Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHB2502

 
TITLE Molecular Haematology and Immunology

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Physiology and Biochemistry

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit introduces the student to the fundamental concepts in haematology, including the development of blood cell elements, normal physiology of blood cells, coagulation and their disorders.

In addition, the student gains an understanding of basic immunology, including the various types of immune responses, cells of the immune system, antigens, antibodies and complement system as well as basic principles of blood types.

Study-unit Aims:

- To provide the student with the necessary knowledge about physiology and biochemical process within blood so as to understand possible pathophysiology of haematological disease; and
- To provide exposure to the fundamental biology underlying progress in addressing those questions of biochemical and pharmaco-therapeutics that may be suitably addressed in an experimental or translational setting.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Discuss the regulation of haemopoiesis, haemoglobin production and the interrelations of the processes involved;
- Explain the biochemical processes of the red blood metabolism;
- Describe iron homeostasis; and
- Discuss the biochemistry involved in antibody formation and anti/antigen interactions.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Evaluate the processes involved in the investigation of the blood types;
- Interpret a blood count; and
- Distinguish between the various types of immune response.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Text:

Silverthorn, D. U. Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach. 7th edition. Boston: Pearson Publishers. 2014.

Supplementary Readings:

- Hall J. U. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 13th edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Publishers. 2016.
- Nelson, D. L. and Cox, M. M.. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 6th edition. New York, Worth Publishers. 2013.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Independent Study

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
MCQ and Written Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Laura Grech
Nicoletta Riva
David Saliba
Christian Scerri (Co-ord.)

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit