BMS229 Histopathology 1 (8)

This subject will examine the theory and practice of histological techniques; including surgical cutup, fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning and staining of tissues using routine and specialised techniques. Students will also develop an understanding of the normal histologic structure of cells and tissues within the human body. This subject contains a compulsory 4-day residential school where students will learn practical skills in histological techniques.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS229. 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 Dentistry and Medical Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Students are assumed to have successfully completed first-year University level anatomy and physiology subjects (BMS130 or BMS128 or BMS123) or equivalents.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify and describe in detail the microscopic structure of the major organs, tissues and cells of the body
  • be able to explain the theoretical background to surgical cutup, tissue fixation, tissue processing, microtomy and staining using routine and specialised techniques
  • be able to demonstrate proficiency in the preparation of routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections
  • be able to demonstrate proficiency in haematoxylin and eosin staining, selected special stains and immunohistochemical methods
  • be able to identify and explain the causes of technical defects in histological preparations, how to rectify such defects and how they could influence the diagnostic process
  • be able to explain the importance of quality assurance and health and safety procedures pertinent to the histopathology laboratory

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Normal histology
  • Workflow in the histopathology laboratory
  • Light, electron and other specialised forms of microscopy
  • Safety in the histopathology laboratory
  • Principles of tissue preparation and fixation
  • Tissue processing
  • Microtomy
  • Haematoxylin and eosin staining
  • Special stains for carbohydrates, connective tissue and other tissue elements
  • Immunohistochemistry

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BMS229 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Histology online lessons
10
2
Histochallenge and mid-session examination
20
3
Histology project and logbook
25
4
End-of-session examination
45

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

Compulsory. Students will learn practical skills in histological techniques during the residential school. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in practical histological processing techniques through the preparation and submission of a portfolio of tissue sections that have been cut and stained using routine and specialised methods.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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