What will I learn on this module?
“Pathology in Practice” represents the final stages of bringing together the knowledge and experience accrued from previous modules (L5) of the Pathology Specialties (Medical Microbiology/Clinical Immunology; Cellular pathology/Haematology/Transfusion Science; Clinical Biochemistry).
You will learn how to examine and assess the clinical symptoms and resulting results and data presented as a case study. As a group of 5 students, your team will decide the appropriate testing regime, in order to reach a diagnosis. This will take the form of preliminary investigations that should point the team in the right direction.
Comprising of group discussions, and guidance from “specialist” tutors in the assessment of demonstrations/practical work, and data acquisition, your team will collectively contribute data, knowledge, and understanding of the test results, to unravel the complexities of the case. Each student should represent a specialty subject and act as leader in that area. Once all test results have been examined, your team will decide the appropriate diagnosis of your patient. Discussions will include any follow up tests that may help in further elucidation of the case. A prognosis will be expected to be given.
The final exercise will be a student led poster presentation of the case study. All members of your group will be expected to contribute and answer questions during the presentation. Peer review is included whereby each student appraises the rest of the team, and awards marks for each person’s contribution.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn from prior experience of the Pathology Specialties to assess symptoms presented. Each student team is expected to ascertain the correct diagnosis. You will learn from the other members of your team, as well as your own research enquiries and research tutored sources. Each member of your team will act as a leader in one of the Pathology specialties.
Further learning will be gleaned from practical and demonstration sessions throughout the module. These sessions allow the student to assimilate any results and data acquired in order to recognise any pathological abnormalities in the patient samples.
Regular student discussion, supported by specialist academics will allow you to understand the background of the case, and help you to achieve the correct outcome for your patient.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
At all stages of your “journey” to diagnose the patient, you will be supported by a series of specialist academics who will guide, and encourage you to question all symptoms, and test results achieved. There will be periodic “group discussions” to monitor progress in the development of the case study.
Lots of ideas and questions of a clinical nature will be considered and reviewed. You will be encouraged to think logically and objectively, with no assumptions made. You will learn that Pathology is a true science, that is evidence based and do not involve emotions or “gut feeling” assumptions.
The specialist tutors will give all students opportunities to discuss any ideas or problems associated with the case study.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. The student will learn to interpret data from multidisciplinary aspects in order to assist in prognosis and diagnosis of disease.
2. The student will be suitably knowledgeable in respect of routine and specialised laboratory procedures to be carried out in a safe and professional manner.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. The student will be able to express suitable theoretical knowledge regarding the demonstration techniques involved in diagnostic pathology, even when there is limited information.
4. The student will be able to use research, and critically evaluate data and information in areas of Biomedical Science.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. The student will be able to operate professionally and competently, both independently and as part of a team and be able to audit, reflect on and review personal practice and the performance of others.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by a written lab report (individual) of 2500 word limit, as a result of compiling all practical aspects and data gained from practical/demonstration sessions and Subject specialist meetings into the case study allocated to your group
The final Group Poster session includes Peer review to demonstrate parity of contribution to the work (MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 tested).
Weightings are 75% lab report, 25% poster preparation/presentation
There are no examinations in this module.
Written feedback will be given on assessment grids for both areas. Verbal feedback will be continuous during discussion group sessions.
Pre-requisite(s)
Level 5 Cell and Transfusion Science; Microbiology and Immunology; Medical Biochemistry
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Well-liked by students, the “Pathology in Practice” module represents the final stage in the learning process of pathology diagnosis. It involves a team approach to assess patient diagnosis, and mimics real life NHS pathology.
Each “team” will examine and assess the symptoms shown in the case study history, and decide on appropriate pathology tests to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
Each student will act as a leader of one of the pathology specialties in the exploration of tests and discussion of the significance of results seen.
Guided by specialist “experts”, the student team will need to fully research their case in order to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
The “journey” will include practical and demonstration sessions with data acquisition extraction to reach a suitable conclusion.
The final session uses a student Poster presentation to display and explain their findings and conclusions.
The module provides excellent preparation for employment in Pathology, utilising Research and Technology. Assessment is by individual case reports (75%) and poster presentation (25%).
Course info
UCAS Code B940
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
1 other options available
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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