Molecular pathology integration and delivery in an innovative Medical Laboratory Science course

The Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology) is an Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) accredited degree that has been taught at Charles Sturt University since 1987 (with constant review and modifications).
With the increasing use of genetic testing in pathology laboratories a ‘Molecular Pathology’ subject was added as a capstone during a course review in 2012. Over the years, student feedback on this subject focussed on students ‘feeling unprepared for the complexity of the content’, and ‘struggling with the amount of information’. Students were positive about the extensive literature review assessment, including the ethics component, which they thought brought the subject together and improved their understanding of the complexity of molecular pathology.
In 2018 a scheduled course review provided the opportunity to innovate course delivery and achieve better integration and scaffolding of Molecular Pathology throughout the course. This was achieved by composing a list of Blooms taxonomy and applying it to strict scaffolding of knowledge and constructive alignment in learning outcomes and assessment between foundation subjects, and the development of a connected molecular and histopathology cluster.
Through the addition of a specialist textbook and linking connections between foundational knowledge focussed on human genetics and human biochemistry, students will be much more prepared for the complexities of Molecular Pathology. Linking Molecular Pathology to other pathology specialisations will ensure our graduates will be much more thoroughly prepared for the increasing use of genetic technology application in the pathology laboratory to support clinicians in the diagnostication, prognostication and treatment of disease.