CQUniversity Unit Profile
BMSC13016 Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
All details in this unit profile for BMSC13016 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

Identification of the characteristic histopathological and cytopathological features of human organ systems and the hallmarks of pathological dysregulation of tissue organisation is fundamental to the work of the medical laboratory scientist. In this unit you will study normal and abnormal histopathological features of a range of tissues along with normal and abnormal cytopathological features of a range of cells. The relationship between cellular injury, immune response, tumour formation, infection and pathological dysregulation of tissue organisation will be explored in relation to clinical cases you may encounter. You will be provided with the knowledge and skill to perform microscopic examination of tissues and cells. Case studies will include new developments in immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging. Attendance at residential school practical activities in Rockhampton is a requirement of this unit.

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 BMSC12001 Histological and Cytological Techniques

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 - 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. Case Study
Weighting: 20%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Oral Examination
Weighting: 40%

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 Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation

Feedback

The residential school was enjoyable, informative and useful to learning.

Recommendation

Maintain consistency in the delivery of the of the residential school for future iterations.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation and Self-Reflection

Feedback

Incorporation of online reading lists to enhance student learning.

Recommendation

Work with the library to set up an e-reading list to enhance the learning materials.

Feedback from Via email and in person

Feedback

Students found the opportunity for a practice viva reduced anxiety.

Recommendation

Continue offering the students the opportunity to have rehearsals for their final assessment.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Distinguish histopathological and cytopathological specimens according to body system, pathology and artefactual morphology
  2. Discuss the features of inflammatory disease processes and the range of tissue responses
  3. Perform techniques and explain the principles, mechanisms and requirements of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques
  4. Describe the neoplastic process, grading systems for staging malignant neoplasms and correlation with gene expression
  5. Discuss the principles, mechanisms, requirements and the application of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques of new molecular and hybridisation techniques in histology and cytology.

The learning outcomes achieved are linked to the objectives of the accrediting body, Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

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 - Practical Assessment - 40%
2 - Case Study - 20%
3 - Oral Examination - 40%

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 - Practical Assessment - 40%
2 - Case Study - 20%
3 - Oral Examination - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Functional Histology

Edition: Second (2010)
Authors: Jeffrey B Kerr
Elsevier
Chatswood Chatswood , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780729538374
Binding: Paperback
Prescribed

Wheater's Functional Histology A Text and Colour Atlas

Edition: Sixth (2014)
Authors: Young, B., O'Dowd, G., Woodford, P.
Elsevier
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , USA
ISBN: 978-0-7020-4747-3
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Ingrid Christiansen Unit Coordinator
i.christiansen@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

The Cell, Tissue Types and Body Systems

Chapter

Kerr: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and
Young et. al.,1, 4, 5, 6, 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Injury, Inflammation, Repair, and the "-plasias"

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 1 topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

The Integumentary and Respiratory Systems

Chapter

Kerr: 9, 12 and
Young et. al., 9, 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 2 topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

The Digestive System and the Liver

Chapter

Kerr: 14, 15 and
Young et. al., 14, 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 3 topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

The Reproductive Systems

Chapter

Kerr: 18, 19 and
Young et. al., 18, 19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 4 & 5 topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Break Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

The Cardiovascular System and Blood, Endocrine and Lymphatic systems.

Chapter

Kerr: 3, 8, 11, 17 and
Young et. al., 3, 8, 11, 17

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study Report Due: Week 6 Friday (22 Apr 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Muscles, Bones and Skeletal Tissue

Chapter

Kerr: 6, 10 and
Young et. al., 6, 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 6 topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 02 May 2022

Module/Topic

The Renal and Nervous Systems

Chapter

Kerr: 16, 7 and
Young et. al., 16, 7, 20

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 7 topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 May 2022

Module/Topic

Diagnostic Cytopathology

Chapter

Kerr: 1, 2, 18 and Young et. al., 1, 19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 8 topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 16 May 2022

Module/Topic

Residential School

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practical Portfolio and Workbook Due: Week 10 Wednesday (18 May 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 23 May 2022

Module/Topic

Autopsies, Post Mortems and Quality Assurance

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial - Week 9&10  topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 May 2022

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Viva Voce Assessment Due: Date to be negotiated with Unit Coordinator

