The Professional Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Analysis

July 2009

Curriculum for

the Professional Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Analysis

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This curriculum has been drawn up pursuant to ministerial order no. 652 of 29 June 2009 concerning the Professional Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Analysis and forms part of the overall rules governing the programme.

In the event of any discrepancy between the curriculum and the general rules for the programme, the general rule will apply.

The curriculum was approved by the Ministry of Education, 23 July 2009, cf. ref. no. 159.924.021.

The objectives of the curriculum are:

-to take into account developments in the healthcare and educational fields – specifically, to incorporate thinking about the future of biomedical laboratory analysis, as well as biomedical laboratory technologists’ qualifications - knowledge, skills and competences

-to assure the quality of the programme by means of consistent and uniform application of the requirements and expectations contained in the ministerial order

-to create frameworks for inter-institutional knowledge-sharing and the enhancement of the Professional Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Analysis.

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Table of Contents

1Objectives...... 5

2Programme profile…………………...... 6

2.1The work of the biomedical laboratory technologist……………………………………6

2.2Knowledge base and methodology……………………………………………...... 6

2.3The academic basis for the programme………………………………………………..7

3Structure and organisation of the programme...... 8

3.1ECTS credits – European Credit Transfer System...... 9

3.2Subjects and where they fit into in the programme...... 10

4Modules...... 11

4.1Module 1 – Practical Bioanalysis...... 11

4.2Module 2 – Basic human biology and bioanalysis...... 13

4.3Module 3 – Basic biochemistry and bioanalysis...... 15

4.4Module 4 – Bioanalytical quality assurance...... 17

4.5Module 5 – Interdisciplinary teamwork ...... 19

4.6Module 6 – Advanced human biology and bioanalysis...... 21

4.7Module 7 – Advanced biochemistry and bioanalysis...... 23

4.8Module 8 – Molecular-biology and genetic analyses...... 25

4.9Module 9 – Biomedical laboratory analysis in an interdisciplinary perspective....27

4.10Module 10 – Immunochemical analyses...... 29

4.11Module 11 – Clinical module...... 31

4.12Module 12 – Bioanalytical development and quality assurance...... 34

4.13Module 13 – Elective Module:

Knowledge of bioanalytical practice, development and research...... 36

4.14Module 14 – Professional Bachelor Project...... 38

5Types of classes and ways of working...... 40

5.1Theory classes...... 40

5.2Clinical training...... 40

5.3Information technology (IT)...... 41

5.4Academic supervision...... 41

5.5Student guidance...... 42

6Co-operation between the educational institution and clinical training sites...... 42

7Criteria for approval of clinical training sites...... 43

8Study plans...... 44

9International educational opportunities...... 45

10Tests and assessments...... 45

10.1List of assessments during the programme...... 45

10.2Guidelines for assessments...... 46

10.3Special test conditions...... 47

11Compulsory participation...... 47

12Credit(s)...... 47

13Exemption...... 47

1Objectives

The objective of the Professional Bachelor Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Analysis is to qualify graduates to work independently as biomedical laboratory technologists and to play their part in professional and interdisciplinary teams.

In line with social, scientific and technological trends, as well as society’s needs for biomedical analyses, graduates of the programme also possess wide-ranging knowledge of the whole field of bioanalysis.

On successful completion of the programme, students will be capable of:

• understanding theory and methodology in relation to professional, ethical, working-environment and organisational conditions, and combining this with bioanalytical skills in relation to the planning, development, conducting, documentation, quality assurance and quality control of biomedical analyses
• communicating the profession’s technical and practical problems and solutions
• evaluating theoretical and practical problems, including in relation to the implementation of technologies and methodologies, and justifying the actions and solutions chosen
• working with patients, relatives, colleagues and other professionals in a manner that is respectfulof the individual’s ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic background
• enhancing their own knowledge, competences and skills in relation to biomedicine; innovating and applying existing knowledge in new contexts; and observing, applying and participating in research and development in the field of biomedicine
• continuing theoretical and clinical higher education.

Graduates are entitled to use the title Professional Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Analysis. Graduates are authorised pursuant to the Act on Authorisation of Healthcare Professionals and of Professional Healthcare Activity.

