Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8016
Title: Clinical Biochemistry
Long Title: Clinical Biochemistry
NFQ Level: Advanced
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 understanding of how biochemical investigations can be employed in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the pre-analytical variables and specimen processing and transport criteria that can affect the interpretation of clinical results.
LO2 Describe how chemical and biochemical analysis, using current core techniques, automation and equipment can be applied to the study of disease.
LO3 Correlate laboratory findings in clinical samples to pathological processes using best practice guidelines for disease investigation and result interpretation.
LO4 Perform complex data handling exercises associated with biochemical analysis including quality control measures to determine the validity of clinical results.
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
Biochemical Tests
Us of the laboratory, interpretation of results, reference ranges and quality control.
Water and Sodium Balance
Water, intake, AVP and the regulation of osmolality, sodium, aldosterone, hypernatraemia, and hypnoatraemia.
Potassium
Potassium metaboloism, serum potassium, hyperkalaemia, and hypokalaemia.
The Kidney
Structure and function, tests of tubular functions, tests of glomerular function, and kidney disorders.
Hydrogen Ion Homoeostasis and Blood Gases
Hydrogen ion concentration, buffering, hydrogen ion excretion, role of the lungs and kidney, and acid-base disorders.
The Liver
Structure and function, metabolism of bilirubin, markers of liver damage, markers of cholestasis, markers of function, liver disease, and potential pitfalls in the interpretation of liver profiles.
The Gastrointestinal System
Stomach, pancreas, small intestine, disorders of intestinal function, gastrointestinal hormones.
Proteins and Enzymes
Functions of plasma proteins, measurement of plasma proteins, alteration of protein concentration in disease processes, serum enzymes in disease, and isoenyme determination.
Carbohydrates
Glucose metabolism, regulation of blood glucose levels, diabetes mellitus, and hypoglycaemia.
Lipids and Lipoproteins
Triglycerides, cholesterol, and phosholipids, classification of lipoproteins, lipoprotein metabolism, and disorders of lipoprotein metabolism.
Calcium, Phosphate, and Magnesium
Calcium metabolism, serum calcium, hypocalcaemia, hypercalcaemia, calcium and phosphate homeostasis, disorders of calcium, and phosphate and magnesium metabolism.
The Hypothalmus and Pituitary Gland
Hypothalamic hormones, anterior pituitary hormones, disorders of anterior pituitary function, and posterior pituitary function.
The Adrenal Gland
Adrenal gland, adrenal hormone biosynthesis, disorders of adrenal cortex, and disorders of adrenal medulla.
The Thyroid Gland
Thyroid hormones, biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, and disorders of thyroid function.
The Gonads
Sex steroid hormones, disorders of male gonadal function, and disorders of female gonadal function.
Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Effects of enzyme defects, inherited metabolic disorders, diagnosis and screening of metabolic disorders.
Toxicology
Dosage, agents that cause cellular hypoxia, alcohols, analgesics, drugs of abuse, organophosphate and carbamate insecticides.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Compliance, pharmacokinetic factors, individual drugs, and analytical aspects of TDM.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Clinical biochemistry
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-study Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Nader Rifai. (2018), Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry & Molecular Diagnostics, 6th. Elseveir, [ISBN: 9780323359214].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Allan Gaw, Michael Murphy, Rajee Srivastava, Robert Cowan, Denis O'Reilly. (2013), Clinical Biochemistry: An Illustrated Colour Text, 5th. [ISBN: 9780702051791].
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 7 Mandatory