Professional/Short course Haematology and Transfusion Science

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: USSKBK303
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Applied Sciences
Campus: Frenchay
Delivery: Face-to-face
Course Director: Dr Chris Moore

Introduction

Modules can be offered either individually or collectively if you have had your first degree evaluated by the IBMS and require further Top-up studies in order to complete the educational requirement for IBMS accreditation.

This 30 credit Haematology module is a core specialist module within the BSc Biomedical Science programme and so aims to deliver specialist knowledge through taught lectures, together with inductive tutorials, seminars and practical classes to enable application and problem-solving utilising this knowledge.

On successful completion of this level 6 (undergraduate level) module, you will be able to:

critically discuss the processes involved in the maintenance of normal blood composition and function
outline the nature and significance of investigative haematology and its role in the diagnostic process
discuss critically the biological basis of selected haematological disease states
demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the module - haematological malignancies, haemostatic disorders, red cell disorders and blood transfusion
interpret parameters that characterise selected disease states
critically appraise relevant scientific literature.

For an applicant looking to top-up an undergraduate degree to obtain an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accreditation, please refer to the Biomedical Science module top-up for IBMS/HCPC accreditation for more information.

Careers / Further study

This module contributes towards:

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science
MSc Biomedical Science
BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation year
MSc Biomedical Science with Foundation year.

Structure

Content

Physical and chemical requirements for optimal haematopoiesis throughout life

Content of the blood and bone marrow.
Reference values.
Ontogeny and sites of haematopoiesis.
Regulation of haematopoiesis.
Nutritional requirements.

The anaemias

Classification systems.
Megaloblastic anaemias.
Iron deficiency and related anaemias.
Normal erythrocyte structure and function.
Red cell survival disorders.
Haemoglobinopathies and the thalassaemia syndromes.
Red cell enzymopathies.

Haematological malignancy

Aetiology and the multi-hit hypothesis.
Classification.
Principles of investigation and diagnostic criteria.
Pathophysiology.
Theoretical basis of cytotoxic chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.

Haemostasis

Structure and contribution to haemostatic function of blood vessels, platelets, coagulation proteins and fibrinolytic proteins.
Functional inter-relationships between the vascular, platelet, coagulation and fibrinolytic systems.
Naturally occurring inhibitors of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Haemorrhagic conditions.
The hypercoagulable state.

Blood donation

Principles of the selection, collection, separation, storage and transportation of donated blood components for transfusion.
The bacteriology, virology and parasitology of diseases which can be transmitted by transfusion.

Blood groups

The major blood polymorphism's e.g. ABO, Rh, and selected other blood group systems.
Blood group structure, function and relevance to transfusion.

Compatibility of blood

In vitro antibody-antigen reactions for the selection of compatible blood.
Optimisation of detection techniques for in vitro antibody-antigen reactions.

Immunohaematology

Laboratory investigation of serological reactions to aid diagnosis of immunohaemolyticdisease and immunological transfusion reactions.
Strategies for the prophylaxis of immunohaemolytic disease.

Transfusion therapy

The appropriate use of blood components.
Hypersensitivity responses to transfusion.

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning includes lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, case study
preparation, online activities, assignment preparation and completion etc

Study time

The 72 contact hours are distributed as follows:

48 hours of lectures
24 hours of tutorials/seminars

Assessment

A case study, enabling you to research and critically analyse current literature, as well as interpreting data. Both formative and summative feedback will be given during, and following completion of the assignment.
A 2 hour examination comprising a mixture of question styles.

Formative feedback is available throughout the module using Q+A sessions in lectures, group discussions, particularly in tutorials/seminars/practical, together with use of multiple choice questions throughout taught sessions to enable students to gain an indication of their progress anonymously.

Features

Study facilities

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

How to apply

You are required to apply online for your CPD modules, which you can take as stand-alone courses or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158

Professional/Short course Haematology and Transfusion Science

Introduction

Careers / Further study

Structure

Content

Learning and Teaching

Study time

Assessment

Features

Study facilities

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Dates

How to apply

Extra information

For further information

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