Course Title: Advanced Haematology 2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Haematology 2

Credit Points: 24.00

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
MEDS2114	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	160H Medical Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010

Course Coordinator: Dr Indu Singh

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7590

Course Coordinator Email: indu.singh@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.02.01C

Course Coordinator Availability: Email to make an appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

MEDS1083 or MEDS1084: Haematology 1 & MEDS2112: Advanced Haematology 1

Course Description

This course is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to competently undertake investigations into a range of haematological disorders. A series of problem solving exercises examine the clinical presentation and laboratory investigation of a range of the less common blood dyscrasias. These include the anaemias, acute and chronic leukaemia, myeloproliferative, myelodysplastic and lymphoproliferative disorders, and acquired and inherited disorders of haemostasis and thrombosis. A sound knowledge of the haematology profile of individuals from the general population is required in order to recognise abnormal results. Some of the more complex investigations, technologies and issues in Haematology will also be covered.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Having studied this course it is intended that you should be able to demonstrate the following capabilities:
1. You will be knowledgeable in the discipline of Haematology and its practice in a clinical laboratory environment.
2. You will be critical in your analysis of clinical cases and the laboratory investigations that you undertake, and of the results and conclusions that you produce.
3. You will be creative in your approach to problem solving, as well as being responsible in the implementation of your solutions to those problems.
4. Through your response to questions and case studies you will demonstrate empathy and compassion for the health and well being of the individuals upon whom you perform your investigations and provide results which may lead to further action in the form of treatment for the individual.
5. You will be aware of standardised international practices and techniques in haematology, and be able to place your current activities in a global context for standards of practice.
6. You will be aware of the environmental impact that your practices in the laboratory may have and conduct yourself in a manner designed to minimise that impact.
7. You will demonstrate an awareness and understanding of occupational health and safety issues related to work practices in haematology laboratories.
8. You will be able to research the literature in Haematology, extract relevant information and synthesise new communications which conform to the guidelines for submission or presentation.
9. You will demonstrate a spirit of enquiry and enthusiasm to continue your learning beyond the bounds of the University.
10. You will have developed the skills to be employable.

Having studied this course it is intended that you should be able to:
1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of normal haemopoiesis, including defining/describing the primitive haemopoietic stem cell, as well as discuss the clinical applications of haemopoietic stem cell transplantation and growth factors/cytokines.
2. Describe the normal function and the disease processes that produce abnormalities in each blood cell lineage.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the complex nature of events contributing to normal and abnormal haemostasis and thrombosis.
4. Evaluate laboratory techniques and instrumentation with respect to accuracy, precision, sensitivity and cross-reactivity, recognising the limitations of methodology and instrumentation currently encountered in haematology laboratories.
5. Examine, report and interpret the morphological features seen in the peripheral blood and bone marrow in the microscopic examination of blood disorders.
6. Describe the clinical presentation of a variety of haematological disorders.
7. Recommend and undertake a range of laboratory tests and interpret their results to assist in the diagnosis of haematological disorders.
8. Explain the principles and procedures used in molecular biology and their application to the diagnosis of inherited and acquired haematological disorders.
9. Explain the principles of flow cytometry and its application to the diagnosis of haematological malignancies.
10. Apply your understanding of molecular genetics to determine sites of genetic mutation using genome databases.
11. Use appropriate software to design primer sequences that could be used to determine the presence of gene mutations or alternate alleles.
12. Discuss the different techniques that can be used to identify genetic variation at the level of the genome.
13. Practice those activities associated with proper safety procedures in a haematology laboratory.
14. Critically analyse and discuss current literature in haematology.
15. Communicate clearly, concisely and logically on any aspect of haematology including moral and ethical issues that affect his/her professional practice as a Medical Scientist.

Overview of Learning Activities

The syllabus is covered in a program of lectures, tutorials, online learning modules and practical exercises designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge essential to work in the discipline of Haematology. Tuition is primarily based on problem solving exercises and independent learning activities sourced through Online @ RMIT, which are designed to extend theoretical knowledge and to develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Throughout the course, students will be required to demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude to their work, especially as the consequences of ’sub-standard’ performance, if translated to the workplace, could have fatal consequences for a patient.

Overview of Learning Resources

Learning resources for this course include the listed prescribed and reference texts and other material referred to in classes. This other material, including scientific journal articles, will be normally be available via Online @ RMIT (including linked websites), or in the library (on the shelves, closed reserve, or as E-reserve). Students will be expected to access Online @ RMIT regularly.

Overview of Assessment

This course will be assessed by written and practical examinations, literature review/proposal, oral presentation, major project, annotated bibliography, tutorial preparation/participation, and practical assessment. Students must pass both the theory and practical components of this course independently to achieve an overall pass for this course, and your complete laboratory maintenance record submitted by the end of the last week of formal classes.