Life Sciences

Advanced Haematology and Transfusion Science

Module code: 861C1
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Laboratory, Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

Haematological malignancies are a heterogeneous group of devastating cancers affecting all ages. This module will:

• describe the molecular processes active in normal haematopoietic development
• explain how these mechanisms are disrupted during malignant transformation.

You’ll learn the techniques commonly adopted in haematological research, and understand the crossdisciplinary investigations performed in diagnostic laboratories to identify blood cancers.

Finally, this module will describe the fundamental concepts of blood transfusion science giving you an understanding of blood grouping and the compatibility testing necessary to select blood products in a clinical setting.

Module learning outcomes

• Describe the molecular pathways active in haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and critically discuss how these direct normal developmental processes such as quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the developmental origins of haematological malignancies, and be able to interpret the laboratory assays used to diagnose them.
• Critically evaluate the scientific merit and limitations of laboratory techniques and experimental models used in haematological research.
• Understand the fundamental concepts of blood transfusion science and how these are applied in a clinical setting to identify blood grouping and perform safe compatibility testing for blood products.