Unit Outline

This unit will introduce you to the fundamental theoretical and practical concepts and principles of histology. The unit provides you with an in-depth study of histological methodologies including fixation, decalcification, processing and section cutting of normal tissues and techniques to stain specific structures. The normal structure of biological tissues and organs at the microscopic level is studied. You will develop microscopy skills in the practicals to allow critical analysis of prepared sections and thus define normal structure of tissues and organs. The unit also gives you the opportunity to develop and practice your communication skills in written, diagrammatic and oral contexts, face to face and on-line.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Explain histological techniques and principles.
2.	Differentiate and describe the microscopic structures of various biological tissues and organs.
3.	Communicate scientific information using a variety of writing conventions and formats including annotated diagrams.
4.	Identify microscopic histological structures to determine tissue origin and basic function.
5.	Demonstrate and describe use of safe laboratory techniques and histological practices.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CZZ101 AND CZZ102

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Major alterations were made to the workbook assessment task following feedback from 2021. This included the removal of a significant amount of student drawing of antiated diagrams, and the addition of a in class competency quiz at the conclusion of the semester. No alterations have been made as a result of student feedback from 2022.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Quizzes	Week 2	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Theory of Staining Report	Week 9	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Practical Book	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes

Task Description:

Multiple choice quizzes – you will be required to complete a timed multiple-choice quiz at the completion of each module (total of 7). Questions will pertain to all content covered in face-to-face learning activities, or via online delivery, for that module and feedback is provided (summative and formative). Your 5 highest scoring quizzes will contribute to the final grade.

Task Length:

15 minutes per quiz

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe practical and theoretical histological techniques and principles.	LO1
2	Differentiate the microscopic structures of various biological tissues and organs and relate to basic functions.	LO2, LO3
3	Identify micrographs of histological structures and determine tissue origin and/or basic function	LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Theory of Staining Report

Task Description:

Theory of Staining Report - You will be required to submit a written assignment explaining the principles and applied practice of the routine Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. You should also include discussion of other staining methods, such as the Masson Trichrome.
You should also include a section on troubleshooting the common Haematoxylin and Eosin stain, which will draw on concepts established in the body of your essay. There will be a tutorial explaining this assignment in detail and providing guidance after completion of the Haematoxylin and Eosin staining practical session.
Please see MyLO for rubric.

Task Length:

1500 words (references and tables not included)

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the principles of Haematoxylin and Eosin stains including foundation stain theory.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Explain common alternative staining techniques and approaches in the context of stain theory.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Troubleshoot common Haematoxylin and Eosin staining issues within a laboratory context.	LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Practical Book

Task Description:

Practical Book - Throughout the semester you will be required complete written and diagrammatic exercises based on practical materials in a practical workbook. You will also be required to complete multiple practical and staining techniques which will form part of this assessment. There will be an opportunity for formal formative feedback mid semester, and informal formative feedback throughout semester.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify tissue and organ structures and histological features and produce annotated micrographs showing cellular, and tissue detail.	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Perform histological techniques and principles using safe laboratory techniques and record outcomes using scientific terminology.	LO1, LO5
3	Explain the relevance of different staining methods and troubleshoot outcomes as required.	LO1, LO2, LO5
4	Explain histological techniques and principles in written responses to short and long answer questions.	LO1
5	Adhere to academic conventions, including discipline specific terminology.	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Examination

Task Description:

This is a closed book paper-based exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge. You may take one A4 double sided or two A4 single sided handwritten or typed notes into the exam.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain theoretical knowledge of histological techniques and principles.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Differentiate the microscopic structures of various biological tissues and organs and relate to basic functions.	LO2
3	Adhere to academic conventions, including discipline specific terminology	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations 13th Edition By: Victor P. Eroschenko ISBN: 9781496316769