Unit Code: MLS707

Unit Name: Chemical Pathology

Description: The purpose of this course is to provide medical laboratory science students with knowledge in the biochemical concepts, principles and procedures in the discipline of clinical pathology. Whilst the first year of Clinical Biochemistry I focused more on the basic principles of metabolism and diagnostic technology, the second year extends into more complex treatment of the pathophysiology of disease and laboratory management. The syllabus addresses the clinical biochemistry of electrolytes and blood gases, neonatal disease, drugs and toxicology, quality control, tumor markers, liver, renal and gastrointestinal function and calcium and other metals metabolism. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge on rationale, use and procedures of testing of specific analytes of the human body and interpreting the test results. Clinical Biochemistry II will focus on performing satisfactory biochemical procedures using standard equipment, apparatuses, and reagents. The course also includes laboratory practicals on each learning outcome with sessions run in 2-3 streams depending on number of enrolled students and lab availability. Practical sessions for each topic is described in the practical manual, a companion to course descriptor. There is a must pass (50%) in the practical examination in the continuous assessment.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Examine ethics and quality management systems on operating analyzers in a clinical biochemistry laboratory. 2. Discuss the pathophysiology and diagnosis of fluid and electrolyte, acid base and renal diseases. 3. Evaluate liver function tests and their clinical significance. 4. Discuss enzymes and hormonal tests and other biomarkers for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal, pancreatic function and other diseases. 5. Describe therapeutic drug monitoring. 6. Investigate tumor markers and prenatal diagnosis of foetal conditions. 7. Analyse special samples and ethical considerations in a clinical biochemistry laboratory.

Prerequisite: Pass all BMLS Year 1 & 2 courses

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2