BI2HI1: Haematology and Immunology

Module code: BI2HI1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Natasha Barrett, email: n.e.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor David Leake, email: d.s.leake@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1AP3 AND ( TAKE BI1CM1 OR TAKE BI1BEC1 OR TAKE PM1PY2 ) (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 27 June 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will provide students with a comprehensive overview of two fascinating and interconnected fields in the study of human health. Haematology focuses on the physiology and pathology of blood and blood forming tissues, while immunology examines the complex systems and processes that protect the body against infection and disease. Throughout this module, students will gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. We will explore the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease and the treatment and assessment of treatment of haematological diseases, including leukaemia and lymphomas. We will investigate the intricacies of the immune system, gaining an understanding of the central mechanisms of the mammalian immune response, such that you will understand how animals, especially humans, react to antigens and attack by pathogens. You will also be introduced to the main forms of immunopathology and gain an appreciation of how vaccines are produced and how antibodies may be used as 'tools' in clinical medicine and biological research. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe the basic organisation of the blood system (the structure and function of the blood cells and plasma, haematopoiesis and destruction of blood cells, haemostasis)
2. Explain the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of haematological diseases (such as anaemias, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, bleeding disorders and thrombosis) including how haematological principles are applied to the diagnosis of specific diseases and understand the technical basis of diagnostic techniques of fundamental importance in haematology laboratories. Explain the principles and uses of blood transfusion.
3. Describe the different types of immunity occurring in a mammal (i.e. innate and adaptive/acquired), the physiological role of inflammation, the anatomy and physiology of the organs and tissues of the immune system, the roles of lymphocytes and other specialised cells, how antigens are recognised and neutralised by the immune system and how immunoglobulin diversity is generated.
4. Explain the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of different types of immunopathology (hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency) and pathological inflammation, the principles and practice of therapeutic immunology such as vaccination, immunotherapy, anti-inflammatories and examples of practical uses of antibodies.
5. Technical competency and knowledge of practical skills used in a haematology and/or immunology laboratory. Apply biological calculations, analyse and present data in a physiological context.

Module content

Lectures will cover topics on blood cell types, morphology and identification; haematopoiesis; anaemia and haemoglobinopathy; transfusion science; leukaemias, lymphomas and myelomas; blood cell counting and automated identification; coagulation, platelet and coagulation disorders; innate and acquired (adaptive) immunity; anatomy of the immune system; development and function of B and T cells; cytokines and their receptors; antibodies; major histocompatibility complex; complement; genetics of immunoglobulins; practical uses of antibodies. 

Practical classes will include a full blood count (manual and automatic), haematocrit determination, haemoglobin concentration determination and blood group determination, use of antibodies as diagnostic tools. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practicals, seminars, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

After the Haematology practical students will be encouraged to do the calculations and answer the questions in Blackboard and will be given the correct answers later. Some of the material might be addressed in the examination. 

Reassessment

Additional costs