Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences

Learning Methods

Lecture
Practical
Workshop

Module Offerings

5106BMBMOL-JAN-CTY

Aims

This module aims to provide the students with an opportunity to increase and develop their understanding of the principles and practice of Haematology and Transfusion Science, to extend the students' knowledge and understanding of haematological disorders and malignancies, together with the undesirable effects of blood transfusion and to develop students' practical skills in Haematology and Transfusion Science.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Explain the factors affecting the production and development of red and white blood cells.
2.
Demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in disease of both red and white blood cells.
3.
Distinguish the features of a variety of pathological conditions encountered in haematology
4.
Present the factors involved in the maintenance of haemostasis.
5.
Explain the principles of blood component replacement therapy and the associated risks.
6.
Assess the characteristic changes of blood parameters in selected disease states.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:
This module will provide a background information on the physiology and function of red blood cells, white cells and platelets. This will also address essential metabolic pathways underpinning key functions of these cells. This will include the synthesis and function of haemoglobin, NADPH oxidase function for neutrophils and generation of thromboxane A2 in platelets. Understanding of molecular biology will be developed through relevant examples.. Blood cell formation and identification: Development of blood cells from stem cells to maturity. The influence of cytokines, architecture of the bone marrow and growth factors. Methods of investigation of bone marrow structure and function. An introduction to the identification of blood cells in peripheral blood smears along with key cell surface markers. The classification of the anaemias will be presented. This will include abnormalities in red cell morphology in anaemia. Haemoglobinopathies such as the Thalassaemias and their identification. Clinical features, presenting symptoms and laboratory investigations of microcytic, macrocytic and haemolytic anaemias. A molecular consideration will also be given for sickle cell anaemia, Thalassaemias and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The haematological malignancies; Terminology, aetiology, epidemiology and classification of the proliferative disorders. Laboratory investigations for the differential diagnosis of leukaemia, and monoclonal-gammopathies. This will adopt advances techniques such as Bcl-ABL in situ hybridisation and the JAK 2 cell signalling. An introduction to the inter-relationship between the haemostatic and fibrinolytic mechanisms will be given. Coagulation defects, performance and interpretation of coagulation tests. Anticoagulant therapy (warfarin, heparin and factor Xa inhibitors) and its monitoring. Disorders of haemostasis both the hereditary and acquired disorders including thrombocytopaenias and thrombocytopathies. The biochemistry of the major blood group systems (ABO , Rh Lewis) , their inheritance and laboratory identification will be presented . The concept of compatibility testing and electronic issue will also be given. Blood banking: Storage of blood and the factors affecting survival times, changes during storage. Use of anticoagulants. Sterility testing and screening of blood for transmissible disease. Production and storage of blood components. Quality control. The optimum use of blood and blood products. Transplantation: Theories and application of tissue typing techniques in transplantation. Graft versus host disease and its prevention. Undesirable effects of blood transfusion: Transfusion reactions and their laboratory investigation. Hypomagnaesaemia, hyperalkaemia, haemostatic defects, cardiac arrest, circulatory overload and pharmaceutical incompatibilities. Delayed transfusion reactions. Transmission of disease via blood transfusion. Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)
Module Overview:
This module provides an opportunity to increase and develop your understanding of the principles and practice of Haematology and Transfusion Science, haematological disorders and malignancies to develop practical skills in Haematology and Transfusion Science.
Additional Information:
The lecture content will establish the background information to haematology. The theme of the lectures will be information and application of the knowledge of a professional situation. The module will be assessed by the students approaching haematological problems through case studies. 

Assessments

Presentation
Centralised Exam