Unit Code: CLT505

Unit Name: Haematology

Description: This course is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge about blood in health and disease. The topics in this course cover the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and the classification and development of anemia. The practical sessions will include hands-on study of the morphological features of the cells and identifying the presence of disorders. Practical sessions for each topic are described in the practical manual, a companion to the course descriptor. For off-site students, the practicals will be conducted through video recording and the bench supervisor will sign off the practical in the logbook with competency.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to: 1. Discuss the different components of blood, function of blood cells and relate the reference ranges of blood parameters of infants, children and adults. 2. Perform blood collection and handling techniques and identify the ethical and safety considerations in hematology practice. 3. Explain the stem cell theory and haematopoietic growth factors relating to the site of production in foetal haematopoiesis. 4. Describe erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis by relating the morphological features of each cell with the growth factors. 5. Explain the process of haemoglobin synthesis, calculate erythrocyte indices, and identify abnormal erythrocyte morphology. 6. Classify the types of anemias. 7. Describe the emerging trends and technologies and principles of Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) in haematology.

Prerequisite: Minimum Entry Requirement (MER).

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1