Module Details

Module Code: BIOL7007
Title: Intro to Clinical Biochemistry
Long Title: Intro to Clinical Biochemistry
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the learner with an introduction to the principles of the biochemical analysis of clinical samples.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the pre-analytical variables and sample processing and transport criteria that can affect the interpretation of laboratory results.
LO2 Outline how biochemical analysis can be employed to differentiate between normal and diseased conditions using best practice guidelines for investigations and result interpretation.
LO3 Describe the principles, core techniques, laboratory information systems, and equipment employed in the measurement of analytes in the clinical biochemistry laboratory.
LO4 Perform practical biochemical analysis and data handling exercises associated with the analysis of clinical samples including the relevant quality control procedures.
LO5 Recognise, manage, and contain the different hazards encountered in clinical laboratories and apply the appropriate Health and Safety procedures.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Health and Safety
Health and Safety legislation and regulations, hazards in clinical laboratories, risk assessment, control measures.
Review of Basic Chemistry and Laboratory Math
Elements and atoms, changes in the atom, chemical reactions, chemistry calculations, number and unit components, and dilution calculations.
Quality Control and Statistics
Analytical error, goals of quality control, control specimens, and practical applications of QC data.
Kidney Function Tests
Function and structure of kidney. Laboratory investigation of renal function
Proteins and Enzymes
Function and structure of proteins, and measurement of proteins in body fluid.
Carbohydrates
Overview of structure and function, glucose measurement, hyperglycaemia, and hypoglycaemia.
Lipids
Overview of structure and function, cholesterol, measurement of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, lipoprotein electrophoresis.
Electrolyes and Blood Gases
Fluid compartments, electrolytes, osmolality, osmol gap, pH, Buffer systems, compensatory systems, introduction to acid-base disorders.
Hormones
Definetion, classification, hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis, and measurement of hormones.
Liver Function Tests
Liver structure and function, bilirubin metabolism, bilirubin measurement, introduction to markers of liver function.
Calcium, Phosphate and Magnesium
Functions of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, measurement of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium,regulation of calcium and phosphate, and bone metabolism.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%
Special Regulation
Students are required to achieve a mark of 40% or greater in the combined written reports and practical skills evaluation assessment components. Achieving a mark of less than 40 % in these components will require reattendance.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Practical reports
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Theory
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory exam
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Theory
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory Practice Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study and Report Writing Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William J. Marshall MA MSc PhD MBBWilliam J Marshall, Márta Lapsley, Andrew Day, Ruth Ayling. (2014), Clinical Chemistry- Metabolic and clinical aspects, 3rd. [ISBN: 9780702051401].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Nader Rifai. (2018), Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 6th. Elsevier, [ISBN: 9781416061649].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 4 Mandatory