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. This unit is co-taught with a related unit to students in the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, and although you will be provided with similar knowledge and laboratory skills as these students, you will also undertake additional learning activities and assessment. This is necessary for you to develop and demonstrate the higher level investigatory and communication skills to satisfy the Australian Qualification Framework level 9 requirements of a Master’s degree

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.	Research and collate current industry standards and requirements to develop a professional level procedural document specific to diagnostic histology.
4.	Communicate scientific information using a variety of writing conventions and formats including annotated diagrams.
5.	Identify microscopic histological structures to determine tissue origin and basic function.
6.	Demonstrate use of safe laboratory techniques and practices.

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 animated diagrams, and the addition of a in class competency quiz at the conclusion of the semester. In addition to this in 2022 a new NATA based assessment task was introduced. 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:	Multiple choice quizzes	Week 2	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Workflow/Procedural project	Week 9	25 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Assessment Task 3:	Practical Book	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Assessment Task 4:	Final Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Multiple choice quizzes

Task Description:

Multiple choice quizzes – you will be required to complete a timed multiple-choice quiz at the completion of each sub module (total of 7). Questions will pertain to all content covered in face to face learning activities, or via online delivery, for that module. 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, LO4
3	Identify micrographs of histological structures and determine tissue origin and/or basic function	LO2, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 2: Workflow/Procedural project

Task Description:

Workflow/Procedural project.
The document ‘Competency-based Standards for Medical Scientists’ outlines AIMS (the Australian Institute of medical Scientists) expectations for graduates working in a diagnostic pathology setting. These standards have been developed to reflect the entry level of a scientist to this profession and reflects a combination of qualifications, skills and the assumption of personal responsibilities and accountability. There are 6 core units of competency that are required by AIMS for all medical scientists, and the first of these is focussed on specimen reception, titled ‘Ensure the appropriateness of sample collection procedures.’ Using the ISOs (International Organization for Standardization) listed in the assessment handout, and other supporting documents, write a procedure for scientists to follow for the specimen reception of a histological sample adhering to the ISOs. The procedure should demonstrate the correct way to address the competencies under the Competency-based Standards for Medical Scientists heading UNIT 1 in the assessment handout.
You will be provided with additional tuition as a master’s cohort as learning activities to assist you with this project.
Please see MyLO for rubric.

Task Length:

1250 words

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply practical and theoretical histology knowledge to prepare a succinct procedural document	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
2	Adhere to the ISO guidelines.	LO3, LO4
3	Define and provide appropriate methods to address relevant nonconformances.	LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
4	Adhere to academic conventions, including discipline specific terminology using appropriate supporting evidence.	LO3, LO4

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:

Completion of lab book

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, LO2, LO4
2	Perform histological techniques and principles using safe laboratory techniques and record outcomes using scientific terminology.	LO1, LO3, LO6
3	Explain the relevance of different staining methods and troubleshoot outcomes as required.	LO1, LO2, LO6
4	Adhere to academic conventions, including discipline specific terminology.	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Final Exam

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, LO4, LO5
2	Identify and differentiate the microscopic structures of various biological tissues and organs and relate these to basic functions	LO2
3	Adhere to academic conventions, including discipline specific terminology	LO4

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.