Haematology and Transfusion Science - Standalone module

This course is for you if you need to “'op-up' your existing degree to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, or if you are looking to take a module to develop your knowledge of the biology underlying the pathophysiology of haematological disorders and the interpretation of clinical data as part of your continuing professional development.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Part-time, Online / distance learning

Course format

No placements

Duration

1 year (course delivery is 3 weeks)

UCAS code(s)

Start date

Overview
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Course outline and modules

Available via distance learning, this module allows you to develop your knowledge of the pathophysiology of haematological disorders and the interpretation of clinical data. It is ideal if you wish to “top-up” your existing degree to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, or if you are looking to take a course as part of your continuing professional development.

Module Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of the biology underlying the pathophysiology of haematological disorders
and the interpretation of clinical data as part of your continuing professional development.


Module Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the module, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Describe and evaluate the normal functioning of haematological systems.
  • Discuss and analyse the causes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of haematological disorders.
  • Discuss and evaluate the preparation, storage and uses of blood products, and the risks associated with their use.
  • Critically appraise the application of laboratory tests and demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory equipment, routine
  • processes and methodologies used to test patient samples in clinical laboratories.

Module Content:
Haematology:

  • Structure, function and production of blood cells.
  • The regulation of normal haemostasis.
  • The nature, diagnosis and laboratory techniques for the investigation of anaemias.
  • The nature, diagnosis and laboratory techniques for the investigation of haematological malignancy.
  • The nature, diagnosis and laboratory techniques for the investigation of haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases.
  • Principles and practice of haematological techniques used for screening, monitoring and diagnosis of disease.

Transfusion Science:

  • Genetics, inheritance, structure, function and role of red cell antigens.
  • Immune mediated destruction of blood cells.
  • The preparation, storage and use of blood components.
  • The selection of blood components for transfusion and possible adverse effects.

 

You will be provided with a detailed account of aspects of clinical haematology including the processes involved in normal blood cell formation and function and the disturbances that occur in different diseases. It will teach you about the processes involved in haemostasis and clot formation in health and disease, the laboratory methods currently used to diagnose and monitor haematological conditions, and describe safe practices of blood transfusion, transfusion investigations and quality assurance in a pathology laboratory. 

The module provides the academic material needed for HCPC registration in both haematology and in transfusion science.

 

Key information

Corresponding HCPC topic(s): 'Haematology' and 'Transfusion Science'

Credit value: 10 Credits

Specific level: This is a Level 5 module, equivalent to a Foundation Degree

Mode of delivery: Distance learning

Course type: Standalone module 

Number of places available: Up to 20

Applications: all applications are made online using our online application form. You will be required to confirm the name for each of the Biomedical Science top-up modules you will be applying for by listing them in your personal statement. This is a compulsory part of your application and missing information may result in a prolonged delay in processing your application. Our full list of available modules in this suite of courses includes:

Our full list of available modules in this suite of courses includes:

For those who are taking this module in order to “top-up” your existing degree for IBMS registration, please refer to our entry requirements for more details on IMBS set deadlines.

Start date: September 2024

Course deadline: 23 August 

Duration: Registration covers one academic year.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements
 
  • General entry requirements: In order to study this module you must have a non-accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences or an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as biology or biochemistry). 
  • Taking this module in order to 'top-up' your existing degree for IBMS registration: Prior to registering for a top-up module (or modules) you need to contact the Institute of Biomedical Science. They will assess your degree in order to confirm that it is eligible for 'top-up' and to determine the additional subject areas in which you need further qualifications. We recommend you contact the IBMS by June in the year of application to ensure that you have confirmation of your module requirements in time to register for your modules with Aston University.
  • Degrees not eligible for top-up: If your degree is not eligible for top up but you still wish to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, we recommend that you apply to take our accredited BSc Biomedical Science undergraduate degree.
  • Taking this module for professional development: No additional requirements apply
  • International students: We welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa. Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from international students who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. We are also not able to accept international students to take the distance learning route. You will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your UK visa, and of your passport when you submit the online registration form so that we can check you are eligible to take the top up modules.
 

 

Learning, teaching and assessment

This module is available via distance learning. We welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa; however we are not able to accept those who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. Students taking this course by distance learning must be based in the UK.

Students must attend an online BMS Top-up Induction session in week zero (mid-September), at which we will show you how to access your university record and Blackboard (the Virtual Learning Environment). All course material, including recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, timetables, and some directed reading will be available on Blackboard online; coursework submission and feedback are also mainly via this route. Blackboard allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.

Distance learning, the study can be spread out over the term and a week-by-week study guide is available. Recorded lectures are made available after they are delivered to attendance students as detailed above.

Assessment compromises of Online Based Examinations

Our courses are written and delivered by staff at the forefront of life and health sciences teaching and research. Many members of staff currently practise or have practised professionally. In the recent Teaching Excellence Framework assessment, Aston University was awarded Gold, the highest award possible. In addition, our courses are regularly reviewed by relevant professional experts.

Biomedical Sciences Top Up Modules Course DirectorDr Jonathan Cox

Module Coordinator: Dr R Pallett

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Fees

Fees

For Sept 2024 Start: £800 per 10 credits

Career prospects

Our CPD courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.

These modules will allow you to obtain the academic competences that are required to apply to the Health Professions Council for Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: professionalcpd@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm BST)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.