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

In this unit you will apply your foundation knowledge of haematology to the study of how haematological disorders manifest and are diagnosed through changes in number, cytogenetics and morphology of cells. Diseases of haemostasis including therapeutic management with anticoagulants will also be discussed. This advanced unit builds on the knowledge and skills taught in previous units and will prepare you for work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Haematology. You will be required to attend a compulsory residential school in Rockhampton and an assessment task will be completed on campus during this residential school.

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 2 - 2022

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: 20%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Online Test
Weighting: 50%

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 SUTE

Feedback

Some students thought that the written assessment allowed them to put theory into context

Recommendation

Continue current assessment format using an industry expert for creation and marking of the Case Study assessment.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students commented that while the lectures were easy to follow verbally, sometimes more explanation would be needed to explain the images used.

Recommendation

Additional lecture notes around graphics will be added to lecture slides.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students requested more questions on the weekly study notes and changing questions on the online quizzes.

Recommendation

Continue to add questions to to weekly study notes as well as updating online quizzes. This should also include more questions representing blood morphology.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students felt that although the residential school helped to develop practical skills, it felt rushed. They weren't able to practice calculations or see the film beyond that being shown on the screen.

Recommendation

Explore options for improved technology for efficient residential school experience. Allow regular breaks in between topics for students to practice differential calculations.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Distinguish benign from malignant haematological disorders based on numerical, cytogenetic and morphological changes in the cells.
  2. Discuss the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition.
  3. Discuss disorders of haemostasis and the use of anticoagulant therapies.
  4. Analyse results of hematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis.
  5. Perform morphological analysis of peripheral blood smears to make a differential diagnosis.

Competency Based Standards for Medical Scientists, December 2009.

Unit 1: Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material - Elements 1.1.1 - 1.1.3; 1.1.6 - 1.1.8; 1.2.4; 1.3.1 - 1.3.5; 1.5.1 - 1.5.5 & 1.6.1 - 1.6.8;   

Unit 2: Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information - Elements 2.1.1 - 2.1.2; 2.2.1; 2.3.1 & 2.3.2

Unit 3: Interpretation, reporting and issuing of laboratory results - Elements 3.1.1; 3.2.1 - 3.2.3; 3.2.6 - 3.2.7 & 3.3.1 - 3.3.2

Unit 4: Maintenance of documentation, equipment, resources and stock - Elements 4.2.1 - 4.2.6 

Unit 5: Maintenance and promotion of safe working practices - Elements 5.1.3; 5.2.1; 5.3.4; 5.3.9; 5.4.1 - 5.4.5

Unit 6: Professional accountability and participation in continuing professional development - Elements 6.5.6 & 6.5.7

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 - 20%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Online Test - 50%

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 - 20%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Online Test - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Clinical Haematology Atlas

Edition: 6th (2021)
Authors: Jacqueline H. Carr
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , United States of America
ISBN: 9780323711920
Binding: Spiral
Prescribed

Rodak's Haematology, Clinical Principles and Applications

Edition: 6th (2019)
Authors: Elaine Keohane, Catherine Otto, Jeanine Walenga
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , United States of America
ISBN: 9780323530453
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

Both paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop at: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).

IT Resources

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

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Roxina Sharma Unit Coordinator
r.r.sharma@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

  1. Introduction to Advanced Haematology
  2. Bone Marrow Examination

Chapter

Chapters 1 & 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Haemolytic Anaemias;

  1. Increased RBC Destruction
  2. Intrinsic Defects
  3. Extrinsic Defects - Immune and Non-Immune Causes

Chapter

Chapters 20-25

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

1. Non-Malignant Leucocyte Disorders

2. Paediatric and Geriatric Haematology

3. Platelet morphology

Chapter

Chapters 26, 43, 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Haematological malignancy; development, genetics and nomenclature

Chapter

Chapters 28-30

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

1. Myelodysplastic Syndromes

2. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Chapter

Chapters 32-33

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Written Assessment - Case Study Report available Friday 12/08/22

The written assessment - Case Study Report comprises 20% of the overall unit mark.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Independent study week - an opportunity for self-directed learning, mid-unit revision and catch up.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

No lectures.


Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Myeloid Leukaemia

Chapter

Chapters 31, 28-30

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Lymphoid Leukaemia

Chapter

Chapters 31, 28-30

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial


Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

1. Lymphomas

2. Myelomas

3. Other Haematological Malignancies

Chapter

Chapter 34

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial



Case Study Report Due: Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

1. Anticoagulants and Coagulopathies

2. Platelet Disorders

Chapter

Chapters 37-42, 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded Tutorial

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

  1. Malaria
  2. Other Blood Borne Parasites

Chapter

Chapter 22

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recorded tutorial


Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Compulsory Residential School - Saturday September 24th - Monday September 26th inclusive. 

Chapter

Laboratory Manual

Laboratory Workbook

Practical Assessment

Events and Submissions/Topic

During the Residential School, you will be assessed on your ability to perform a number of morphological analyses as presented in your practical manual.

The practical assessment comprises 30% of the overall unit mark.


Practical Assessments Due: Week 11 Monday (26 Sept 2022) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Revision week

Chapter

On-line Q&A session

Events and Submissions/Topic


Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Revision / Online Test

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

End-of-Term Online Test

The End-of-Term Online Test will be scheduled in the CQUniversity examination period between 13/10/22 - 21/10/22. The exact date will be advised on the unit Moodle page. The Online test comprises 50% of of the overall unit mark.

