Table 2 Themes, learning objectives and tasks included in integrated laboratory classes

Nervous System Block

6

Cerebrospinal fluid infection (CSF)

Biochemistry

• State the biochemical and microbiological tests used in CSF examination.

• Interpret the biochemical results of a CSF examination for three different cases.

Microbiology

• Practice reading laboratory reports and learn how to interpret findings and link their interpretation to case scenarios.

• Identify the possible infection responsible and justify their views.

• Demonstrate the ability to look into evidence to justify their views.

• Discuss further laboratory investigations needed.

• Discuss the scope of different biochemical, pathological, and microbiological tests used and significance of the results.

• Practice measurement of glucose level in a CSF sample and compare their readings.

• Learn key laboratory skills related to CSF examination.

Gastrointestinal and Haematology Block

2

Small intestine and the pancreas

Biochemistry

• State the biochemical tests used in assessment of patients with malabsorption (steatorrhoea).

• Interpret the biochemical results of reports for four different cases with pancreatic problems and malabsorption.

Pathology

• Practice reading laboratory reports and learn how to interpret findings and link their interpretation to case scenarios.

• Discuss further investigations needed.

Medical Education

• Demonstrate the ability to look into evidence to justify their views.

• Identify the possible cause responsible and justify their views.

Discuss the scope of different biochemical, and pathological tests used and significance of the results.

• Practice measurement of serum amylase and compare their readings.

• Learn key laboratory skills related to measurement of serum amylase.

Gastrointestinal and Haematology Block

4

Liver function tests

Biochemistry

• State the biochemical and microbiological tests used in assessing liver functions.

• Interpret the biochemical results of liver function tests for four different liver cases.

Pathology

• Practice reading laboratory reports and learn how to interpret findings and link their interpretation to case scenarios.

• Identify the possible infection/aetiology responsible and justify their views.

Microbiology

• Demonstrate the ability to look into evidence to justify their views.

• Discuss further laboratory investigations needed.

Medical Education

• Discuss the scope of different biochemical, pathological, and microbiological tests used in assessing liver functions and significance of the results.

• Practice measurement of serum bilirubin level and compare their readings.

• Learn key laboratory skills related to liver function tests.

Endocrine Block

4

Adrenal function

Biochemistry

• State the biochemical tests used in assessing adrenal function.

• Interpret the biochemical results of adrenal function tests for four different cases.

Pathology

• Practice reading laboratory reports and learn how to interpret findings and link their interpretation to case scenarios.

• Identify the possible aetiology responsible and justify their views.

• Demonstrate the ability to look into evidence to justify their views.

• Discuss further laboratory investigations needed.

• Discuss the scope of different biochemical, and pathological changes and significance of the results.

Practice measurement of serum cortisol level and compare their readings.

Learn key laboratory skills related to adrenal function tests.