Graduates are qualified to work as biomedical laboratory technologists independently, with precision and with an awareness of quality, as well as to continue their higher education at Master’s level.

2Programme profile

The Biomedical Laboratory Analysis Programme is profession- and development-based.

Profession-based means that the programme has a professional focus, i.e. it is oriented towards practice in the profession, as well as current developments and changes within the analysis and laboratory-technology area in general, and the health service in particular.

Development-based entails a focus on experimental, developmental and research work that illustrates current developments and the need for them within the analysis and laboratory-technology area in general, and in the health service in particular.

The programme is grounded in knowledge of relevant areas of research and development. The programme conveys and develops knowledge about the profession’s values, theories, methods and conditions. The programme’s academic standards are based upon well-documented practice and on experimental, developmental and research work that reflects current trends both in the analysis and laboratory technical area and in the function and priorities of the health service. This is ensured by keeping the programme profession- and development-based, and working with employers, research institutions and other stakeholders.

National and international research is incorporated into the programme and helps to qualify professional bioanalysis in practice. The programme develops and conveys science-theoretical understanding and research-methodology insights at Bachelor level.

The programme is organised in such a way that professional, academic and innovative qualifications are developed through dynamic interplay between theory and practice.

2.1The work of the biomedical laboratory technologist

As per the programme objectives, biomedical laboratory technologists analyse biological material to prevent, examine and treat human diseases.

They possess the knowledge, skills and competences to handle biological materials in a professional manner; to evaluate and develop methodologies and quality; and, in particular, to analyse, detect, critically evaluate and disseminate the results (including deviations).

They also possess the social and cultural knowledge, skills and competences to solve complex problems and to operate in organisations in a constant state of change.

They are capable of communicating about, managing and developing their profession both independently and as team members.

They also adopt active positions on, and relate in a critical fashion to, new technologies and new methods of treatment, and contribute to efficient, patient-based working procedures.

The work of the biomedical laboratory technologist involves people of all age groups throughout the health service.

2.2Knowledge base and methodology

Knowledge prerequisites for biomedical laboratory technologists include the science and health basis around which the subject revolves, i.e. concepts, theories, methodologies, systematic thinking, problem-solving and quality assurance.

Other prerequisites include research- and development-based knowledge relating to bioanalysis, e.g. on the development of methodologies and models for clinical evaluation, intervention and documentation, including the implementation of national and international quality-enhancement and -assurance programmes. Other prerequisites include systematised reasoning with regard to ethical issues, recommendations, actions, and knowledge of and compliance with legal and administrative acts, ministerial orders, guidelines, etc.

2.3The academic basis for the programme

The academic basis for the programme rests on theoretical and clinical knowledge from the biomedical and laboratory-technology knowledge and experience area, in interaction with knowledge of the health-, natural- and social-sciences and the humanities.

The theory classes and clinical training aim to promote and support the students’ development of knowledge, skills and competences until they acquire the learning objectives expected of a graduate biomedical laboratory technologist.

The programme consists of the following courses:

Biomedical Laboratory Analysis 125 ECTS credits

Biomedical Laboratory Analysis equips students with the competences to conduct independent, responsible and well-reasoned analyses based on a biomedical knowledge base and associated concepts, theories and methods that help to describe, analyse and evaluate the problems, phenomena and contexts graduates will encounter in their professional lives. Graduates must be able to work independently and responsibly within the areas covered by bioanalysis, including carrying out development work and participating in research.

This subject area helps students to develop the qualifications to describe, develop and evaluate methods of analysis in the field of biomedicine. Various principles of analysis are illustrated by immersion in exemplary methods of analysis, including the development and validation of these methods.

The subject also covers biomedicine, in which the emphasis – based on pathophysiology – is on correlations between diseases (or disease groups) and the results and importance of biomedical analyses to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The subject area covers:

Theory and skills related to general principles of analysis, and applied chemistry and physics, as well as the principles of analysis at bio-molecular, cell, tissue and organ level.

In order to qualify, work with and develop the exemplary analyses mentioned, applied statistics, quality assurance and enhancement, the working environment, safety and hygiene are also covered, along with biomedicine and core academic competences.

