Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to evaluate the evidence base for haematological tests used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases in the major organ systems of the body. Problem-solving and decision making skills will be developed through the use of authentic case studies. Skill development in instrument calibration, best practice measurement, interpretation of test results and test quality control monitoring will occur through practical exercises. You will be required to attend a compulsory residential school on the Rockhampton campus to promote the development of unit learning outcomes. The residential school may be scheduled outside of the term of offering of the unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
PrerequisiteEnrolment in Master of Laboratory Medicine.
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 - 2024
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.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate 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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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
Lecture style could be enhanced through lectorial style teaching.
Enhance the lectures by incorporating some lectorial styles of learning.
Feedback from SUTE, student feedback, self reflection
There is too much content for 11 weeks of learning.
Look at ways to teach some of the content before lectures (lectorial style), and in other formats of learning.
Feedback from SUTE, student feedback and reflection
The academic rigour and weightings of the assessments could improve.
Review of the context of the assessments and to improve assessments and feedback to students.
Feedback from Self reflection
The inclusion of more dry practical through case study interpretations would improve the student learning.
Include more case study analysis and result interpretations into tutorials.
- Distinguish benign from malignant haematological disorders based on numerical, cytogenetic and morphological changes in the cells
- Critique the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition
- Evaluate disorders of haemostasis and the use of anticoagulant therapies
- Analyse results of haematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis
- Perform core haematology and haemostasis tests including quality control procedures.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | |||||
| 4 - Examination - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Clinical Haematology Atlas
6th edition (2021)
Authors: Bernadette F. Rodak, Jacqueline H. Carr
Elsevier - Health Sciences Division
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: 9780323322492
Binding: Paperback
Rodak’s Haematology
6th edition (2020)
Authors: Elaine Keohane, Catherine Otto, Jeanine Walenga
Saunders
Philadelphia Philadelphia , Pennsylvan , USA
ISBN: 9780323530453
Binding: Hardcover
Blood cells
6th Edition (2022)
Authors: Bain, Barbara
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Hoboken Hoboken , New Jersey , USA
ISBN: 1-119-82029-4
Binding: Hardcover
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- WBC Counter App on mobile device
- BM Counter App on mobile device
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.dennis@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
1. Introduction to Haematopathology 1 and Haematology.
2. Haematopoiesis,
3. Red cells, Iron and Haemoglobin
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 1, 4-8,
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 1-2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Introduction to Diagnostic Haematology
Introduction to blood film morphology
Module/Topic
1. Anaemia: Microcytic, Macrocytic, Normocytic and Haemolytic
2. Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 16-18, 24-25
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 10-13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Introduction to normal Red blood cell morphology.
Module/Topic
1. Haemolytic Anaemia: 3 parts
2. Erythrocyte Inclusions and other abnormalities
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 20-23, 12-13
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 10-13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Blood film morphology: Red cell abnormalities and overview
Module/Topic
1. White cells structure, function, differential count.
2. Platelet structure and function
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 9-10, 37, 38
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 4-9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Platelet disorders and platelet morphology
Introduction to White blood cell morphology.
Module/Topic
1. Haemostasis: Overview
2. Coagulopathies
3. Thrombosis and Anticoagulation
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 35, 36, 41-42
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Haemostasis laboratory testing
Module/Topic
Independent study week - an opportunity for self-directed learning, mid-unit revision and catch up.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
No lectures
Module/Topic
1. Non malignant white cell disorders
2. Haematological Malignancy, development, genetics and nomenclature
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 1 -2, 11-13, 41-42
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Non malignant white cell morphology
Clinical Case Study Assessment 1 Due
Haemostasis Case Study Analysis Due: Week 6 Wednesday (17 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
1.Myeloid Leukaemia
2. Leukaemia diagnostics Part 1
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 29- 31
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Myeloid Leukaemia morphology
Module/Topic
1. Lymphoid Leukaemia
2. Leukaemia diagnostics Part 2
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 28, 31, 34
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Lymphoid Leukaemia morphology
Module/Topic
1. MDS
2. MPN
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 32-33
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 17-19
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
White cell morphology overview and review.
Clinical Case Study
Assessment 2 Due
Malignant Haematology Clinical Case Analysis Due: Week 9 Thursday (9 May 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
1. FBE parameters and Analysis
2. Quality control
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 26- 27, 28-30
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Automation and Diagnostics
Module/Topic
- Clinicals aspects of Malaria
- Diagnostics of Malaria
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 22
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 21
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Laboratory diagnosis of Malaria
Module/Topic
Revision week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Revision
Module/Topic
Revision and Exam Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Independent revision and exam week.
Module/Topic
Exam Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The End-of-Term Exam will be scheduled in the CQUniversity examination period. The exact date will be advised on the unit Moodle page. The end of term exam comprises 50% of the overall unit mark.
Lectures will be recorded for this unit and will be available to students at the start of each week.
Tutorials will run once a week live and also recorded for students to watch again later. The live tutorials provide the opportunity for students to attend and ask questions from each weeks learning as well. It is advisable that students revise the weekly lectures and recommended reading before attending the tutorials.
Students are required to attend the compulsory residential school. Further information to follow.
Please check the timetable for dates and complete registration in MYCQU when advised.
1 Written Assessment
You will be provided with clinical cases that contain laboratory results, a clinical history and images. You will be required to analyse and discuss in detail what the results indicate on one of the cases.
