Clinical Chemistry – Theory - Hong Kong Metropolitan University

SCI 8041NEF

Course Guide

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY – THEORY

SCI 8041NEF

Course Guide

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY – THEORY

Course Start Date

Spr 2026

Course Level

Postgraduate

Length in Terms

1 term

Credits

3

Language

English

Fees ($) (including lab fees)

Details

Future Terms

Quota and Schedule

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
Spr 2026	Postgraduate	1 term	3	English	Details

Quota and Schedule

Course Coordinator:

Simon Fung Loi Mo, BASc (CSU); MSc, Dip (CUHK); MAACB, FIBMS (UK); MB (ASCPi); Reg. MLT Part I (HK)

Course Developer:

Simon Fung Loi Mo

Advisory Prerequisite(s)

SCI 8030NEF, SCI 8032NEF

Aims

This course provides insights and understanding of the theory of clinical chemistry, especially for students in the Medical Laboratory Science programme. Through this course, students will acquire the knowledge to develop and evaluate analytical techniques for assessing body fluids obtained in both normal and abnormal conditions. Students will learn disease correlations, problem-solving, quality assurance and cost-effectiveness of tests to be conducted.

Contents

Topic 1: Basic concepts and techniques in chemical pathology

Specimen collection and handling in the chemical pathology laboratory
Use of general equipment in the chemical pathology laboratory
Concepts of quantitative measurement
Basic laboratory mathematics and statistics

Topic 2. Quality control

Concepts of result data variability and test accuracy
Quality control rules and charts for quality monitoring
Types and sources of errors
Quality assurance programme, laboratory accreditation and professional authorities

Topic 3. Concepts of biomarker testing

Analytical and clinical aspects of biomarkers
Concept of use of biomarkers
Detection, analysis and interpretation of biomarkers
Clinicopathological correlations of biomarkers
Methods of biomarkers measurement
Common and advanced technologies/techniques used
Types of automated equipment
Point of Care Testing (POCT)

Topic 4. Theory and laboratory measurement of biomarkers for diseases/disorders investigation

Water, electrolyte and acid-base balance
Routine urinalysis, renal function tests and bone health
Liver function tests, inflammation and paraproteinaemia
Cardiovascular risk assessment
Gastrointestinal disorders and glucose tolerance investigation
Endocrine diseases investigation
Toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring
Maternal and foetal/neonatal health, inborn errors of metabolism
Nutritional assessment, oncology markers and other body fluids analysis

Learning support

Three-hour lectures and one-hour tutorial sessions are adopted for each week. The lectures cover theoretical knowledge and techniques relevant to clinical chemistry diagnostic laboratory. The tutorials are designed to be interactive and supplemented with online activities and use of multimedia.

Lecture
Lectures provide students with theoretical knowledge that serves as a foundation for applying theories and techniques in clinical laboratory settings.

Tutorial
Tutorials are designed to be interactive, using online activities featuring with interactive multimedia and through face-to-face tutorials. Online activities include exercises that help students to recognise, understand and memorise the knowledge taught in the lectures. Face-to-face tutorials further enhance the learning experience of the students and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Assessment

Course assessment includes continuous assessment and a final examination. Overall Continuous Assessment Score (OCAS) includes written assignment, group project and a mid-term test.

Written assignment
Written assignments are employed to evaluate students’ comprehension of theoretical knowledge, enabling them to reflect and identify areas for improvement in their study of this course. Various topics related to current analyte measurement methodologies and disease diagnostic investigations will be assigned. This approach cultivates students' ability to explore and interpret information pertinent to disease workup and routine laboratory practice.
Mid-term test
Students will undertake a one-hour mid-term test that covers topics 1 to 3 in the middle of the term.
Group project
Group project with individual assessment evaluates students' learning by tackling relevant problems. It guides students towards self-directed learning behaviour to search for information and knowledge on answers to a proposed assumption.
Written examination
Students will undertake a three-hour closed-book written examination at the end of the term. The examination will cover all the topics learnt during the course.

Set book(s)

There are no set books for this course. Major references will be used instead. Instructor will provide lecture notes and other necessary learning materials.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs

In accordance with HKMU policies and guidelines