Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The aim of this unit is to provide relevant knowledge and skills to acquire and interpret haematology laboratory data to reach a diagnosis at a level expected in professional practice. On completion of the unit students are expected to understand and apply the principles of haemopoiesis, haemopoietic disorders and laboratory testing in laboratory haematology. They are expected to be able to interpret laboratory data and make diagnoses.

The aim is achieved by increasing the knowledge and understanding of; normal blood and bone marrow (structure, function, cells); haematological diseases (pathogenesis and manifestations); and diagnostic techniques (cell enumeration, morphology, haemostasis).

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe blood production, biochemistry, physiology and function; (2) explain reactive, inherited and malignant haematological disorders; (3) prepare laboratory samples by collecting blood, preparing cells, serum and plasma, making and staining blood films; (4) test blood samples for parameters of cell enumeration, haemostasis, immunophenotype and genetic analysis

; and (5) interpret laboratory parameters to inform integrated diagnostic assessment of haematological disorders.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) reports; (2) written examinations; and (3) practical examinations. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the practical examinations component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Matthew Linden
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
92510 Master of Clinical Pathology (ID 383)
Contact hours
learning chunks and lectures: up to 2 hours per week
labs: 3 hours per week
tutorials: 3 hours per week
Note
This unit includes collecting and working with blood from patients and healthy volunteers. While the activities involved have undergone risk assessment and relevant institutional biosafety approvals, some activities are considered to be exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). As such, it is important that students meet the expectations for Health Care Workers in Western Australia. Under these guidelines HCWs and students are responsible for ensuring—(1) they know their own blood borne virus status; (2) their vaccination status against vaccine preventable diseases is current and they can provide evidence of HBV vaccination or documented evidence of non-responder status; (3) any refusal to undertake recommended vaccinations and/or serology is to be documented; and (4) they adopt infection prevention practices to minimise the risk of occupational exposure (e.g. use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe handling and disposal of sharps).
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.