Course Title: Advanced Transfusion and Transplantation Science

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Transfusion and Transplantation Science

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2361

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS2361

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Professor Denise Jackson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7392

Course Coordinator Email: denise.jackson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.09.013

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment and following classes


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Enforced Pre-Requisite Courses

Successful completion of:

Note: it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course.

For information go to RMIT Course Requisites webpage.


Course Description

This course covers more advanced aspects of the of immune response to blood group and tissue antigens; blood group antigen systems; clinical significance of blood group antigens and antibodies; serological techniques; compatibility testing and procedures; donor selection and testing; blood product preparation, testing and use; transfusion reactions; organ selection and rejection mechanisms.

This course provides more advanced simulations in practical classes using industry technology and blood bank techniques and investigations as a work integrated learning activity.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for MC158 Master of Laboratory Medicine:

  • PLO 1. Knowledge capability (of  immune response to blood group and tissue antigens in particular HLA; blood group antigen systems including the molecular basis of antigen expression; clinical significance of blood group antigens and antibodies and how this is investigated by in vitro techniques; the immunological principles and methodology of serological techniques; preparation and approval processes for serological reagents; compatibility testing and procedures; donor selection and testing; blood product  preparation, testing and use; transfusion reactions; organ selection and rejection mechanisms).
  • PLO 2.  Technical capability (of safe handling of blood for serological investigation of blood group antigens and antibodies; perform from simple to complex antibody investigations; HDFN, AIHA and blood group anomalies.
  • PLO 3. Communication skills (in presenting material for laboratory reports, researching the scientific literature and synthesizing information in written reports, participating in on line conferences, oral presentations).
  • PLO 4.  Professional work practices (in answering questions on relevant standards of, and regulations governing work practices, conduct of work).
  • PLO 5. Reflective practice (in answering case studies and participating in self-directed learning of course content).
  • PLO 6. Research capability (critical analysis, problem solving, in participating in problem-based laboratory exercises and case studies involving adverse outcomes in transfusion, haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and autoimmune haemolytic disease.

 

 


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Apply  discipline related  blood transfusion science to  its practice in donor services and the hospital/private pathology blood bank environment.
  2. Critically analyse complex clinical cases of blood bank investigations.
  3. Apply and justify problem solving as it relates to blood transfusion.
  4. Discuss ethical and safe practice in the conduct of laboratory investigations.
  5. Compare and contrast international practices in blood transfusion science and solid organ transplantation and place it in a global context.
  6. Discuss the role of the HLA system in immune responses, in solid organ transplantation, extract relevant information and synthesize new communications which conform to the professional guidelines.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include online lectures, synchronous learning exercises (tutorials, clinical case studies, Kahoot quizzes), to strengthen students’ capability to apply theory on concepts and problem solving blood bank investigations. Tutorials will be conducted on a weekly basis and provide you an opportunity to discuss selected topics in depth. Most tutorials will consist of selected readings from recent literature and questions to guide the discussion on the topic. Practical sessions will allow you to develop skills in performing a range of serological techniques which will be applied in the investigation of a range of case studies. Questions will accompany each practical session to assist your critical thinking skills. A combination of online and face to face practical exercises will be implemented consistently throughout the semester. Online learning activities will take place using the RMIT learning management system, Canvas.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

HURDLE: Students need to pass both the theory (hurdle) and final practical assessment (hurdle) to PASS the overall course.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online Theory Tests
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 2: Case Study Theory Assessment
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 3: Practical Assessments
Weighting 25%
This assessment supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

Assessment Task 4: Final Practical Competency Assessment
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.