Overview
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to discuss fundamentals of haematology and transfusion science, including erythrocyte, leukocyte, reticulocyte and platelet morphology, enumeration and function. Skills in enumeration of blood cells and tests of haematological function will be developed during practical exercises. You will learn to contrast normal blood cell function with disorders of haemostasis affecting blood clotting and iron metabolism affecting blood cell numbers.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2 OR BMSC11008 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 2 OR BMSC11011 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2AND BUSN11016 Introduction to Study and Professional Practice OR BMSC11003 Professional Practice in Medical Sciences
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 2 - 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).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate 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
Students were satisfied with the presentation and explanation of topics, especially in relation to assessments.
Continue to spend time explaining content thoroughly and offer time for Q&A in tutorials for further discussions and explanations.
Feedback from SUTE
Students found the 'Kahoot' application helped them engage with their studies and revise the content.
Continue to provide revision activities using applications such as 'Kahoot'.
Feedback from Student feedback at Residential school
Some students felt more direction was needed on how to be efficient in their learning of the weekly material.
Review content to include more interactive clinical case studies for discussion to assist with learning the weekly content.
Feedback from Student feedback at residential school
Students felt more morphology exposure was required prior to attending residential school.
Begin morphology sessions early in the term to improve students knowledge and experience before they get to residential school.
- Describe the physiological process of haematopoiesis
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal erythrocyte, leukocyte, reticulocyte and platelet morphology
- Describe the causes and diagnosis of selected haematologic and haemostatic disorders
- Interpret a full blood count and related basic haematological tests
- Discuss the principle of operation for selected automated and non automated haematological laboratory test procedures
- Test and conduct quality control of basic haematological, immunohaematological and coagulation procedures in the laboratory.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | ||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 4 - Examination - 50% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Clinical Hematology Atlas
- Edition: 6th (2022)
- Authors: Jacqueline H. Carr
- Elsevier
- St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
- ISBN: 9780323711920
- Binding: Spiral
Rodak's Hematology Clinical Principles and Applications
- Edition: 6th (2020)
- Authors: Elaine Keohane, Larry Smith and Jeanine Walenga
- Elsevier
- St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
- ISBN: 9780323530453
- Binding: Hardcover
Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practcies
- Edition: 7th (2019)
- Authors: Denise M Harmening
- FA Davis
- Philadelphia Philadelphia , Penn , USA
- ISBN: 9780803668881
- Binding: Hardcover
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Virtual Microscopy Image Viewer
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.dennis@cqu.edu.au
Week 1: Haematopoiesis/ Red cells
Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to unit
2. Haematopoiesis, cells of the blood, structure, morphology and function
3. RBC nomenclature, classification & production
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 1 & 4 ; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 1 - 3
Rodak's Hematology: 5 - 6;
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Overview of the unit and FAQ's
Introduction to Manual techniques
Introduction to Morphology
Week 2: Haemoglobin/ Platelet structure and function
Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Hb and iron production, metabolism and destruction
2. Platelet structure and function
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 7 & 8
Rodak's Hematology: 10, 37-38; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Red cell morphology : Anaemia, Thalassaemia
Week 3: Automation and Point of Care testing/ FBE and Red cell Morphology
Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Automation and POC Testing
2. The FBE, Reference Ranges, Quality control
3. Abnormal RBC morphology, RBC inclusions
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 11 & 12
Rodak's Hematology: 13
Rodak's Hematology: 16; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 10 - 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Automation Tutorial
Week 4: Anaemia/ Haemoglobinopathies
Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to the Anaemias
- Microcytic anaemia
- Normocytic anaemia
- Macrocytic anaemia
- Haemolytic anaemia
2. The Haemoglobinopathies
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 17 -18
Rodak's Hematology: 20-23
Rodak's Hematology: 24; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 10 - 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Red cell morphology tutorial
Case study: Anaemia/ Haemoglobinopathies
Week 5: Haemostasis
Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to Haemostasis - the Coagulation Cascade & Platelet Function and laboratory diagnosis of coagulation disorders
2. Anticoagulant therapy & monitoring
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 35 - 36 & 41-42
Rodak's Hematology: 39-40
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Diagnostic Haemostasis
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024Module/Topic
No classes scheduled this week.
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6: Introduction to White cells
Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to White Blood Cells 1
- Structure and function of white blood cells.
- Differential white cell count.
- 'Benign' leucocyte disorders and investigations
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 9; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 14
Rodak's Hematology:13; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 5 - 9
Rodak's Hematology: 26; Clinical Hematology Atlas:14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
White cell morphology
Case Study Due: Week 6 Wednesday (21 Aug 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 7: Introduction to Transfusion Science
Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to Transfusion Science
2. Blood Donations and Processing
3. The Human Blood Group Systems
Chapter
Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
Introduction to Transfusion Science
Blood donation and processing
Human blood group systems
Week 8: Antibodies and crossmatching; Residential School (Rockhampton)
Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024Module/Topic
1. Antibody Screening and Identification
2. Pretransfusion Compatibility Testing
3. Autoantibody - Definition and Analysis
Residential School Rockhampton campus
Chapter
Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion
Practices: 10, 11, 21
Practical Workbook and Laboratory Manual
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Pretransfusion Compatibility Testing & autoantibodies
Assessment Task 3: Practical Assessment will be completed on the final day of residential school.
Week 9: Residential school : Bundaberg
Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Residential school: Bundaberg campus
Chapter
Practical Workbook and Laboratory Manual
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Task 3:
Practical Assessment will be completed on the final day of residential school.
