Gynecological Cytology, 5 credits

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science of 180 hp credits from education with Specialization Laboratory Medicine or the equivalent. Or completed biomedical laboratory science education with Specialization Laboratory Medicine and Degree of Bachelor in biomedical laboratory science. In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6.

The general aim of the course is that the student should develop advanced knowledge of and ability to assess the morphology at normal conditions and non-malignant diseases in gynaecological cytology.

To pass the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Integrate knowledge of the normal functions of the female reproductive organs before, during and after the woman's fertile age with its cell morphology
• Relate endocrine conditions, infections and early morphological changes to precancerous lesions in gynaecological cytology
• Analyse mechanisms behind virally induced carcinogenesis and discuss its connection to cervical cancer, the policy and practice in Sweden of the screening as well as those of other countries
• Reflect about gynaecological cytology based on equal opportunity perspective

Skills and abilities

• Assess the representativeness of the sample material in relation to the pre-analytical and analytical process
• Identify infections in gynaecological cytology samples and their effect on the cell morphology
• Assess endocrine conditions and explain the relation between endocrine status and cell populations in gynaecological cytology samples
• Discuss relevant issues in gynaecological cytology orally and in writing

Values and perspectives

• Show ethical attitude at sample handling
• Evaluate screening programs based on a community perspective

The course deals with the embryology, anatomy, endocrinology and physiology of the female reproductive organs. The course includes sampling techniques and the diagnostic criteria that are used and the socio-economic and epidemiological factors that concern such studies. The practical parts will focus on developing the ability to diagnose endocrine changes and infections in cell samples from clinical materials by means of microscopy.

In this part, theory and practice are integrated. The theory constitutes a basis to through microscopy of already assessed samples and new not assessed clinical material develop the student's ability to analyse and diagnose infections and endocrine status.

The component contains both theory and applied parts where the student through microscopy of already assessed preparations and new, previously not assessed clinical material develops the ability to analyse and diagnose infections, endocrine status and early morphological changes that indicate cervical precancer in gynaecological cytological samples.

In the course, different educational methods are used, which for example include lectures, microscopy, group assignments, seminars, participant presentations and laboratory sessions. The student recovers compulsory components (interactive components as demonstrations or discussion seminars) in case of absence, as agreed with Course Coordinator.

Component 1 is assessed through a practical test and written examination.
Component 2 is assessed through a practical test and written assignment.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. If the student has carried out 6 failed examinations/tests no additional occasion will be given. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in is not counted as an examination.

The examiner assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

The course will be  offered for the last time in the autumn semester of 2022 and will then be cancelled. Examination will be provided until the sprina of 2024 for students who have not completed the course. Information about the date of examination will be provided on the coursewebb.

A course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.