BS236-5-SP-CO:
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science

The details
2024/25
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
19 August 2022

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC B990 Biomedical Science,
BSC B991 Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement),
BSC B995 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B999 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC BD00 Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIB099 Biomedical Science,
MSCIBA99 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB99 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

The first part of this module addresses key aspects of biochemistry and cell biology that underpin the science of haematology. Consideration will be given to how inherent or acquired abnormalities in genes, proteins and cells lead to diseases of the blood. There will also be a discussion of the emerging need for blood substitutes and current research in the area. The second part of the course deals with the practice of haematology in NHS laboratories. A range of diagnoses that are enabled through the analysis of blood will be explored, including haemoglobinopathies, coagulation disorders and leukaemia. The practicalities and limitations of blood transfusion will also be discussed.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to explore key aspects of the science of haematology and blood transfusion

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

1. explain key aspects of the science of haematology;
2. describe the underpinning biochemistry and molecular basis of haematological disorders;
3. explain the use and interpretation of haemoglobin electrophoresis and associated tests to detect abnormal haemoglobin;
4. describe the clinical importance of blood group markers and serological techniques in blood transfusion;
5. discuss the need for and development of blood substitutes;
6. explain the role of the National Blood Service;
7. describe the clinical applications of haematological techniques in diagnosing malignant and autoimmune disease;
8. demonstrate practical skills relevant to clinical haematology.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

10 x 1 hour lectures, 5 x 2 hour lectures 6 hours practical sessions 2 hours revision

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Case Study    28.6% 
Coursework   Prac 1 Worksheet    35.7% 
Coursework   Prac 2 Worksheet    35.7% 
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
70% 30%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
70% 30%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Brandon Reeder, email: reedb@essex.ac.uk.
NHS Staff, Dr Penny Beckerson
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 28 hours, 22 (78.6%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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