Course Title: Histology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Histology

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

 

 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2298

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS2298

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

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: Dr Dodie Pouniotis

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6680

Course Coordinator Email: dodie.pouniotis@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.10.010


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Histology is the study of tissues and their structures. This course will provide you with the capacity to identify the microscopic appearance of normal structures in the human body and relate structure to function.

The histology component covers the structure and function of cells at the microscopic level as well as tissues and organs of significance in the laboratory diagnosis of diseases. Major topic areas include basic tissue types as well as more specific systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems.

You will learn the theory of techniques (including non-surgical cutup, accessioning, fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning and staining of tissue via routine and specialised methods) and relate relevant techniques to the slides used in the Histology component of the course. Histological examination will be carried out using virtual microscopes where you will have the ability to examine histological tissues in detail, using light and digital microscopy.  There is also a cytology component where you will learn the basics regarding the principles of routine cytological preparation and staining methods. . 

The course requires you to integrate your knowledge of Histology with other study areas including Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. It also provides a sound foundation for further study in Pathology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for: 

BP147 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) 

  • PLO 1. Knowledge capability: Understand appropriate and relevant, theoretical concepts of scientific knowledge with the ability to use and apply the knowledge in a wide range of problem solving, challenging and interpretative situations within the professional laboratory medicine discipline.
  • PLO 2. Technical capability: Ability to apply a range of diagnostic technologies and methodologies relevant to the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Histopathology, Cytopathology or Microbiology. These methodologies will identify pathological changes which deviate from the normal physiological range. Students will use logical and systematic thinking to solve problems with diagnostic techniques and procedures, and apply high level analytical skills to the chosen area of clinical laboratory specialisation.
  • PLO 3. Professional work practices: Contribute to academic and professional work settings through responsible, self- managed, independent work, interpersonal skills which support constructive interactions with individuals and teams, and understand the ethical and legal framework that underpins the field of diagnostic pathology.

BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

  • PLO 2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by:
  • 2.1 Demonstrating knowledge across disciplines contributing to biotechnology and biomedical science.
  • PLO 3. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by:
  • 3.3 Selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation.


On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Identify organs, tissues, and cells of the human body by digital microscopy. 
  2. Correlate the microscopic structure of the major organs, tissues, and cells of the body with their function. 
  3. Explain the theoretical concepts underlying histology and cytology techniques.
  4. Evaluate, the relevance of various histology and cytology staining techniques in specific diseases and the requirement for quality assurance within a global context.  


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities in this course include a range of blended learning techniques designed to engage and stimulate long-life learning in the topics covered. The theoretical and practical components of this course are highly integrated. The course will be delivered online and will include lectures, practical workshops, self- directed online learning activities, class discussions and feedback from learning activities will facilitate both group and independent learning.

Revision of microscopic slides is also offered to students in the form of online screencasts that can be freely downloaded and viewed off-campus. Access to scanned microscopic slides can be accessed both on and off-campus for your revision.

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

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Mid-Semester Theory Assessment
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2  

Assessment Task 2: Practical Workshop Assessments
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4  

Assessment Task 3: Histology Techniques Competency Assessment
Weighting 15%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 3 & 4   

Assessment Task 4: Final Theory Assessment  
Weighting 25%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 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.