Introduction to the Blood Sciences

MEDN63021 Introduction to the Blood Sciences 30 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Philip Macdonald Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 15.0 OverviewThis unit introduces NHS STP trainees to the scientific foundations and clinical application of the blood science disciplines. Designed for Year 1 students on the Blood Sciences pathway, it provides a broad grounding in the key specialisms that support diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in modern healthcare. Taught as part of the academic component of the Scientist Training Programme, the unit explores how laboratory science contributes to the investigation and management of disease. It prepares students for more specialist study in Year 2 by developing foundational knowledge and promoting critical understanding of each discipline’s clinical role.What You Will LearnStudents will gain an integrated understanding of the core blood sciences:<ul><li>Clinical Biochemistry – the use of biochemical markers to investigate organ function and endocrine disorders</li><li>Clinical Immunology – immune mechanisms in health and disease, and how immune function is assessed in the lab</li><li>Haematology – red cell disorders, haemostasis, and diagnostic methods for blood-related diseases</li><li>Transfusion Science – principles of safe blood selection, blood components, and transfusion practices</li><li>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) – the role of HLA in transplantation, disease association, and donor matching</li><li>Genetics – the molecular basis of disease, genetic testing methods, and the clinical relevance of genomics</li></ul> Each student studies four of these six areas, tailored to their training specialism within Blood Science. The unit supports interdisciplinary awareness while ensuring depth in the disciplines most relevant to each pathway.Unit FormatTeaching is delivered through:<ul><li>Specialist-led lectures and tutorials</li><li>Case-based learning and clinical context discussions</li><li>Formative exercises focused on interpreting data and case scenarios</li><li>Structured exam preparation</li></ul>The unit is structured into six submodules. Students complete and are assessed on four, depending on their chosen pathway (e.g. Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Immunology, H&I, Haematology and Transfusion Science).Who is this unit for?This course is a core part of Year 1 academic training for NHS STP trainees in Blood Science. It is suitable for trainees entering any of the following specialisms:<ul><li>Clinical Biochemistry</li><li>Clinical Immunology</li><li>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics</li><li>Haematology</li><li>Transfusion Science</li></ul>The unit builds the essential scientific knowledge and clinical insight needed to succeed in the academic and workplace elements of the STP, and to progress into more advanced specialist training in Year 2.   OverviewThis unit introduces NHS STP trainees to the scientific foundations and clinical application of the blood science disciplines. Designed for Year 1 students on the Blood Sciences pathway, it provides a broad grounding in the key specialisms that support diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in modern healthcare. Taught as part of the academic component of the Scientist Training Programme, the unit explores how laboratory science contributes to the investigation and management of disease. It prepares students for more specialist study in Year 2 by developing foundational knowledge and promoting critical understanding of each discipline’s clinical role.What You Will LearnStudents will gain an integrated understanding of the core blood sciences:<ul><li>Clinical Biochemistry – the use of biochemical markers to investigate organ function and endocrine disorders</li><li>Clinical Immunology – immune mechanisms in health and disease, and how immune function is assessed in the lab</li><li>Haematology – red cell disorders, haemostasis, and diagnostic methods for blood-related diseases</li><li>Transfusion Science – principles of safe blood selection, blood components, and transfusion practices</li><li>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) – the role of HLA in transplantation, disease association, and donor matching</li><li>Genetics – the molecular basis of disease, genetic testing methods, and the clinical relevance of genomics</li></ul> Each student studies four of these six areas, tailored to their training specialism within Blood Science. The unit supports interdisciplinary awareness while ensuring depth in the disciplines most relevant to each pathway.Unit FormatTeaching is delivered through:<ul><li>Specialist-led lectures and tutorials</li><li>Case-based learning and clinical context discussions</li><li>Formative exercises focused on interpreting data and case scenarios</li><li>Structured exam preparation</li></ul>The unit is structured into six submodules. Students complete and are assessed on four, depending on their chosen pathway (e.g. Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Immunology, H&I, Haematology and Transfusion Science).Who is this unit for?This course is a core part of Year 1 academic training for NHS STP trainees in Blood Science. It is suitable for trainees entering any of the following specialisms:<ul><li>Clinical Biochemistry</li><li>Clinical Immunology</li><li>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics</li><li>Haematology</li><li>Transfusion Science</li></ul>The unit builds the essential scientific knowledge and clinical insight needed to succeed in the academic and workplace elements of the STP, and to progress into more advanced specialist training in Year 2. 