General provisions

The content, length and level of the education are regulated by chapter 1, section 9 of the Higher Education Act 1 (1992:1434), by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), and by the Ordinance on changes to the Higher Education Ordinance (2006:1053).

The course is given in semester 4 in the Biomedical Laboratory Science programme and consists of theoretical studies and practical proficiency training.

The course aims to provide students with the foundations in clinical chemistry and its methodology which are required to take part in a placement and at clinical chemical laboratory as well as to be able to assimilate advanced knowledge in the area.

Entry requirements

At least 40 passed credits in subjects equivalent to year 1 in the programme. For admission to the course as a separate course, an older biomedical science education or equivalent skills is/are required.

Learning outcomes

Skills and ability

On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to demonstrate good skills in the relevant laboratory methodology
• be able to carry out blood sampling
• demonstrate some skills in searching in databases relevant for the field
• be able to explain and evaluate the connection between patient, patient examinations and clinical chemistry diagnostics in different diseases
• be able to explain and evaluate clinical pharmacology laboratory analyses as tools for drug dosage, intoxication diagnostics and addiction diagnostics
• be able to evaluate analysis results by means of controls and reference ranges
• be able to describe the importance of quality assurance for the reliability of methods
• be able to summarise and present, both orally and in writing, current clinical chemistry problem areas
• demonstrate ability for teamwork and co-operation with both fellow students and teachers

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to distinguish the developmental stages of blood cells
• be able to identify haematological changes in different diseases
• be able to describe the theoretical background within clinical chemistry diagnostics for the most common disorders in different organ systems
• be able to explain the principle of pharmaceutical effects and metabolism in the body
• be able to adhere to existing laws and safety precautions
• be able to use relevant statistical concepts
• describe the pre-analytical factors and the different stages during sample taking that are of importance for the results of the analytical result, its interpretation and quality

EVALUATION ABILITY AND ATTITUDES

On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to demonstrate a professional attitude and respect for the organic material

Content

The course aims to provide knowledge about the connection between patient, tests and the clinical diagnostic laboratory's importance in the daily activities in healthcare. The following fields are covered during the course.

• Haematopoiesis, normal haematology, leukaemia and anaemia.
• Clinical chemistry diagnostics of the most common disorders in different organ systems.
• The principles of pharmaceutical effects, metabolism in the body and the factors that influence these.
• The principles of drug analyses, toxicological analyses and addiction analyses
• Laws and regulations within healthcare
• Blood sampling
• Literature research in relevant databases
• Quality assurance

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, web-based teaching, group tuition, laboratory sessions, group work, seminars and study visits.

Assessment

Examination takes place as an individual written examination. Even practical skills are assessed through an examination. Furthermore, passed laboratory sessions seminars are required for a pass grade, as well as participation in all compulsory parts

Students who failed the examination have the right retake the examination a further 4 times (= a total of 5 examinations). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee may grant additional examinations. Each time the student participates in an examination counts as an examination. Submission of a so-called blank examination counts as an examination.

Other regulations

HANDLING OF FAILED EXAMINATIONS

The undergraduate education committee has determined the following for the handling of failed examinations:

That a student who wants to participate in an examination for the fourth time, must submit a written application to the programme coordinator

The director of studies/course director should then, together with the student, analyse the situation and when necessary offer support actions so as to optimise the student's preparations before the examination. The student has the right to request a change of examiner after 2 failed examinations.