Natural and Health Sciences60 ECTS credits

Natural and Health Sciences helps students to acquire knowledge of human anatomy and biochemical and physiological processes, which serve as prerequisites for the ability to acquire the necessary qualifications in biomedical laboratory analysis. Students also develop the knowledge and competences to validate, assure the quality of and develop biomedical methods and principles of analysis.

The Health Sciences also teach students to evaluate the validity of the results of analyses in relation to an individual patient’s analysis profile. In addition, students develop qualifications in relation to the development and implementation of strategies for disease-prevention and health-promotion for various population groups.

The subject area covers:

Chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, histology, microbiology, statistics, physiology and anatomy, immunology, research methodology, public-health science, health science and quality.

Social Science20 ECTS credits

Social Science illustrates the position of the biomedical laboratory technologist within the health system, both in terms of organisation and responsibility, and develops the students’ ability to participate actively and constructively in debates about the health service, including about the development of their own profession. Students also learn to communicate directly and professionally with colleagues and other health professionals, as well as with donors, patients, relatives and others in the patient’s social network. In addition, the Social Science helps them to develop knowledge of science theory, particularly the ability to relate to humanities and social-science research methodologies and results.

The subject area covers:

Communications, social psychology, theory of science, study technique, research methodology, cultural understanding, co-operation and the organisation, funding and function of the health service.

Humanities 5 ECTS credits

Humanities helps students to develop the skills to analyse, understand and respect human values, culture, philosophies of life, living conditions, ideas, behaviour and reactions.

They develop the ability to reflect ethically on analysis-technology practice, and build up an ethical foundation that will form the basis of their dealings with the patient, relatives and others in the patient’s network.

The subject area covers:

Ethics and academic ethics

Clinical training and theory classes

The programme includes a theory classes corresponding to 135 ECTS credits and clinical training corresponding to 75 ECTS credits.

Theory is taught at the educational institution. The clinical training is provided by a medical-laboratory department approved by the institution.

3Structure and organisation of the programme

The programme is divided up into semesters and modules. Each academic year is divided up into two semesters. Each semester is divided up into two modules. A module is a separate programme unit designed to enable the students to develop broad academic qualifications. Modules include theoretical and clinical elements or a combination of the two.

The programme consists of 14 modules. Each module is prescribed to 15 ECTS credits, with the exception of module 13 (10 ECTS credits) and 14 (20 ECTS credits).

Modules 1–12 start in weeks 6, 17, 35 and 46

Module 13 starts in weeks 6 and 35, and module 14 in weeks 12 and 41.

The individual institutions publish the actual dates of commencement for the modules they run.

The academic progression of the programme is such that students are generally expected to take the modules in the suggested order.

Local conditions at institutions may allow for the following exceptions:

• Module 3 can be taken before module 2
• Module 7 can be taken before module 6
• Module 10 can be taken before module 8
• Module 11 can be taken before module 9

The website for each educational institution describes the degree of flexibility it is able to accommodate.

The programme modules reflect key themes in profession. The subject areas covered by the programme are incorporated into the modules so students learn about the aspects of the work of a biomedical laboratory technologist on which the module focuses. The content of the subjects thus also addresses developments and changes in the profession, the whole area of analysis and laboratory technology, and the health-care sector.

The programme progresses academically and methodologically from the simple to the complex.

3.1ECTS credits – European Credit Transfer System

The programme is prescribed to a total of 210 ECTS credits, which includes theory classes corresponding to 135 ECTS credits and clinical training corresponding to 75 ECTS credits.

A student full-time equivalent (FTE) corresponds to 60 ECTS credits. An FTE covers every aspect of study before, during and after participation in both theory classes and clinical training. In this context, study is defined as self-study, assignments, projects, exams, etc.