Term Specific Information

Your unit coordinator for BMSC13016 Histopathology and Cytopathology is Ingrid Christiansen. You can contact Ingrid using a number of methods:

  1. The forum on the unit's Moodle site (The forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within 24 hours of posting your question); or
  2. Through email (i.christiansen@cqu.edu.au); or
  3. Via telephone on 07 4930 6518.
As the name suggests, this unit will provide you with an extension of your knowledge of histology and cytology, along with some of the pathologies identified in these laboratory spaces. BMSC13016 Histopathology and Cytopathology is a core unit in one course:
  • CL10 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)
  • CG93 - Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation)
You will be provided an opportunity to explore how to apply the knowledge learned in lecture material in a compulsory residential school. Here you will extend on the microtomy techniques you have already learnt, and begin training in identification of basic tissue types and special stains which are associated with these tissues.
Tutorials are delivered each week via ZOOM. Students enrolled in distance delivery mode can also attend the live tutorials using ZOOM. These tutorials will also be recorded for the benefit of those students who are unable to attend the live tutorial. During these tutorials, the weekly study questions will be addressed (that are provided to you on the Moodle site). These weekly study questions will help you to apply knowledge learned during the weekly lecture and prepare you for the assessments. You will get the most benefit from the tutorials if you watch the weekly lectures beforehand and attempt the weekly study questions. You are strongly encouraged to participate in tutorials. Weekly revision quizzes are also provided to reinforce the knowledge you have gained from the lectures and to support your learning experience in this unit.
As per Australian educational standards, you are expected to commit 150 hours of engagement to your study of this unit. This is broken down as:

  • 2 - 3 hours per week watching recorded lectures and revising the content through study notes
  • 3 - 4 hours per week completing the weekly study questions and weekly revision quizzes on the unit's Moodle site.
  • 1 - 2 hours per week attending the weekly tutorial and reflecting on your answers to the weekly study questions
  • 3 - 4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying for your exams

Assessment Tasks

1 Case Study

Assessment Title
Case Study Report

Task Description

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

The following information regarding the case will be available to you: clinical presentation, patient history, tissue image(s), and special stain images (if any).

You are then required to answer a series of questions in a Moodle Quiz to obtain further information and test results. This quiz is worth 40% of the marks for this assessment.

You are then required to write a report (around 1,500 words) using a case study approach describing the pathology observed, aetiology, specific morphological and histopathological characteristics observed that led to the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment options and any recommended further tests. This case report is worth 60% of the marks for this assessment.

Guidelines to complete the report, marking rubric and a template will be available on the Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (22 Apr 2022) 11:45 pm AEST

Quiz answers automatically save in Moodle, case report to be submitted online.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (6 May 2022)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

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

Presentation: Clarity of purpose and coherence of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax); Clear and organised flow of information.

Abstract and Introduction: Provides a clear overview and overall summary of the case study. 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. While you haven't performed these tests yourselves, this is where you can outline which pathology tests can be performed and you can demonstrate your understanding. Discusses further tests to be employed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: All data presented clearly with reference ranges (if applicable). 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 or APA referencing system used with appropriate in-text references


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Distinguish histopathological and cytopathological specimens according to body system, pathology and artefactual morphology
  • Discuss the features of inflammatory disease processes and the range of tissue responses
  • Describe the neoplastic process, grading systems for staging malignant neoplasms and correlation with gene expression
  • Discuss the principles, mechanisms, requirements and the application of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques of new molecular and hybridisation techniques in histology and cytology.


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

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Portfolio and Workbook

Task Description

Over the three days of the residential school / block practical you will perform microtomy, learn how to recognise different tissue types, simulate an FNA and prepare a series of stains in accordance with instructions in the practical manual. You will be assessed on the quality of those stains by academic staff with expertise in histology. You must achieve a collective minimum of 50% (skills plus theory components) to pass this assessment. The practical will include:

Skills component:

This assessment must be handed to the assessor for marking on completion by midday on day 3. This part of the assessment is worth 75% of assessment 2 (or 30% of the overall grade). You must achieve a minimum of 50% of marks of this component in order to pass this unit. Items assessed include:

  • Microtomy and H&E staining. You will section 10 different blocks of tissue, stain them using H&E staining, and label the slide accordingly.
  • Four different special histochemical stains. Which stains will depend on the type of tissues that can be obtained, full details to perform the stains will be given in the laboratory manual.
  • Simulated fine needle aspirate collection followed by preparation of slides and cytology staining.
  • Fluorescent staining (either Immunofluorescence or FISH)

Students who fail to achieve 50% (Pass) on the first attempt of the skills component will be granted a second attempt. The maximum mark for the second attempt will be 50% of the allocated marks. The second attempt will be conducted in the afternoon on day 3, prior to the completion of the residential school.