A report, answering questions provided, will need to be submitted on your chosen clinical case.
Your report will contain interpretation of results, pathophysiology pertaining to the results and the possible provisional diagnosis and potential differential diagnosis as well.
You will also be required to research additional information about your provisional diagnosis, including further testing, information on prognosis and treatment options along with current research in this diagnosis.
Your knowledge of the lectures and tutorials in the weeks prior will be important in your answers.
Student are permitted to use Generative AI for this assessment in the following ways:
- developing literature search strategies
- compiling suitable literature sources and locating data
- guidance for structuring the assignment
If Generative AI is used in any way, it must be cited as per the CQU Guidelines (Academic Learning Centre).
As per academic writing requirements and assessment criteria; citations of information should be of the primary source (i.e statistics returned by AI must be fact-checked and referenced from their original source as well as the AI source).
Failure to cite primary sources as well as AI sources could be considered breach of academic integrity.
Your use of Generative AI must be clearly outlined in an appendix as a separate file which includes the prompt used and Generative AI response (in line with marking rubric). Failure to include an appendix may result in academic integrity investigation.
Week 6 Wednesday (17 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Wednesday (1 May 2024)
Returned 02/5/24
The clinical case studies will be assessed and marked as per the marking rubric which will be provided in the Assessment tile on Moodle.
The Assessment will be marked on the following:
- Analysis and interpretation of laboratory results.
- Ability to discuss the results and possible laboratory issues which may affect results.
- Discussion of clinical scenarios and possible differential diagnosis.
- Presentation of pathophysiology, aetiology and discussion of possible further testing within the clinical diagnosis discussion.
- Critique the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition
2 Written Assessment
This Assessment contains two parts. Part A contains morphology assessments which will make up 5% of your total mark. Part B will be the case study report which will make up 20% of your total mark.
Part A: This part of the Assessment will contain Cellavision morphology tests. These will be performed throughout the term and completion of these will be required to pass this assessment. Completion of all of these will also give you 5% towards your final mark. These Cellavision morphology tests will provide you with essential morphology skills, pertinent to your knowledge required for Part B of this assessment as well as your own ongoing morphology experience and expertise.
Part B: You will be provided with clinical cases that contain laboratory results, a clinical history and images. You will be required to analyse and discuss in detail what the results indicate on one of the cases.
A report, answering questions provided, will need to be submitted on your chosen clinical case.
The report will include an interpretation of results, pathophysiology pertaining to the results and the provisional diagnosis and potential differential diagnosis.
You will be assessed on your interpretation of the results, pathophysiology pertaining to the results and answers to related questions. You will also be required to research additional information about your provisional diagnosis, including differential diagnosis, further testing and conclude with information on prognosis and treatment options along with current research in this diagnosis.
Your knowledge of the lectures and tutorials in the weeks prior will be important in your answers.
As this written assessment will be 30% of your final mark, your assessment of this clinical case study and current research and therapies will be assessed at a deeper level than the previous case study. Please ensure that you provide a thorough and in depth analysis of the clinical scenario.
Student are permitted to use Generative AI for this assessment in the following ways:
- developing literature search strategies
- compiling suitable literature sources and locating data
- guidance for structuring the assignment
If Generative AI is used in any way, it must be cited as per the CQU Guidelines (Academic Learning Centre).
As per academic writing requirements and assessment criteria; citations of information should be of the primary source (i.e statistics returned by AI must be fact-checked and referenced from their original source as well as the AI source). Failure to cite primary sources as well as AI sources could be considered breach of academic integrity.
Your use of Generative AI must be clearly outlined in an appendix as a separate file which includes the prompt used and Generative AI response (in line with marking rubric). Failure to include an appendix may result in academic integrity investigation.
Week 9 Thursday (9 May 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Tuesday (21 May 2024)
The clinical case studies will be assessed and marked as per the marking rubric which will be provided in the Assessment tile on Moodle.
The Assessment will be marked on the following:
- Analysis and interpretation of laboratory results.
- Ability to discuss the results and possible laboratory issues which may affect results.
- Discussion of clinical scenarios and possible differential diagnosis.
- Presentation of pathophysiology, aetiology and discussion of possible further testing within the clinical diagnosis discussion.
- Distinguish benign from malignant haematological disorders based on numerical, cytogenetic and morphological changes in the cells
- Analyse results of haematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis
3 Laboratory/Practical
Attendance at the Residential School is mandatory to pass this unit. Exact date will be advised on Moodle during the term.
Within the Residential school there will be two parts to this Assessment.
Part A will be a Laboratory workbook which will be completed over the residential school and will need to be handed in following completion of residential school.
The Laboratory Workbook has a number of tasks to be completed and is a PASS/FAIL Assessment. You will be assessed on both theory and practical skills as part of the Practical Portfolio.
Part B will be a Practical Assessment on the final day of the Residential School and it is has a Pass/ Fail grade on it but you must achieve a Pass to complete the unit.
This will assess the practical skills and understanding you have gained within the residential school.
Laboratory Workbook will be due within a week of completion of the entire Residential school.
Assessment will be returned within two weeks of the Residential school.
You must Pass both Parts of this Assessment.
For Part B : Students who pass the first attempt will be awarded the achieved grade up to 100% of the total marks. Students who fail the first 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 achievable marks.
- Perform core haematology and haemostasis tests including quality control procedures.
Examination
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?