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Unit Contacts for 2022

Unit Coordinators:

Wayne Pederick: w.pederick@cqu.edu.au

Roxzina Sharma: r.r.sharma@cqu.edu.au

Lecturer / Tutor / Assessors:

Roxzina Sharma: r.r.sharma@cqu.edu.au

Caroline Zollinger: c.zollinger@cqu.edu.au

Pre-recorded lectures and tutorials will be used throughout the term and will be available to students at the start of each lecture week. It is advisable to review the weekly lectures before each tutorial session.

Students have e-access to the prescribed textbook, additional reading resources and some of the supplementary textbooks via the eReading Lists on the Moodle page.

Attendance to the Residential School is compulsory for all students. Further details will be provided on your Moodle page during the term.

Students are encouraged to use the Moodle Q&A for all communication purposes. This will be monitored by all of us. Live Q&A sessions will be held via Zoom from week 2 onwards - please see the Moodle site for further details.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Case Study Report

Task Description

You will be provided with an authentic clinical case study on the unit Moodle site.

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 available on the Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 5:00 pm AEST

Answers must be submitted on the template provided and a PDF version uploaded to the Moodle site.


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022)

Online by midnight on the due date.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50% of total attainable marks.

Assessment Criteria

The case study assessment is worth 20% of your total unit marks. A minimum of 50% is required to pass this assessment.

The assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specific requirements and in accordance with the detailed marking rubric, which is available on the BMSC13001 Moodle site.

Please note that all late submissions will be penalised 5% per calendar day unless an application for an extension has been approved.

All extension requests must be made through the extension request system on Moodle with the appropriate documentation. Assessments that have been submitted more than 20 calendar days late with an approved extension will be marked with the maximum marks being zero of the total achievable marks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
By midnight on due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition.
  • Analyse results of hematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis.
  • Perform morphological analysis of peripheral blood smears to make a differential diagnosis.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessments

Task Description

For medical laboratory scientists within the area of Haematology in a pathology laboratory, it is essential that analysis of a wide range of benign and malignant disorders of different types of blood cells in adult and children are performed and interpreted correctly. Individual activities will provide hands-on experience of haematological techniques in analysis of a wide range of clinical conditions. Completion of the Laboratory Workbook will evidence student's engagement and understanding of the principles behind the haematological tests.

During the residential school you are required to complete:

(A) Laboratory workbook (Pass/Fail): During the week prior to residential school you will be provided on the Moodle page a laboratory workbook. This will contain a set of blood films with authentic cases to be reviewed and results interpreted based on the data provided. 

(B) Practical Assessment (30%): This will be conducted on the final day of the residential school. It will encompass skills practiced on the days leading up to this assessment. You will be provided a set of blood films with authentic cases to be reviewed and results interpreted based on the data provided. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (26 Sept 2022) 4:00 pm AEST

Last day of the residential school (Monday 26.09.22).


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (26 Sept 2022)

End of last day of the residential school (Monday 26.09.2022).


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50% of total attainable marks each for Laboratory Workbook and Practical Examinatiion.

Assessment Criteria

(A) Laboratory workbook (Pass/Fail): The laboratory workbook will contain a detailed assessment scheme associated with the tasks and questions/reports to be completed. The laboratory staff will provide immediate verbal feedback to you on the practical hands-on aspect of this assessment item. You are required to submit the completed version of the laboratory workbook on the Moodle site. You must achieve a pass grade in order to pass this assessment. Students who do not achieve the required 50% on the 1st attempt may be granted an opportunity to reattempt the assessment. The re-attempt must be submitted within seven consecutive days after receiving a mark for the initial assessment.

(B) Practical Assessment (30%): You must achieve a minimum of 50% marks in order to pass this examination. Students who pass the first attempt will be awarded the achieved grade, up to 100% of the total marks, which is 30% of the total unit grade. Students who fail the 1st attempt will be granted a second attempt. The second attempt will be conducted in the second half of the final day, prior to completion of the residential school session. The repeat attempt will be a pass/fail, with the maximum marks being 50% of the total achievable marks, which is 15% of the total unit grade. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Hand practical exam to assessor at completion on the final day of residential school. Submit the completed version of the laboratory workbook on the Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Distinguish benign from malignant haematological disorders based on numerical, cytogenetic and morphological changes in the cells.
  • Perform morphological analysis of peripheral blood smears to make a differential diagnosis.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Online Test

Assessment Title
End-of-Term Online Test

Task Description

A three (3) hour End of Term Online Test will be based on material from throughout the course.

The online test will consist of three sections;

Section A: Short answer questions

Section B: Long answer questions

Section C: Case studies


Assessment Due Date

During CQUniversity T2 2022 exam block.


Return Date to Students

After certification of grades.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50% of total attainable marks.

Assessment Criteria

Provide answers to a series of short answer, long answer and case study questions.

Students must achieve at least 50% of the final online test mark to pass this unit. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Distinguish benign from malignant haematological disorders based on numerical, cytogenetic and morphological changes in the cells.
  • Discuss the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition.
  • Discuss disorders of haemostasis and the use of anticoagulant therapies.
  • Analyse results of hematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis.
  • Perform morphological analysis of peripheral blood smears to make a differential diagnosis.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

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?