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 laboratory haematology testing, best practice measurement, interpretation of test results and quality control monitoring, as well as blood film morphology will be obtained through practical exercises at Residential school. You will be required to attend a compulsory residential school on your campus of enrolment, 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
Prerequisite Enrolment 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 - 2026
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).
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 Self reflection
During marking of assessments, it was noted that there was a high level of GenAI use in two assessment items.
Consider redesigning the case study assessments to promote authentic student engagement with the learning outcomes and limit reliance on GenAI technologies.
Feedback from Student feedback in person.
Residential school was a great learning experience and enhanced the overall understanding of the unit.
Continue to run residential school in the same format.
Feedback from Feedback in person, email and at residential school
Industry sessionals were a great asset to residential school as they shared current industry experience with students.
Continue to engage current industry sessionals to provide updated knowledge and case studies to enhance student learning.
- 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 - Presentation - 25% | |||||
| 3 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | |||||
| 4 - Examination - 55% | |||||
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 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - 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
7th Edition (2025)
Authors: Bain, Barbara
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Hoboken Hoboken , New Jersey , USA
ISBN: 9781394332052
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 styles below:
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: Ch 1, 4-8,
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 1-2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Introduction to the Unit
Introduction to Diagnostic Haematology
Module/Topic
1. Anaemia: Microcytic, Macrocytic, Normocytic and Haemolytic
2. Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 16-18, 24-25
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 10-13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Diagnostic Haematology methods
Module/Topic
1. Haemolytic Anaemia: 3 parts
2. Erythrocyte Inclusions and other abnormalities
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 20-23, 12-13
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 10-13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Blood film morphology: Red cell abnormalities and overview
Clinical case study
Module/Topic
1. White cells structure, function, differential count.
2. Platelet structure and function
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 9-10, 37, 38
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 4-9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Introduction to White blood cell morphology.
Clinical Case studies
Module/Topic
1. Haemostasis: Overview
2. Coagulopathies
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 35, 36,
Diagnostic Haemostasis:
Rodak: Ch 41-42
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Haemostasis laboratory testing
Module/Topic
1. Non malignant white cell disorders
2. Introduction to Haematological Malignancy
Chapter
Rodak: Ch 1 -2, 11-13, 41-42
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Non malignant white cell morphology
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. Haematological Malignancy, development, genetics and nomenclature Part 1
2. Myeloid Leukaemia
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 29- 31
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Myeloid Leukaemia morphology
Assessment 1:
Clinical Case Study Due
Clinical Case Study Analysis Due: Week 7 Friday (1 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
1. Haematological Malignancy, development, genetics and nomenclature Part 2
2. Lymphoid Leukaemia/ Lymphoma
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 28, 31, 34
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Lymphoid Leukaemia Morphology
Rockhampton Residential School
Module/Topic
1. FBE parameters and Analysis
2. Quality control
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 32-33
Clinical Hematology Atlas: Ch 17-19
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Automation and Diagnostics
Assessment 2: Group Presentation Due
Group Presentation Due: Week 9 Tuesday (12 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Laboratory Workbook / Practical assessment Due: Week 9 Thursday (14 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
1. Quality Control
Chapter
Rodak's: Ch 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Quality control in Haematology Laboratory
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
Melbourne Residential School
Sydney Residential School
Module/Topic
Revision week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Revision
Melbourne Residential School
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.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your unit coordinators for LMED28002, Haematopathology 1, is Ms Jacqui Dennis. Your primary contact point is Jacqui and you can contact her using the following means:
- Via the Discussion forum on the unit's Moodle site. The Discussion forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within one-two (1-2) business day/s of posting your question.
- Through email (j.dennis@cqu.edu.au) or
- Via Microsoft Teams
Your secondary contact point is Associate Professor Genia Burchall and you can contact her using the following means:
- Via the Discussion forum on the unit's Moodle site.
- Through email (g.burchall@cqu.edu.au) or
- Via Microsoft Teams
CM18 - Master of Laboratory Medicine
Tutorials/Lectorials will be delivered each week at the Rockhampton, Sydney and Melbourne campuses, and students who are enrolled in mixed mode will be able to join these classes via Zoom. These tutorials/lectorials will also be recorded for the benefit of those students who are unable to attend the live classes. During the sessions, you will have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss uncertainties in relation to the lecture materials and recordings for each week. There will be some active learning exercises undertaken to assess your understating of the weekly lecture material including short answer questions, Kahoot quizzes, blood film morphology and cases studies etc.