Theory component:

This assessment must be handed to the assessor for marking on completion by the end of day 2. This part of the assessment is worth 25% of assessment 2 (or 10% of the overall grade). Items assessed include:

  • Identification of ten tissue blocks.
  • Completion of the workbook. A series of questions will assess your knowledge and understanding of histology, cytology and histological/cytological technique. This may require you to do some pre-reading prior to residential school / block practical.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Wednesday (18 May 2022) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (27 May 2022)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment of the slides will be done by academic staff with expertise in histology and cytology. A maximum of seventeen (17) slides will be handed in with a workbook.

Skills

  • Microtomy and H&E staining. There will 5 marks for each produced slide. (5 marks per slide x 10 slides = 50 marks in total). These will be handed in at the end of day 2 for assessment.
  • Special stains. The quality of four stains will be marked out of 24 marks (6 marks per stain) - 4 slides. These will be handed in by 12:00 midday on day 3 for assessment.
  • Fine needle aspirate collection, preparation of slides and staining will be assessed in this FNA simulation and marked out of 6 marks (3 marks per slide) - 2 slides. These will be handed in at the end of day 2 for assessment.
  • Fluorescent staining (either Immunofluorescence or FISH) - will be assessed and marked as a P/F - 1 slide. This will be handed in at the end of day 2 for assessment.

Theory

  • Identification of 10 tissue blocks (10 marks available). These will be handed in at the end of day 2 for assessment.
  • The workbook will be marked against a set of correct answers (10 marks available). These will be handed in by 12:00 midday on day 3 for assessment.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Distinguish histopathological and cytopathological specimens according to body system, pathology and artefactual morphology
  • Perform techniques and explain the principles, mechanisms and requirements of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques


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

3 Oral Examination

Assessment Title
Viva Voce

Task Description

This assessment item is an oral examination which comprised of two parts. You have the option to complete this face to face or via Zoom conferencing software. If you choose for the latter, it is a requirement that you have access to Zoom, a webcam and a microphone.

You will be required to answer:
Part A: 5 x short answer questions (to demonstrate memory recall). Two of which will be image questions. These questions will be worth 2 marks each = 10 marks; AND
Part B: 5 x longer answer questions (to demonstration interpretation of data/application). You will be presented with seven (7) questions and only need to choose only five (5). These questions will be worth 10 marks each = 50 marks.
Total Viva Voce is worth 60 marks.


Assessment Due Date

This will be held during the examination period; specific viva voce times to be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator during term.


Return Date to Students

Assessment return will be following the completion of the final scheduled Viva Voce.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Part A. This section relies on memory which is designed to contain short answer questions. Each of these questions will be worth two marks (5 questions x 2 marks = maximum of 10 marks)

Part B. This section relies on an interpretation and application of knowledge and contains longer questions. Each of these questions are worth 10 marks each with the breakdown of marks as follows.

Three key criteria will be marked in this assessment.

1. Relevance - The ability to deliver the correct answer(s) to the question in a comprehensive and succinct manner (worth 6/10 marks)

2. Coherence - The ability to logically sequence the response (worth 2/10 marks)

3. Overall organisation, expression and flow - Responses are well crafted and include a scientific/medical vocabulary. Responses are delivered in a confident manner using language targetted to a general audience. Responses are delivered with clear diction, appropriate volume and pace. (worth 2/10 marks)


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
To be submitted via oral communication either face-to-face or via Zoom conferencing software

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the features of inflammatory disease processes and the range of tissue responses
  • Perform techniques and explain the principles, mechanisms and requirements of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques
  • Describe the neoplastic process, grading systems for staging malignant neoplasms and correlation with gene expression
  • Discuss the principles, mechanisms, requirements and the application of use for special stain procedures and specialised fixation techniques of new molecular and hybridisation techniques in histology and cytology.


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

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?