BMS261 Clinical Biochemistry 1 (6)

This subject introduces units, reference ranges and specimens used in clinical biochemistry. The subject also covers the patho-physiological and patho-biochemical rationale for routine clinical biochemistry tests and the interpretation of data. Biochemical techniques associated with the various routine tests covered include principles of the methods and the analytical performance. Technology, including point of care testing is important in healthcare and it is also therefore learnt. At the end of the study, a student will have knowledge of the requirements of the various specimens and measurements and will have theoretical skills to carry out routine testing using various methods and equipment. The student will also interpret routine clinical biochemistry data. Such knowledge is useful for example, in further studies in this discipline, routine and specialist medical laboratory sciences, forensic sciences, biotechnology, dentistry, medicine, veterinary and animal sciences, research and in industry that develops and/or supplies diagnostic technology and consumables.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Prerequisites

BMS245

Incompatible Subjects

BMS207

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify, describe and justify the utility of the various specimens, conditions of specimen collection and preservation as well as other requirements for analysis;
  • be able to describe and justify the importance of units and reference values for various measurements in health and in diseases and their use in interpretation of data;
  • be able to describe principles of various measurements and the rationale and usefulness of the tests in diagnosis and management of diseases;
  • be able to explain the applications of technology, automation and information systems and to analyse their usefulness;
  • be able to evaluate methods (including but not limited to evaluating accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, linearity), to identify and analyse sources of errors, to implement quality control and quality assurance for good analytical practice; and
  • be able to work independently and collaboratively in data interpretation and in measurement of analytes and to write a scientific report on findings and data interpretation.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to clinical biochemistry;
  • Units of measurement, reference limits, specimens;
  • Errors, quality control and quality assurance concepts, accreditation;
  • Technology including point of care testing, automation and information systems;
  • Disorders of: kidney, electrolytes and hydration, acid/base balance;
  • Disorders that lead to changes in levels of blood proteins, clinical enzymology, tumor markers;
  • Disorders of liver and disorders that elevate bilirubin levels;
  • Disorders of blood glucose level control;
  • Disorders of lipid metabolism and disorders of cardiovascular system; and
  • Non-protein nitrogenous wastes.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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