3.2Subjects and where they fit into in the programme

The allocation of ECTS credits per subject is shown in the table below:

Module / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / Total ECTS credits
General Principles of Analysis / 2
Applied Chemistry / 1.5 / 0.5 / 1.5
Applied Physics / 0,5 / 0,5 / 1
Analyses and Principles of Analysis at Bio-molecular, Cell, Tissue and Organ Level / 5.5 / 3 / 8.5 / 4 / 5.5 / 3.5 / 7
Biomedicine / 1.5 / 1 / 0.5 / 1.5 / 3 / 2 / 1
Applied Statistics / 1.5 / 3
Working Environment, Safety and Hygiene / 2 / 1 / 0.5
Quality Assurance and Enhancement / 1,5 / 0,5 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 1,5 / 9
Core Academic Competences / 6
Biomedical Laboratory Analysis Total / 10.5 / 8 / 6 / 10.5 / 6 / 7.5 / 9.5 / 7 / 9.5 / 9.5 / 10 / 12 / 7 / 12 / 125
Chemistry / 1.5 / 0.5 / 0.5 / 2.5
Physics / 1
Biochemistry / 2 / 0.5 / 2
Biology / 2 / 1 / 4
Histology / 2 / 1
Microbiology / 3 / 1
Statistics / 1.5 / 0.5 / 1
Physiology and Anatomy / 3 / 2.5
Immunology / 0.5 / 4.5
Research Methodology
Public Health Science / 3 / 1.5
Health Science and quality / 1
Natural and Health Sciences Total / 0 / 7 / 8.5 / 1.5 / 3 / 6 / 5.5 / 5.5 / 3.5 / 5.5 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 7 / 60
Communications and Social Psychology / 1 / 1 / 1 / 1
Theory of Science, Study Techniques and Research Methodology / 1.5 / 0.5 / 1 / 0.5
Cultural Understanding and Co-operation / 1.5 / 0.5
The Organisation, Funding and Function of the Health Service / 3 / 0.5 / 1 / 1.5
Social Sciences Total / 4 / 0 / 0.5 / 1.5 / 5 / 1.5 / 0 / 1 / 2 / 0 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 0.5 / 20
Ethics / 1 / 1 / 1.5
Academic Ethics / 0.5 / 0.5
Humanities Total / 0.5 / 0 / 0 / 1.5 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1.5 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0.5 / 5
Module Total / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 10 / 20 / 210
Of which theory classes Total / 7.5 / 15 / 15 / 3 / 12 / 10.5 / 9 / 15 / 15 / 9 / 2 / 6 / 1 / 15 / 135
Of which clinical training Total / 7.5 / 0 / 0 / 12 / 3 / 4.5 / 6 / 0 / 0 / 6 / 13 / 9 / 9 / 5 / 75
Compulsory module
Interdisciplinary module
Elective modules
Bachelor

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4 Modules

4.1Module 1 – Practical Bioanalysis

Theme

The module consists of a broad introduction to the programme and profession. Based on the types of problem and domains with which the profession works, the module serves as an introduction to the programme and to professional practice. It also introduces basic study techniques and concepts of quality.

Objectives

The purpose of this module is to provide students with insight into the profession’s distinctive features. Students expand their knowledge of the natural and health sciences and learn basic laboratory skills. They are introduced to the different types of test material that underpin medical-laboratory analyses, which includes developing an understanding of safety and ethical issues associated with the use and storage of such material.Finally, students are introduced to thinking about quality in all processes involved in medical-laboratory work, from taking samples to analysing results.

Learning objectives

On successful completion of the module, students will have achieved the following learning objectives:

• knowledge of selected exemplary laboratory analyses that illustrate the breadth of the profession
• knowledge of the working environment, security, hygiene, environmental considerations and professional ethics in relation to handling biological materials, chemicals and reagents
• knowledge of selected natural-science subject areas, which the student is able to apply in relation to selected bioanalytical and laboratory-technology work, including quality assurance
• knowledge of selected analyses’ relevance to health and disease
• knowledge of the profession’s development and position, enabling them, on a general level, to describe the profession in relation to health and patient care
• knowledge of ethics and basic communication theories, enabling them to recognise and draw upon these during contact with patients and donors, and well as other selected areas of bioanalysis

• knowledge of how to operate, with a degree of independence, basic laboratory-technical equipment, including microscopes, pipettes, scales and centrifuges
• knowledge of how to perform selected bio-medical analyses, via demonstration and under supervision
• knowledge of handling, with a certain degree of independence, biological materials, chemicals and reagents in a responsible manner that takes into account environmental and ethical considerations, the working environment, safety and hygiene

• knowledge of basic study techniques
• general competence to enter into collaboration with fellow students and future colleagues in a culturally diverse working environment.

Allocation of subjects and ECTS credits