Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-CB-R1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will introduce trainees to the laboratory practices and principles of quality, analysis and basic biochemistry fundamental to practice as a Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a quality meeting for the Biochemistry department, and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow the Duty Biochemist, and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe specimen reception, and reflect on the processes |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow the pathway of an urgent sample from reception to reporting, and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore the laboratory change process, and reflect on the impact this has on introducing new practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the impact of national, regional and local guidelines, and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow the pathway of multiple samples for one patient from reception to reporting, and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a Duty Biochemist meeting for Biochemistry, and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a manual test, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe three different types of automated assays, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Under supervision, label, book and prepare a sample for analysis.
- Review IQC performance for one assay and discuss follow on actions.
- Complete a pipette check and manually calculate the imprecision of the pipette.
- Calculate and make a molar solution.
- Calculate and perform a serial dilution.
- Perform quality control a pH meter.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Explain the clinical relevance of an observed assay to another healthcare professional.
- Explain principles of an observed assay to another healthcare professional.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the contribution of Clinical Biochemistry to patient care. |
| 2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Clinical Biochemistry. |
| 3 | Describe the working practices of Clinical Biochemistry. |
| 4 | Examine the impact of innovation in Clinical Biochemistry. |
| 5 | Review the effect of legislation in Clinical Biochemistry. |
| 6 | Compare and contrast the practice of Clinical Biochemistry with other specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Explain normal physiological homeostasis of the major organs and endocrine systems.
- Describe and explain the pathophysiology and causes of common disorders of the major organs and endocrine systems.
- Apply integrative knowledge of how biochemical markers can help in the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients for various clinical conditions.
- Describe and evaluate the principles of common biochemical measurement techniques used to investigate major organ function and endocrinology.
- Demonstrate extended understanding of the principles of analysis in the clinical biochemistry laboratory.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the sample journey from pre-analytical to post analytical stage and the impact on the patient pathway.
- Explain and justify the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment.
- Discuss the partnership of clinical biochemistry to other clinical specialisms in the investigation of disorders of major organs and patient care.
Indicative content
- Normal physiology and function of the following major organs: kidney, liver, heart, lungs, bone and pancreas.
- Basic water homeostasis, electrolyte and acid–base balance.
- Fundamentals of endocrinology, hormone action and the main feedback mechanisms in the hypothalamic pituitary endocrine gland system.
- The scientific basis and application of common biochemical markers of major organ function and endocrinology to a range of frequently encountered clinical disorders.
- Principles of analysis (preanalytical sample considerations, delta checks and critical limits, reference intervals, biological and analytical variation, interferences, post analytical considerations, and introduction to diagnostic validity).
- Principles of quality assurance within the laboratory including the practice of IQC and EQA (Westgard rules, and Levy Jennings plots).
- Scientific basis and clinical application of the main clinical biochemistry laboratory techniques, including spectrophotometry, osmometry, ion selective electrodes, enzymology, immunochemical techniques, electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry and solid phase chemistry.
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SLS1-1-22 | Specialty title Clinical Biochemistry [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-2-22 | Specialty title Haematology & Transfusion Science [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-3-22 | Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-1-23 | Specialty title Clinical Biochemistry [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-3-23 | Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-2-23 | Specialty title Haematology & Transfusion Science [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-1-24 | Specialty title Clinical Biochemistry [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-3-24 | Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS1-2-24 | Specialty title Haematology & Transfusion Science [2024] | Action View |