Week 10: White Blood cells 2/ Flow cytometry
Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to Leucocyte Neoplasms
2. Myeloid Leukaemia
3. Lymphoid Malignancies
Chapter
Rodak's Hematology: 27 - 28; Clinical Hematology Atlas: 15 - 20
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Malignant white cell morphology
Laboratory Workbook Due: Week 10 Monday (16 Sept 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 11: Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn/ Adverse effects of Blood Transfusion
Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024Module/Topic
1. Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn (HDFN)
2. Adverse Effects of Blood Transfusion
Chapter
Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices: 17, 20
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
HDFN and adverse transfusion outcomes
Week 12: Revision Week
Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Revision lecture and preparation for final assessment.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial:
Revision Tutorial
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The End-of-unit exam will be scheduled in the CQUniversity Term 2 examination period between 10/10/24 - 18/10/24. The exact date will be advised on the unit Moodle page.
The End-of-unit exam comprises 50% of the overall unit mark.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your unit coordinator is Jacqui Dennis and will be teaching you the Haematology content.
Roxina Sharma will be teaching you all the Transfusion weeks within the unit.
You can contact Jacqui/ Roxina via the following means:
The QA forum on the unit's Moodle site. The forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within two (2) business day of posting your question;
Or through email (j.dennis@cqu.edu.au) (r.r.sharma@cqu.edu.au)
This unit will provide you with a good understanding of the theoretical basis of Haematology with an understanding of laboratory techniques and how this is applied to diagnostic and clinical interpretation.
Lectures and tutorials will be delivered each week on Zoom, and students will be able to join these classes via Zoom from their location. These lectures and tutorials will also be recorded for the benefit of those students who are unable to attend the live lectures and tutorials.
You will get the most benefit from the tutorials if you watch/attend the weekly lectures beforehand and complete all related readings.
You will be provided an opportunity to explore how to apply the knowledge learnt in lecture and tutorial material in a compulsory residential school. This residential school is planned to take place in Week 8 for Rockhampton students and in Week 9 for Bundaberg students. The residential school will allow you to apply some of the techniques you have learnt throughout the unit and gain a deeper understanding of the relevant theory which underpins the techniques. You will also gain a better clinical understanding of the interpretation of the techniques.
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 attending or watching recorded lectures and revising the content through study notes
3 - 4 hours per week completing the weekly readings and other material on the unit's Moodle site.
1 - 2 hours per week attending the weekly tutorial and contributing to discussions and revising the content provided.
3 - 4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying for your exams.
You are 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). Weekly revision quizzes are also provided to reinforce the knowledge you have gained from the lectures and to support your learning experience in this unit.
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 Case Study
You will be provided with an authentic clinical case study on the Moodle site.
The following information regarding the case study will be available to you: clinical presentation, patient history, blood smear morphology, haematological parameters (provided by an automated analyzer) and biochemical changes (if any).
You are then required to answer a series of questions in a Moodle Quiz to obtain further information and test results. This quiz is worth 40% of the marks for this assessment. You are then required to write a report (around 1,000 words) using a case study approach describing the pathology observed, aetiology, specific morphological or haematological characteristics observed that led to the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment options and any recommended further tests. This case report is worth 60% of the marks for this assessment.
Guidelines to complete the report, marking rubric and a template will be available on the Moodle site.
Week 6 Wednesday (21 Aug 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Wednesday (4 Sept 2024)
The written assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specific requirements and in accordance with the criteria outlined below:
Presentation: The report is presented in the required template. Clarity of purpose and coherence of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax); clear and organised flow of information.
Abstract: Provides a clear overview and overall summary of the case study.
Introduction: Provides necessary background information and pathophysiology of the case. Does not discuss the final diagnosis rather supports the intended diagnosis via arguments.
Materials and Methods: Briefly describes all the methods used to aid in diagnosis. Discusses further tests to be employed to confirm the diagnosis.
Results: All data presented clearly with reference ranges. Layout is clear with further tests and expected results discussed.
Discussion: Clear discussion of the results with supporting arguments and reasoning for arriving at the final diagnosis.
References: APA or Vancouver referencing system used with appropriate in-text references.
- Describe the physiological process of haematopoiesis
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal erythrocyte, leukocyte, reticulocyte and platelet morphology
- Describe the causes and diagnosis of selected haematologic and haemostatic disorders
- Interpret a full blood count and related basic haematological tests
2 Laboratory/Practical
You will be provided with a laboratory workbook on the Moodle site.
This workbook will contain all the tasks that need to be completed during the residential school block. It will also contain a series of short questions and patient reports to be completed in relation to the authentic cases provided.
Group experimental activities during the residential school will foster team work and provide hands-on experience of the haematological techniques used in pathology laboratories.
Completion of the workbook will evidence student engagement and understanding of the principles behind the haematological tests.
Laboratory staff or demonstrators will assess your individual experimental capability during residential school to ensure your understanding of the learning outcomes.
You will be required to submit the completed version of the laboratory workbook on the Moodle site.
Week 10 Monday (16 Sept 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Each section will have respective assigned marks depending on the complexity of the task to be performed.
The laboratory workbook template will contain the weight of marks associated with the tasks and subsequent questions/reports to be completed.
The laboratory staff will provide immediate verbal feedback to you on the practical hands-on aspect of this assessment item.
- Test and conduct quality control of basic haematological, immunohaematological and coagulation procedures in the laboratory.
3 Practical Assessment
You will complete a final practical assessment. This will assess the practical skills you have learnt over the residential school.
Further details regarding the practical assessment will be available on the Moodle page.
This Assessment will be run on the final day of Residential school in both Rockhampton and Bundaberg
Results will be posted on Moodle
This assessment will look at your knowledge and practical skills you have gained over the residential school. You will be assessed on competency of your practical skills as well as interpretation of the results of the practical analysis.
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal erythrocyte, leukocyte, reticulocyte and platelet morphology
- Interpret a full blood count and related basic haematological tests
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?
