Unit Code: MLS605

Unit Name: Fundamentals of Haematology

Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge about blood in health and disease. The topics in this course cover production of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and classification and development of anemia. Students will learn about the morphology and physiology of different blood cells and identifying presence of disorders. Students will also learn the various laboratory techniques to analyse blood samples and identifying presence of blood disorders. Practical sessions for each topic is described in the practical manual, a companion to course descriptor.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe blood components, their function and normal blood parameter. 2. Apply knowledge of stem cell theory and haematopoietic growth factors relating to foetal haematopoiesis 3. Differentiate between leukopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis by relating the morphological features of each cell with the growth factors. 4. Describe erythropoiesis, erythrocyte physiology and metabolic pathways of the cells. 5. Discuss haemoglobin synthesis and iron metabolism. 6. Apply knowledge of erythrocyte indices to identify abnormal erythrocyte morphology 7. Compare the pathophysiology of the different types of anaemias

Prerequisite: Pass all BMLS Year 1 courses and BMLS Year 2 Semester 1 courses

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 2