Cell Biology, Cell Morphology and CytologyLaajuus (15 ECTS)

Objective

Students explain the structures and functions of cells, adhesion of cells to their surroundings, intercellular communication, events relating to the cell life cycle and the properties of a cancer cell.
Students explain the formation, mobility, functions and tests of blood cells and their manifestations in different bodily fluids. They describe sampling of aspirates and preparation of bone marrow smears. Students
-use microscopes and recognise and sort blood, urine and aspirate cells and particles to a high quality standard using different methods and describe related anomalous findings
- recognise the significance of cytological diagnostics of diseases and to treatment of patients
-different cell types based on histological cell morphology and can distinguish between normal and atypical cells in key sample types according to the criteria of malignancy
-justify the significance of clinical cytology tests to treating patients, diagnosing diseases and monitoring treatment
-are familiar with the basic cytological tests and their indications, know how to perform these tests and understand the role of different working phases as part of high-quality treatment

Content

Cell components and general characteristics of cell functions; the cell cycle, cell growth, cell differentiation and its regulation; extracellular matrix and cell adhesion and cell death.
Formation, tasks, mobility and functions of blood cells in circulation and other bodily fluids. Factors relating to aspirate sampling and preparation of bone marrow smears. Preparation and staining of blood, urine and aspirate samples for microscopic examination. Recognition and sorting of cells using microscopes and cell counters (staining and cytometry in a chamber and using automated equipment).
Sampling techniques, cytological preparation techniques, basic staining techniques; normal morphology of key cell types and identification of typical cell findings; criteria of malignancy

Qualifications

Prerequisites:
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology; Safety culture in health care, Basic Methods in Laboratory Work, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

See a separate framework for evaluation. When evaluating the competences, the evaluation criteria for novice/beginner, competent/intermediate level and expert are used.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Approved - fail. See evaluation guide enclosed.