1. Provide students with a foundational understanding of the scientific principles, laboratory methods, and clinical relevance of the blood science disciplines:<ul><li>Clinical Biochemistry</li><li>Clinical Immunology</li><li>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I)</li><li>Haematology</li><li>Transfusion Science</li><li>Genetics</li></ul>2. Develop a critical appreciation of how each blood science discipline contributes to the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of disease within the NHS.3. Support interdisciplinary awareness while preparing students for further specialist academic and workplace-based training in Year 2 of the Scientist Training Programme (STP). Introduction into Clinical Biochemistry<ul> <li style="margin-bottom:21px; margin-left:8px">Explain normal physiological homeostasis of the major organs and endocrine systems.</li> <li style="margin-bottom:21px; margin-left:8px">Describe and explain the pathophysiology and causes of common disorders of the major organs and endocrine systems.</li> <li style="margin-bottom:21px; margin-left:8px">Apply integrative knowledge of how biochemical markers can help in the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients for various clinical conditions.</li> <li style="margin-bottom:21px; margin-left:8px">Describe and evaluate the principles of common biochemical measurement techniques used to investigate major organ function and endocrinology.</li> <li style="margin-bottom:21px; margin-left:8px">Demonstrate extended understanding of the principles of analysis in the clinical biochemistry laboratory.</li> <li style="margin-right:2px; text-align:justify">Discuss the partnership of clinical biochemistry to other clinical specialisms in the investigation of disorders of major organs and patient care.</li></ul>  Introduction into Clinical Immunology <ol> <li style="margin-right:2px; text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Discuss the functions of the immune system in health and in the protection against infection.</li></ol>Students will be able to:  <ul> <li style="margin-left:8px">Appraise, evaluate and define the role the different blood science disciplines play in the diagnosis and management of a given disease</li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Critically appraise scientific literature</li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Critically analyse and objectively interpret information/data</li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Appraise and synthesise information from different sources in order to develop and understand healthcare science and how blood science fits into the patient pathway and the delivery of services</li></ul> Students will be able to: <ul> <li style="margin-right:2px; margin-left:10px; text-align:justify">Retrieve, manage and collate information from primary and secondary sources</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-right:2px; margin-left:10px; text-align:justify">Present information clearly in the form of verbal and written reports.</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-right:2px; margin-left:10px; text-align:justify">Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a clear and concise and effective manner.</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-right:2px; margin-left:10px; text-align:justify">Work effectively as an individual or part of a team. </li></ul> Students will be able to: <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Effectively utilise a range of information sources including information technology / health informatics</li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills </li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written). </li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Be able to set priorities and link these with effective time management. </li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team</li></ul> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify; margin-left:8px">Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team</li></ul> <div>This unit employs a range of teaching and learning approaches including: lecturers, tutorials, case studies/presentations, and data analysis and interpretation exercises. </div>  0 Other 100% • Formative assessments: Case-based exercises and sample exam questions to support learning• Summative assessment: Four multiple choice exams (MCQ), each 45 minutes. Students are assessed only on the submodules aligned with their training pathway. 1. Formative exercises: Feedback is provided on clinical case interpretation activities and practice exam questions, allowing students to identify areas for improvement and consolidate learning ahead of summative assessments.2. In-class discussion and tutorials: Tutors provide verbal feedback during interactive sessions to support understanding of complex concepts and promote critical thinking.3. Peer learning: Students are encouraged to engage in structured peer discussion, supported by tutor facilitation, to reflect on clinical and scientific case material.4. Post-assessment feedback: General feedback and performance commentary are provided following summative assessments (aim for a 15 day turn around), including guidance on common strengths and areas where students typically require further development. MSc Clinical Science MScClin Science Blood Sciences PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N 0 0 300