This module introduces the medical science student to professional practice in medical science as well as providing an introduction to the standards of proficiency that are required in order to practise as a medical scientist. The module will also develop students skills in communication with an emphasis on professional communication and collaboration within a healthcare environment. It will enable students to develop key communication skills, oral, non-verbal and written to assist them to communicate effectively and professionally in their scientific careers.

1. Discuss the role of a medical scientist in the context of the Irish health service.

2. Discuss legal and ethical issues, including issues relating to consent, confidentiality and data protection, that pertain to medical science.

3. Apply effective communication skills and demonstrate an awareness of the importance of good communication skills in a collaborative setting.

4. Identify ethically appropriate meansto communicate patient medical results as a medical scientist.

5. Produce clear, concise, accurate and objective documentation

6. Summarise and present complex scientific ideas and findings of research and audit in an appropriate form

This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of clinical immunology. It expands on the mechanisms of the mammalian immune system in defence and evasion of microorganisms, the diagnosis and monitoring of immunological disease or disorders, organ transplantation, and immunological techniques. Throughout the module, the learner will be provided with the skills and knowledge required to perform routine clinical immunology test procedures, and to recognise the importance in both the diagnosis and the management of patient care with due regard to safety, quality and sustainability.

1. Discuss the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of a selection of disorders investigated in the clinical immunology laboratory

2. Discuss the role of the clinical immunology laboratory in the context of patient care

3. Describe the instrumentation and associated technologies used in the clinical immunologylaboratory.

4. Perform a range of routine tests in clinical immunology laboratories with due regard to health and safety

5. Analyse, interpret and communicate patient results as appropriate for a clinical setting

The Medical Microbiology 1.1 module examines the role of pathogens in human disease. The course will emphasise the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and current laboratory methods for the diagnosis of microbial disease.

1. Discuss pathogens of medical importance in relation to: physiology, pathogenicity, culture, biochemical and serological characteristics.
2. Discuss current testing techniques and methodologies used in the clinical laboratory to diagnose infectious disease and antimicrobial susceptibility.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control, surveillance and appropriate response to infection outbreaks.
4. Competently perform a range of routine microbiological tests appropriate to professional practice.

5. Critically analyse, interpret and communicate patient results as appropriate for a clinical setting.

6. Demonstrate a knowledge of and apply principles of safety and quality assurance in medical microbiology.

In this module the learner is introduced to Cellular Pathology; they are provided with the skills and knowledge required to perform routine cellular pathology test procedures and to recognise normal and pathological features in tissue and cells. The module introduces the learner to specialised techniques used in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease. There is a strong focus on sustainability throughout the module delivery.

1. Discuss the role of the Cellular Pathology laboratory in the context of patient care.

2. Demonstrate knowledge ofthe structure and function of normal cells and tissues, growth and disorder, and tumour pathogenesis.

3. Discuss the role and application of the diagnostic tools used in the practice of cellular pathology (histology, cytology & molecular pathology).

4. Perform a range of laboratory procedures appropriate to professional practice with due regard for quality and safety.

5. Analyse, interpret and communicate patient results as appropriate for a clinical setting.

6. Demonstrate a knowledge of and apply principles of safety and quality in the cellular pathology laboratory.

Transfusion Science involves the study of the immunology of blood and includes the principles and practices of blood banking. Students will learn about the major blood group systems and the testing that is required prior to the transfusion of blood. The clinical aspects of transfusion medicine will also be studied. Particular emphasis will be placed on basic concepts, practical competence, interpretation and communication of results, safety aspects and quality management.

1. Explain the major theoretical principles that form the foundations of immunohaematology.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of blood and blood product provision including procedures for donation, collection and processing of blood and blood components.

3. Competently perform routine serological tests and be able to identify and resolve anomalies and incompatibilities in transfusion practise.

4. Analyse, interpret and be able to communicate results as appropriate for a clinical setting.

5. Discuss the aetiology and serological investigation of adverse outcomes of transfusion and HDFN.

6. Apply knowledge of quality, safety and regulation in the transfusion laboratory.

This module will introduce students to the principles of Quality Management including Health and Safety in the clinical laboratory.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical and practice boundaries of the medical science profession.

2. Discuss the relevant national and international quality standards pertaining to the medical science profession.

3. Appraise how a quality management system applies to the clinical laboratory service.

4. Evaluate current Health and Safety regulations, and have knowledge of the relevant biological, chemical and physical hazard groups and associated risk containment.

In this module, the learner is introduced to Clinical Chemistry; they are provided with the skills and knowledge required to perform routine clinical chemistry test procedures, to recognise the value of Clinical Chemistry results in both the diagnosis and the management of patient care. This module also introduces the learner to the mechanisms of selected metabolic disorders.

1. Discuss the role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in the context of patient care

2. Describe the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of a selection of disorders investigated in the clinical chemistry laboratory

3. Perform a range of routine clinical chemistry tests appropriate to professional practice

4. Critically analyse, interpret and communicate patient results as appropriate for a clinical setting

5. Discuss the role of instrumentation in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory and the underlying principles of the technologies in use.

6. Demonstrate a knowledge of and apply principles of safety and quality in the clinical chemistry laboratory

Haematology is the study of blood and the diseases associated with blood cells and the organs involved in forming blood. The areas that will be studied in detail in this module include the malignant and benign conditions that affect blood cells and the tests that are used in the diagnosis of disease states. This module will also include a study of the cellular and soluble factors that are present in the blood that help to maintain blood in the fluid state and that prevent excess blood loss following injury. Throughout the module emphasis will be placed on safety legislation and safe practices in the haematology laboratory.

1. Discuss the role of the haematology laboratory in the context of patient care.

2. Explain the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of a selection of disorders investigated in the haematology laboratory.

3. Perform a range of routine haematology tests appropriate to professional practice.

4. Analyse, interpret and communicate patient results as appropriate for a clinical setting.

5. Discuss theinstrumentation and associated technologies used in the haematology laboratory.

6. Demonstrate a knowledge of and apply principles of safety and quality in the haematology laboratory.