CQUniversity Unit Profile
BMSC13001 Advanced Haematology
Advanced Haematology
All details in this unit profile for BMSC13001 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

On completion of this unit you will be able to appraise and perform advanced haematological methods used in the diagnosis and monitoring of blood diseases. Therapeutic management of diseases of blood coagulation will also be investigated.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites: BMSC12003 Haematology and Transfusion Science

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Mixed Mode
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Examination
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Industry expert

Feedback

Replace the G6PD test in the lab manual with something more relevant that medical scientist would see more of.

Recommendation

Replace with snake bite testing, more likely to be seen in the lab.

Feedback from Unit evaluation response

Feedback

The best part of the unit was to have a lecturer that knows what she is talking about, the industry expert was very knowledgeable and knew how to teach really well. Please make sure you find more lecturers like her, as she is a great addition to the Pathology program.

Recommendation

Continue to use industry experts to enhance the learning and teaching outcomes and to maintain relevance to industry standards and practices.

Feedback from Unit evaluation response

Feedback

The blood film slides need to be totally replaced they are poorly stained and make it impossible to determine the morphology. The case study example was poor.

Recommendation

Replace the few remaining old practice slides, all the assessment slides were replaced at the end of 2016. Use new material for the case study.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss the limitations of haematology laboratory procedures and the use of tests within specified limits
  2. Discuss the detection and monitoring of blood diseases including factors essential in the development of new tests
  3. Perform haematological tests and instrument quality control processes
  4. Discuss laboratory report presentation and interpretation of results including the concept of therapeutic range of anticoagulant therapy
  5. Analyse results of hematological tests and instrument quality control processes instituting corrective action as required.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 0%
3 - Examination - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 0%
3 - Examination - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Rodak's Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications

Edition: 5th edn (2015)
Authors: Keohane, Smith & Walenga
Elsevier Saunders
St Louis St Louis , MS , USA
ISBN: 9780323239066
Binding: Other
Supplementary

Clinical Hematology Atlas

Edition: 5th edn (2016)
Authors: Rodak & Carr
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , MS , USA
ISBN: 9780323322492
Binding: Other

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Digital microscope
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Andrew Taylor-Robinson Unit Coordinator
a.taylor-robinson@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

1. Introduction to Advanced Haematology

2. Bone Marrow Examination

Chapter

16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

1. Increased RBC Destruction

2. Intrinsic Defects

3. Extrinsic Defects - Immune and Non-Immune Causes

Chapter

22-25

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

1. Non-Malignant Leucocyte Disorders

2. Paediatric and Geriatric Haematology

Chapter

28, 38

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Haematological malignancy development, genetics and nomenclature

Chapter

29-33

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

1. Myelodysplastic Syndromes

2. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Chapter

34, 35

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Independent Study

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

No lecture


Case Study Report Due: Vacation Week Monday (9 Apr 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Myeloid Leukaemia

Chapter

34-37

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Lymphoid Leukaemia

Chapter

34-37

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

1. Lymphomas

2. Myelomas

3. Other Haematological Malignancies

Chapter

29-37

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

1. Anticoagulants and Coagulopathies

2. Platelet Disorders

Chapter

40-47

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Malaria and other Blood Parasites

Chapter

24

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Compulsory Residential School

Chapter

Practical Workbook

Events and Submissions/Topic

No lecture - residential school held this week

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Revision  Lecture

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practical Assessment Due: Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Case Study Report

Task Description

You will be provided on the unit moodle site with an authentic clinical case study. The following information regarding the case will be available to you: clinical presentation, patient history, blood smear morphology, haematological parameters (provided by an automated analyser) and biochemical changes (if any). You are required to write a report (up to 1,500 words) using a case study approach describing the pathology observed, aetiology, specific morphological or haematological characteristics observed that led to the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment options and any recommended further tests. Guidelines to complete the report, marking rubric and a template will be made available.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Monday (9 Apr 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Thursday (26 Apr 2018)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50% of the total available marks

Assessment Criteria

The assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specific requirements and in accordance with the criteria outlined below:

Presentation: the report is presented in the required template; clarity of purpose and coherence of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax); clear and organised flow of information.

Abstract: provides a clear overview and overall summary of the case study.

Introduction: provides necessary background information and pathophysiology of the case; does not discuss the final diagnosis rather supports the intended diagnosis via arguments.

Materials and Methods: briefly describes all the methods used to aid in diagnosis; discusses further tests to be employed in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: all data presented clearly with reference ranges; layout is clear with further tests and expected results discussed.

Discussion: clear discussion of the results with supporting arguments and reasoning for arriving at the final diagnosis.

References: Harvard referencing system used with appropriate in-text references

The written assessment is worth 40% of your final grade.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the limitations of haematology laboratory procedures and the use of tests within specified limits
  • Discuss the detection and monitoring of blood diseases including factors essential in the development of new tests
  • Discuss laboratory report presentation and interpretation of results including the concept of therapeutic range of anticoagulant therapy


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment

Task Description

You will be provided on the moodle site with a laboratory workbook. This will contain all the tasks that need to be completed during the residential school. It will also contain a series of short questions and patient reports to be completed in relation to the authentic cases provided. Group experimental activities during the residential school will foster team work and provide hands-on experience of the haematological techniques used in pathology laboratories. Completion of the workbook will evidence student engagement and understanding of the principles behind the haematological tests. Laboratory staff or demonstrators will assess your individual experimental capability during residential school to ensure your understanding of the learning outcomes. You will be required to submit the completed version of the laboratory workbook on the moodle site.

Important: On Day 3 of your residential school, you will have a final practical examination. Further details regarding the examination will be available on the moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
50% of the total available marks

Assessment Criteria

  • Residential School and Workbook component: The laboratory staff will provide immediate verbal feedback to you on the practical hands-on aspect of this assessment item. The laboratory workbook template will contain a detailed assessment scheme associated with the tasks and questions/reports to be completed.
  • Practical Examination component: This will be conducted on Day 3 of the residential school. Further information on the examination will be available on the moodle site.
  • You should obtain a minimum 50% mark for both your laboratory workbook and practical examination in order to pass this assessment. A pass is required in order to successfully complete the unit; however, the mark will not contribute to the overall mark, i.e. assessment of the residential school will be on a 'pass/fail' basis.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Submission Instructions
Students may submit their workbook at the end of the residential school or online by the following week.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform haematological tests and instrument quality control processes
  • Analyse results of hematological tests and instrument quality control processes instituting corrective action as required.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
60%

Length
180 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
50% of the total available marks

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?