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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Clinical Biochemistry
Reference AS3098 Version 4
Created August 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved September 2004 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2017 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to apply the principles of clinical biochemistry to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Discuss the factors which can lead to the development of cardiovascular gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and liver disorders and explain how these can be diagnosed and treated.
2 Define how pregnancy can be confirmed and how maternal and foetal health can be monitored.
3 Evaluate the principles of biochemical investigations used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of inborn errors of metabolism and/or hereditary malignant disease.
4 Discuss the principles and uses of therapeutic drug monitoring and how substances of abuse can be investigated.
5 Discuss the range and applications of near-patient tests and non-invasive techniques.

Indicative Module Content
Inborn errors of metabolism and hereditary disease: genetic and biochemical basis of inherited disease, clinical consequences of common inherited diseases, management of inherited disease, mass screening programmes and laboratory investigations. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and toxicology: pharmacokinetic principles as applied to TDM, therapeutic benefits and adverse side effects, drugs of abuse screening programmes, pre-employment and industrial health screening, legal implications, laboratory investigations in emergency toxicology and forensic science. Clinical Endocrinology: diagnosis of selected endocrine disorders, thyroid function tests. Clinical chemistry of the kidney and related disorders: role of kidney in homeostasis of nitrogen, renal function tests, creatinine, gout and aminoacidurias. Cardiovascular disease: platelet functions, thromboses and atherosclerosis. Near-patient testing and selected non-invasive techniques. Liver disease: liver function tests, jaundice. Gastroenterology: gastric and duodenal function tests, malabsorption syndromes. Clinical chemistry of pregnancy and lactation: pregnancy tests, prenatal diagnosis of birth defects, hormonal monitoring of foetal and maternal health, postnatal screening tests.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture and case study oriented course supplemented with directed reading, seminars from visiting speakers and tutorial sessions.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 120 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: A closed book examination consisting of two sections: Section A will be one of three pre-seen case studies; Section B will consist of essay questions.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 0% Outcomes Assessed: 5
Description: The coursework will consist of an essay in which the student will show understanding of near-patient testing and non-invasive techniques giving selected examples. It will be marked as either a pass or fail.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
This module is assessed using the 2 components of assessment as detailed in the Assessment Plan. To pass this module, candidates must achieve a grade D or better.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A Final aggregate mark of 70% or greater and a PASS in C2.
B Final aggregate mark of between 60-69% and a PASS in C2.
C Final aggregate mark of between 50-59% and a PASS in C2.
D Final aggregate mark of between 40-49% and a PASS in C2.
E MARGINAL FAIL. Final aggregate mark of between 35-39% and a PASS in C2.
F FAIL. A mark of less than 35% in C1 and/or a FAIL in C2.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module In addition to SCQF 9 entry requirements, students should be familiar with human biochemistry and human physiology.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 AHMED, N. Clinical Biochemistry. Current Edition. Oxford University Press.
2 BURTIS, C.A. AND ASHWOOD, E.R. Tietz: Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. Current Edition. Saunders.
3 LUXTON, R. Clinical Biochemistry. Current Edition. Scion Publishing Ltd.
4 PRICE, C.P., St JOHN, A. AND HICKS, J.M. Point of Care Testing. Current Edition. American Association of Clinical Chemistry.
5 MOORE, G., KNIGHT, G. and BLANN, A. Haematology. Current Edition. Oxford University Press.
6 KNIGHT, R. Transfusion and Transplantation Science. Current Edition. Oxford University Press.
7 OVERFIELD, J., DAWSON, M. AND HAMER, D. Transfusion Science. Current Edition. Scion Publishing Ltd.
8 HALL, A., SCOTT, C. AND BUCKLAN, M. Clinical Immunology. Current Edition. Oxford University Press.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781