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MELS208 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology

An introduction to diagnostic pathology, which examines professional, cultural and ethical issues and includes modules on microbiology and immunology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, transfusion science, histology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genetics.

MELS 208 provides an introduction to the profession of Medical Laboratory Science through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. In this paper you will begin to develop a sense of professional identity as you explore the role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist in patient health care. You will acquire new theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills. You will learn about the scientific principles underlying diagnostic laboratory tests and also how the tests are applied in selected patient diagnoses. Bioethics and cultural competence, with special reference to the Treaty of Waitangi, are important aspects of becoming a professional Medical Laboratory Scientist and are included in the paper.

Paper title Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology
Paper code MELS208
Subject Medical Laboratory Science
EFTS 0.3565
Points 45 points
Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $3,135.77
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Restriction
MELS 207, MELS 221
Limited to
BMLSc
Eligibility

For students enrolled in the second year of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree.

Contact
admin.mlsc@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Paper Convener: Dr Braeden Donaldson
Dr Judith Bateup
Mandy Fisher
Cat Ronayne

Paper Structure

The paper consists of a series of modules reflecting the different sub-disciplines of medical laboratory science along with general aspects of practice.

Module topics are:

  • medical microbiology
  • virology and immunology
  • medical laboratory practice
  • diagnostic chemical pathology
  • histopathology
  • diagnostic haematology
  • transfusion science
  • molecular diagnostics
Teaching Arrangements

This paper is taught via lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions.

Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Critical thinking, Information literacy, Ethics, Self-motivation, Teamwork, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
  • Through exposure to the diagnostic laboratory environment and the type of work involved in the practice of laboratory medicine, students will develop a sense of professional identity, appropriate attitudes and ethical awareness.
  • Each module will provide a solid foundation for the third-year, discipline-specific papers.
  • The style of teaching encourages self-directed learning, collaboration and communication with peers, staff and health professionals.

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Timetable

Full Year

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Computer Lab

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Friday 16:00-16:50 21, 30, 34

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-14, 16-18, 31-34, 36-40
Monday 14:00-14:50 28
Tuesday 10:00-10:50 28-34, 36-40
Wednesday 10:00-10:50 28, 31-33, 36
Wednesday 11:00-11:50 9-10, 14
Wednesday 14:00-14:50 29
Thursday 10:00-10:50 28-29, 36-38
Friday 11:00-11:50 9
AND
C1 Wednesday 11:00-11:50 11-13, 17-18
AND
E1 Friday 11:00-11:50 11, 13, 17

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 10:00-11:50 20-21
Wednesday 14:00-15:50 28
Thursday 09:00-09:50 18
Thursday 09:00-12:50 11, 13, 16
Thursday 10:00-12:50 21
Thursday 14:00-15:50 29-30
Friday 10:00-11:50 20-21
Friday 14:00-16:50 40
AND one stream from
B1 Monday 14:00-15:50 29
Tuesday 14:00-15:50 16, 20
Wednesday 14:00-15:50 31-34, 36-40
Friday 14:00-15:50 16, 19
Friday 14:00-16:50 29, 32-33, 37-39
B2 Monday 14:00-15:50 29
Tuesday 14:00-15:50 16
Tuesday 16:00-17:50 20
Wednesday 14:00-15:50 31-34, 36-40
Friday 14:00-15:50 16, 19
Friday 14:00-16:50 29, 32-33, 37-39
B3 Monday 14:00-16:50 30, 33-34, 38-40
Monday 16:00-17:50 29
Tuesday 14:00-15:50 21
Tuesday 16:00-17:50 16
Thursday 14:00-15:50 31-34, 36-40
Friday 16:00-17:50 16, 19
B4 Monday 14:00-16:50 30, 33-34, 38-40
Monday 16:00-17:50 29
Tuesday 16:00-17:50 16, 21
Thursday 14:00-15:50 31-34, 36-40
Friday 16:00-17:50 16, 19
AND one stream from
C1 Thursday 10:00-12:50 9
C2 Tuesday 14:00-16:50 10
C3 Thursday 10:00-12:50 10