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Course Outline

MLS201 Advanced Haematology

Course Coordinator:Yoke Lin Fung (ylfung@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Haematology is the area of general pathology that is concerned with diseases that affect the blood, such as blood clotting disorders, anaemia, haemophilia, lymphoma, leukaemia and haemoglobinopathies. This advanced course builds on the fundamentals of haematology developed in the first-year course. After completing this course, you should be able to recognise critical limits and conditions associated with the major haematological tests conducted in pathology services.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Fully independent asynchronous learning 1.5hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus discussion and review of haematology theory and concepts to haematology case studies on weeks 2, 4, 7, 10 & 13. 2hrs Week 2 5 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratories to gain competency in haematology laboratory investigation including but not limited to blood film morphology and coagulation assays. 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Erythrocyte Disorders

Leukocyte Disorders

Coagulation Disorders & Laboratory Assessment

Platelets and vasculature disorders

Malaria

Paediatric, Obstetrics and Geriatric Haematology

Molecular Diagnostics

Flow Cytometric Analysis

Cytogenetics  ;Cytochemistry

Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantations

 

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Identify and describe the features, classification and diagnostic tests for major haematological malignancies and disorders Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving
Organisation
Applying technologies
Information literacy
2 Show competency in basic haematological techniques, including preparing blood films, examining and understanding diagnostic tests for haematological malignant/disorders, blood films and assessing laboratory parameters for paediatric, geriatric and obstetric haematology Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving
Organisation
Applying technologies
Information literacy

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

(MLS100 or MLS110) and enrolled in Program UB001 or SC211 or SC355 or SC357

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

You will be reviewing patient case studies, haematology terminology and morphology identification through in-class activities that will provide you with feedback and help you prepare for the assessment tasks in the course.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1a Activity Participation Group 15% 
Group presentation up to 20 minute
 Week 7 In Class
All 1b Portfolio Individual 10% 
Student will complete case studies during lab classes.
 Refer to Format In Class
All 2a Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 25% 
150 min + 10 min perusal
 Week 8 In Class
All 2b Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 25% 
150 min + 10 min perusal
 Week 13 In Class
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 25% 
120min + 10min perusal
 Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1a:Group Case study (15%)
Goal: 
Scientific research and communication are key competencies developed in this oral case study activity. You will work collaboratively in a group to prepare and present a case study of a haematological malignancy or disorder. Presentations will take place in the week 7 laboratory class.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Submit: Week 7. You will work in a group. All members of the group will have to work together to provide a description of the patient history, full blood count and morphology of the images from the patient slide(s); a description of the diagnostic tests they would request and why; an overview of the treatment and prognosis of the patient. The presentation must be supported by a PowerPoint file. You will participate in a question and answer forum with the class and tutors. The references used for the presentation will follow the Harvard style. The group will also conduct a peer assessment of another group's presentation. Note: This is a group assignment, individual submissions will receive a zero mark.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Provide an accurate description of the characteristics of the haematological malignancy or disorder, and the pathophysiology and aetiology of the condition
 1 2
2 
Outline the appropriate haematological tests that are used to identify the haematological malignancy or disorder, and why the tests were requested
 1 2
3 
Provide a coherent and logical oral presentation including references in the Harvard style
 1 2
4 
Prepare a well-designed PowerPoint slide, case study and presentation and keep good time management
 2
5 
Every individual student must participate in a question and answer forum
 2
6 
Participate as part of the group to peer assess the oral presentation of another group
 2
Generic Skills: 
Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 1b:Haematology lab learning portfolio
Goal: 
The goal is for students to relate haematology
theory from lectures/learning materials with
laboratory practice in the case studies and
exercises provided in the lab classes.
Product: Portfolio
Format: 
Students will be expected to complete all the exercises and questions in the lab manual for each lab class.
Tutors will assess for completion at the subsequent lab class e.g. exercises for lab 1 must be completed by the start of lab 2.
Assessment for lab 11 will take place on the scheduled week 12 lab cass.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Provide an accurate description of the
characteristics of the haematological
malignancy or disorder, and the
pathophysiology and aetiology of the
condition
 1
2 
Outline the appropriate haematological tests
that are used to identify the haematological
malignancy or disorder, and why the tests
were requested
 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2a:Mid-semester theory & practical assessment
Goal: 
To develop advanced laboratory skills and
competencies in Haematology that would
meet the requirements of AIMS for training of medical laboratory scientists.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
The practical and theory exam will take place during the scheduled week 8 lab class. It will examine contents from week 1 to 6 inclusive. Students will review case studies, report on blood films and respond to short answer questions. The exam will assess your competency in haematological techniques, your ability to interpret results, apply haematology knowledge and write a report using appropriate haematology terminology on your findings.The practical exam will examine erythrocyte disorders and leukaemias.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Haematological techniques and interpretation of results.
 1 2
2 
Examination and understanding of diagnostic tests for haematological malignant blood films.
 1 2
3 
Ability to assess laboratory parameters for paediatric, geriatric and obstetric haematology
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2b:Final practical assessment
Goal: 
To develop advanced laboratory skills and
competencies in Haematology that would
meet the requirements of AIMS for training medical
laboratory scientists.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
The final practical exam will take place during the scheduled week 13 lab class. It will examine contents from week 1 to 12 inclusive. Students will review blood films and associated laboratory results, to generate reports on case studies and address the short answer questions. The exam will assess your competency in haematological techniques, your ability to interpret results, apply haematology knowledge and write a report using appropriate haematology terminology on your findings.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Haematological techniques and interpretation of results.
 1 2
2 
Examination and understanding of diagnostic tests for haematological malignant blood films.
 1 2
3 
Ability to assess laboratory parameters for paediatric, geriatric and obstetric haematology
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Final theory exam
Goal: 
For the student to
- demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theoratical, diagnostic, practical and clinical concepts of haematology covered in week 1 to 13.
- synthesise the elements of the course, analyse information and explain elements of the theories which underpin the concepts in advanced haematology covered as the course progresses.
- solve problems based on theoretical material and information covered in lectures and tutorials for paediatric, geriatric and obstetric haematology.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
The final theory examination will be centrally scheduled and take place on campus. It will consist of multiple choice questions, short answer questions & case studies.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Assessment will be based on theoratical,
diagnostic, practical and clinical concepts of
haematology covered in week 1 to 13
 2
2 
Haematological techniques and interpretation
of results.
 1 2
3 
Examination and understanding of diagnostic
tests for haematological malignant blood
films.
 1 2
4 
Ability to assess laboratory parameters for
paediatric, geriatric and obstetric
haematology.
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended A. Victor Hoffbrand,David P. Steensma 2019 Hoffbrand's Essential Haematology 8th John Wiley & Sons
Recommended Elaine Keohane,Larry Smith,Jeanine Walenga 2019 Rodak's Hematology n/a Saunders

Specific requirements

To successfully complete the UB001 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) and meet accreditation requirements of AIMS, UB001 students enrolled in MLS201 must attend and participate in all on-campus practical classes.  All final assessments within MLS201 will be invigilated. Students must attain at least 50% in both theory and laboratory practical assessments.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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