2) Written exam is assessed by two internal examiners. An external examiner contributes to the preparation of the question papers and assessment criteria.

10 credits overlap with the course BIOPRA2 Practical and Employable Skills