LSC-40051 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module you will meet practicing health professionals from local NHS Trusts. They will talk to you about their role in the delivery of modern-day health care and provide critical insights into the patient pathway.
Lectures will guide you through a complex understanding of how pathobiology can adversely affect metabolism and physiology. You will learn how health practitioners working in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology can use this knowledge to assess, investigate and evaluate patient needs. Typical areas covered include the role of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology in the investigation of: biochemical electrolyte disorders; lipid disorders; diabetes; heart failure and myocardial infarction; liver, thyroid and renal function; tumour markers; therapeutic drug monitoring; autoimmunity and allergy.
Lectures are supported by a number of patient cases that will be delivered in small group tutorials. The first case will be set for you, but, as a group you can then take ownership of your learning by choosing those cases that you feel to be most relevant to you. Each case is designed to consolidate your learning of lecture material by providing an opportunity to apply learning to actual patient cases. Using this case-based learning approach will give you an insight into modern-day diagnostic problems, including the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to solving those problems, while developing key communication, leadership and independent problem solving skills.

This module aims to enhance student understanding of both the clinical and technical role of Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Immunology. They will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology and patient pathways as well as develop evidence-based arguments to support clinical decision making.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Make evidence-based decisions using current research and technical trends in diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology: 1
Use detailed knowledge of metabolism, pathology and clinical findings to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology related to patient pathways and tackle current problems faced by health professionals: 2
Critically discuss current issues within the role of practicing health care scientists in Blood Sciences, particularly Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology: 1,2
Critically appraise scientific publications: 1
Critically appraise test methodologies principally within Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology: 1,2
Analyse complex scientific data to accurately interpret and validate clinical findings in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology: 1,2
Discuss the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to assessing patient health and clinical need: 2

Study hours

IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES
6x 2 hour workshops
6x 2 hour case-based learning tutorials
ASYNCHRONOUS DIRECTED ACTIVITIES
12x 10 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including initial consumption, wider reading and note taking)
6x 5 hours research to support case-based learning
INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
35 hours to complete the critique
91 hours independent revision and preparation for examination

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment