LSB566 Histopathology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | LSB566 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LSB466 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $6,900 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LSB566 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LSB466 |
| Coordinator: | Damien Harkin | d.harkin@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Histopathology is an essential component of pathology and one of the major disciplines in clinical diagnostic pathology. This unit is positioned in the developmental phase of the course and builds upon your learning in LSB466. This unit is designed to provide you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills of advanced histological techniques used primarily in the clinical setting, but which may also have relevance to research applications. In contrast to preceding units, a greater emphasis will be placed on the theory and application of techniques required for disease diagnosis. This unit combined with your preceding unit LSB466 (Histological Techniques) prepares you for work in a diagnostic histopathology laboratory as a medical laboratory scientist.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically interpret the results of basic as well as advanced staining procedures applied to tissue sections, as well as being able to resolve any problems that may occur
- Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of basic and advanced histological techniques required for disease diagnosis, as well as a theoretical knowledge of broader topics in histopathology
- Display professionalism and ethical behaviour(s) including adherence to workplace health and safety guidelines when handling and preparing (human) tissue specimens for histological testing
- Communicate your knowledge and learning in a range of formats appropriate for medical laboratory scientists for a range of purposes and audiences
- Apply organisational and teamwork skills appropriate for a scientist working in a histopathology laboratory
Content
The content in this unit includes:
- Tissue biopsy techniques
- Specialised tissue processing, embedding and microtomy techniques.
- Pathology and identification of tissue pigments.
- Pathology and identification of mucosubstances.
- Enzyme histochemistry techniques.
- Identification of nucleic acids in tissues.
- Identification of microorganisms in tissues.
- Methods for tumour diagnosis including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation.
- Role of the autopsy and handling of post-mortem tissues.
- Methods specialised for histological studies of nervous tissue.
- Methods for identification of amyloid and diagnosis of amyloidosis.
- Quality assurance in histopathology.
Learning Approaches
You will be given the opportunity to develop advanced skills in histological techniques by applying knowledge gained from a combination of online resources and laboratory-based exercises. You will also acquire skills in critically interpreting the results of advanced histological staining techniques via instruction and feedback from the teaching team. Interactive, web based resources will be available for you to test your knowledge and understanding and to assist your learning. You should use them to identify areas of study you may need to focus on in your learning/private study. The organisation of the unit includes one online tutorial and one laboratory session each week.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Throughout the semester you will receive immediate feedback on your laboratory work during practical sessions and weekly tutorials. Images and quizzes that are available online are designed to consolidate your knowledge and give you immediate feedback on your learning. A progress theory examination is held and feedback is provided on your performance. During Semester and at the end of Semester you will also be provided with the opportunity to give your feedback on the teaching and content of this unit. Your feedback and suggestions will be used to make changes to the unit where possible to improve the learning outcomes for you and future students.
Assessment
Overview
For the purpose of meeting professional accreditation standards and successful transition to advanced units in this course, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A satisfactory achievement (minimum of 50%) in both the final theory exam and laboratory portfolio, and an overall unit passing mark of at least 50% are required to obtain a passing grade for this unit. If you fail either final theory exam or laboratory portfolio, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However if you do not pass this additional assessment you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment.”
Practical class attendance and assessment
Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LSB566, if you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation for your absence the following week at the start of practical class, e.g. medical certificate. For approved absences alternate arrangements will be accommodated on up to two occasions. Approved absences in excess of two occasions will need to be discussed with the unit coordinator. In the case of unapproved absence from practicals, no marks will be given for related assessment.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory Portfolio
Assessment Name: Laboratory Portfolio
Description: The laboratory component will be assessed as a portfolio built around student performance in a series of on-going and set tasks including; (1) a series of competency skills tests in tissue embedding and sectioning - worth 5%, (2) compliance with laboratory H&S protocols - worth 5%, (3) submission of "five best slides" from the student's own collection of slides produced over the course of the semester - worth 10%, and (4) a final staining exam - worth 30%; formative and summative.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Threshold Assessment:
A score of 50% or greater for the laboratory component will be required to achieve an overall passing grade for the unit. Students who receive a score of between 40-49% for the laboratory component and pass the theory component of the unit, will be offered additional assessment based upon the laboratory component. Students receiving a score of 50% or greater for this additional assessment will be awarded a maximum overall grade of 4 for the unit.
Assessment: Final Theory Examination
Application of theoretical knowledge learnt in the unit in its entirety.
Assessment: Progress Theory Examination
Application of theoretical and practical knowledge learnt in the unit up to the date of this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes
Costs
Cost of obtaining lab gown and safety glasses is the responsibility of the student.
Resources
Bancroft, J.D. & Cook, H.C. (1984). Manual of Histological Techniques. Churchill Livingstone.
Bancroft, J.D., & Stevens, A. (1990). Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques. Churchill Livingstone.
Kiernan, J.A. (1990). Histological and Histochemical Methods, Theory and Practice. Permagon Press.
Filipe, M.I., & Lake, B.D. (1983). Histochemistry in Pathology. Churchill Livingstone.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to biomedical science laboratories.
You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.
If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Final Theory Examination, Progress Theory Examination - Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Final Theory Examination, Progress Theory Examination - Technical proficiency
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio - Interpretation and application of protocols
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio - Analysis and interpretation of data
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Final Theory Examination, Progress Theory Examination - Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Final Theory Examination, Progress Theory Examination