General provisions

The course is part of the directly licensing Biomedical Laboratory Science Programme (180 credits). The training within the program follows a fixed course of study, which means that the courses must be taken in a fixed order if an individual study plan has not been established.

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 the students with the foundations in clinical chemistry and its methodology which are required to take part in a placement and at a clinical chemistry laboratory as well as to be able to assimilate advanced knowledge in the fiels

Entry requirements

At least 40 passed credits in subjects equivalent to year 1 in the program, and at most 1 practical test and 2 examinations left. For admission to the course as a separate course, an older biomedical science education or equivalent skills is/are required.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the theoretical background of clinical chemistry diagnostics for the most common disorders in different organ systems.
• describe the formation, regulation and function of haematopoietic cells.
• describe pre-analytical factors that are important for the result, interpretation and quality of the analysis response.
• explain the principle of pharmaceutical effects and metabolism in the body.
• explain and evaluate clinical pharmacology laboratory analyses as tools for drug dosage, intoxication diagnostics and addiction diagnostics.
• describe the existing laws and safety precautions in the Swedish Health Act.

SKILLS AND ABILITY

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• plan and independently perform analyses that occur in clinical chemistry and haematological diagnostics as well as process and critically examine analyses and findings.
• identify normal blood cells and morphological changes in blood cells for different diseases.
• apply different sampling techniques as well as engage with patients in a professional manner.
• evaluate analysis results by means of controls and reference ranges.
• summarise and present, both orally and in writing, current problem areas in clinical chemistry and clinical pharmacology.

EVALUATION ABILITY AND ATTITUDES

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate ability for teamwork and co-operation with both fellow students and teachers.
• be able to discuss ethical questions concerning the handling of sample material and analysis results within clinical chemistry and pharmacology.

Content

The course aims to provide knowledge about the connection between patient, tests and the laboratory's clinical diagnostic importance in the daily activities in healthcare. The following fields are covered during the course: Haematopoiesis, normal haematology, leukaemia and anaemia. Clinical chemistry diagnostics, addiction analyses and  toxicological diagnostics. The principles of pharmaceutical effects, drug analyses and pharmacological concepts. Blood sampling techniques and bedside manner. Pre-analytical errors and quality assurance. Laws and regulations within healthcare.

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, laboratory sessions, group work, seminars and study visits.

Assessment

Examination takes place as an individual written examination and an examination of practical skills. Furthermore, passed laboratory sessions, active participation in seminars, study visits and other compulsory parts are required for a pass grade .

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

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.