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LSC-30100 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-30100 - Advanced Clinical Pathology
Coordinator: Aimee Pinnington Room: OFFICE 304
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

You will explore the specialist disciplines of Clinical Pathology and discover how Biomedical Scientists contribute to patient care in areas including reproductive science, point-of-care testing, clinical genetics and toxicology. Through case-based learning, collaborative discussion and critical evaluation of current research, you will develop the skills to interpret evidence, evaluate its impact on clinical practice and public health, and communicate scientific arguments with confidence using a range of professional formats.

Aims
To explore the role of specialist fields across Clinical Pathology, such as reproductive science, point-of-care testing, clinical genetics and toxicology in patient-focused healthcare.
To develop advanced skills in critically evaluating primary scientific evidence and applying that evidence to contemporary clinical pathology and public health challenges.
To emphasise the importance and application of existing and newly emerging biochemical and molecular techniques to improve patient outcomes.
To develop professional communication skills through collaborative discussion and evidence-based scientific argument.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically discuss the contribution of specialist disciplines across Clinical Pathology, including reproductive science, point-of-care testing, clinical genetics and toxicology in patient-focussed healthcare: 1,2
Critically evaluate primary scientific literature to explain disease mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, biomarker development and current clinical practice: 2
Critically evaluate the evidence underpinning public health interventions and their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare practice: 1,2
Evaluate how scientific evidence informs clinical practice, healthcare policy and national guidance within specialist areas of Clinical Pathology: 1,2
Present and justify evidence-informed scientific arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate communication strategies: 1,2

Study hours

IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES
12x 2-hour interactive lectures
4x 1-hour tutorials
6 x 2-hour case-based learning tutorials
ASYNCHRONOUS DIRECTED STUDY
12x 6 hours engagement with asynchronous content
6x 4 hours preparation for case-based learning
INDEPENDENT STUDY
50 hours preparation for group viva
50 hours preparation for critical report
64 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 40%
Group viva
The group viva will cover the 'core' material delivered in semester 1. Students will be pre-assigned to a date and time viva slot. On arrival, students will be allocated to small group, will be told which of the taught topics will be the focus of the activity, and given 30 minutes to discuss how they will each individually contribute to the viva. The viva will then run for 30 minutes. Individual marks will be generated for students based on individual contributions to the group viva. Students will be informed of the assessment format, marking criteria and expectations at the start of the module, with opportunities to undertake formative viva-type activities throughout the module. Students with approved Reasonable Adjustments (RAs) will be supported through appropriate alternative arrangements in consultation with Student Support and the Disability Inclusion Team where required. Inclusive practice procedures in place: Students will complete the assessment in small groups and will be given 30 minutes before the viva to discuss the allocated topic and plan their individual contributions. This preparation time supports students in organising their ideas and reduces reliance on immediate recall. Students will complete the assessment in small groups and will be given 30 minutes before the viva to discuss the allocated topic and plan their individual contributions. This preparation time supports students in organising their ideas and reduces reliance on immediate recall. An individual marking rubric, made available in advance, ensures that all students understand the assessment expectations and are assessed fairly on their own contributions.

2: Report weighted 60%
Critical report
Critical report in either written or pre-recorded narrated video presentation (vodcast) format. Students will be required to select from a list of topics covered in semester 2. In the report, they will need to identify and critique three primary papers relevant to the topic chosen, and then evaluate the impact of those papers on the chosen topic e.g., public health interventions for fertility. If choosing the written option, they will have a maximum word count of 2000 words (+/-10%), with a suggested structure of 200 words to introduce the topic, 300 words to critique each of the three papers in turn (900 words total), and 900 words to evaluate the impact of said papers on the selected topic. If choosing the vodcast option (20 minute total length), the suggested format is 10 minute to introduce the topic and critique the papers followed by a 10 minute evaluation of the papers on the selected topic. Students must integrate concepts explored during module lectures, tutorials and case-based learning activities, aligning their report with the module intended learning outcomes and justifying their conclusions using current evidence.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026