OVERVIEW

Teaching Elements of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Analysis in Nutritionist Practice focuses on the study and interpretation of the main diagnostic laboratory tests in nutrition.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main objective of the teaching is to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge for the evaluation and interpretation of the results of the main diagnostic laboratory investigations useful in the practice of the nutritionist. Both General Clinical Pathology and Special Clinical Pathology concepts will be addressed with reference to some of the main tests concerning different pathophysiological situations, with their main uses and meanings.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide students with knowledge of the main characteristics of clinical laboratory tests (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value) and the significance of some important laboratory tests in the practice of nutritionists. By the end of the teaching, in fact, students will have understood the principles and acquired the ability to interpret their meaning.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and general pathology are prerequisites of the course.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical face-to-face lectures (16 hours of coursework) on the topics covered in the syllabus.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

In case of a health emergency or weather alert, classes will be held according to University guidelines.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Hints of general clinical pathology: preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases; clinical use of laboratory data, clinical test performance, and predictivity

Normal pictures and major pathological changes with regard to:

CBC and leukocyte formula
plasma proteins
glucose and lipid profile
liver and biliary tract profile
vitamins
bone metabolism
thyroid metabolism
Gastro-panel

Gluten and lactose intolerance

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Handouts from the web classroom lectures will be provided.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester of current academic year.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination is conducted by means of an interview with the student on the topics covered by the Lecturer in class.

In the examination, the regulations regarding the mode of evaluation of students certified as DSA or other educational needs indicated by the University will be observed.

In the event of a medical emergency, examinations will be held according to University guidelines.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The learning assessment takes place through the final oral exam which aims to ascertain the actual acquisition by the student of the expected learning outcomes.

The student will be examined on the contents of one or more chapters covered in class, with questions aimed at assessing his/her learning and his/her ability to make connections between the topics covered.

For the final assessment, the following requirements will be assessed:

- level of knowledge of the topics covered in the questions

- ability to present and adopt appropriate specialist terminology

- ability to deal with the topics in a transversal and critical manner

- ability to connect the different topics covered in class.

The basic elements of the subject must be known for the examination to be considered sufficient.