¾«¶«´«Ã½app

Medical laboratory scientists trained in histology and cytology generate and interpret clinical data by examining human tissues and cells for evidence of disease. The process of preparing specimens such as tissue sections or films of cells exposes students to a range of routine and specialised laboratory tests that enable microscopic differentiation between normal and abnormal conditions. This course builds on the foundational knowledge and understanding provided in first year Pathology courses and will provide the necessary training required to process tissue samples for Histological examination.

The course will prepare students for their first Clinical Pathology Placement in a histopathology department of a clinical pathology laboratory. As part of the USQ accreditation agreement with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), students are required to attempt and submit all assessment items in this course. Students are also required to obtain at least 50% of the marks allocated to the practical/laboratory skills assessment in this course.

This course provides students with an opportunity to further their theoretical knowledge and practical skills with a focus on laboratory assessment and interpretation of pathological changes detected in specimens of human tissues and cells. Students will augment their theoretical knowledge with practical training in the use of manual and automated systems such as preparation of tissue sections, slide films, routine and specialised staining methods, as well the application of advancing immunohistochemical procedures.

The course contains a mandatory residential school for both external and on-campus students. As part of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½app's accreditation agreement with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), students are required to attempt and submit all assessment items in this course. Students are also required to attend the mandatory residential school and obtain at least 50% of the marks allocated to the practical/laboratory skills assessment in this course.

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Describe normal and abnormal human cell, tissue and organ structure;
2. Perform the basic protocols for fixing and staining tissues for histological and cytological examination using light and electron microscopy;
3. Perform basic protocols for collecting, fixing and preparing cells for microscopic examination;
4. Examine how certain diseases can be diagnosed using histological and cytological methods;
5. Outline safe laboratory practices as well as the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with working in a clinical histology or cytology laboratory.