These active learning activities will help you apply the knowledge learned during the weekly lectures and other pre-class learning material and prepare you for the assessments. You will gain the most benefit from the tutorials/lectorial if you watch the weekly lectures beforehand and read the peer-reviewed article and/or other pre-class learning material. You are also strongly encouraged to participate in tutorials, as studies have shown that students who attend the tutorials and participate in discussions have higher rates of success (Karnik et al., 2020*).
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
2 - 3 hours per week reviewing the peer-reviewed article provided in Moodle and other relevant resources
available for each week
1.5 - 2.5 hours per week attending the weekly tutorial/lectorial classes and reflecting on your answers to the
activities undertaken during class, identifying areas of uncertainly that still remain and discussing this/these with
other fellow students or the teaching staff.
3 - 4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying for your exams
*Karnik, A., Kishore, P., & Meraj, M. (2020). Examining the linkage between class attendance at university and academic performance in an International Branch Campus setting. Research in Comparative and International Education, 15(4),
371-390. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745499920958855
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 the case.
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 be required to perform blood film morphology on Cellavision as part of the assessment.
Research of additional information about your provisional diagnosis, including further testing and information on prognosis and treatment options along with current research in this diagnosis will also be required.
Your knowledge of the lectures and tutorials in the weeks prior will be important in your answers.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Note: Cutting and pasting of GenAI/LLM material into assessments may be considered contract cheating and/or plagiarism. If you have questions about the appropriate use of GenAI/LLM material, please speak with your lecturer and/or contact an ALC advisor.
Week 7 Friday (1 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Please upload your Assessment to the Turnitin Assessment 1 link in Moodle
Week 8 Friday (8 May 2026)
Returned 08/5/26
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, including Cellavision morphology.
- Ability to discuss the results and possible laboratory issues which may affect results.
- Discussion of clinical scenarios and possible differential diagnosis.
Further information will be provided on Moodle.
- Critique the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition
2 Presentation
There are two parts to this assessment task.
Part 1: Please form a group for this assessment, numbers in each group will be confirmed on Moodle after Census date and known total numbers in the unit.
You will be required to select one of the topics covered in a previous week, which is of interest to your group and the group leader must post in the Moodle Discussion board indicating which tpoic has been selected (& names of their group members). The topics will be available for selection on a 'first come, first serve' basis. Each group must select their own topic to work on (and present) and once a topic has been filled, no more groups can select that same topic. Please check carefully the Moodle Discussion board before selecting your topic to ensure this has not already been chosen by another group previously.
The following information regarding the presentation will be available to you: clinical presentation, pathophysiology, key laboratory information, diagnostic criteria, provisional and differential diagnosis and/or other relevant information
Part 2: You are then required, as a group, to discuss and develop a PowerPoint presentation, using a tutorial style approach. Your group will be presenting a tutorial on your chosen topic, focusing on how you would present and teach this topic to your peers.
You can be creative in your approach, presenting in a case study format, a discussion tutorial presenting the topic in question-answer format or another creative style. You must all present a section of the topic and show understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic.
Presentation of a new insight into the chosen topic will also be required, this needs to be within the last 5 years. Guidelines to complete the presentation and a marking rubric will be available on the Moodle site.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Note: Cutting and pasting of GenAI/LLM material into assessments may be considered contract cheating and/or plagiarism. If you have questions about the appropriate use of GenAI/LLM material, please speak with your lecturer and/or contact an ALC advisor.
Week 9 Tuesday (12 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle by 5pm on the due date
Week 11 Thursday (28 May 2026)
Results will be released on Moodle.
This assessment task will assess the following unit learning objectives:
2. Critique the detection and monitoring of blood diseases using laboratory tests appropriate to the patient's clinical condition.
3. Evaluate disorders of haemostasis and the use of anticoagulant therapies
4. Analyse results of haematological tests and provide provisional and differential diagnoses with suggested further testing to support and confirm the diagnosis
You will be assessed on your depth of knowledge on your chosen topic and your ability to explain and show your understanding in a creative format. You will also be assessed on the significance and novelty of your insight. A detailed marking rubric will be provided in the unit Moodle site of the assessment criteria used. The marking rubric will include both a group assessment component as well as individual assessment component.
- Evaluate disorders of haemostasis and the use of anticoagulant therapies
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.
Level of Gen AI use allowed:
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72 hour grace period does not apply to this Assessment.
Week 9 Thursday (14 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Laboratory Workbook will be due the week following the completion of Residential school. Students completing their residential school in Rockhampton will be due Thursday in Week 9 and all other students following completion of their Residential school after Week 12.
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 repeat attempt will be a pass/fail, with the maximum marks being 50% of the achievable marks.
- 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
- 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?
