Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Perform analytical testing of basic chemistry analytes: glucose, enzymes, proteins, and hormones.

2. Interpret laboratory results and correlate data with disease states.

This online course is delivered through lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, web-based instructional media, and other educationally sound practices. Hands-on laboratory content will be learned through on-the-job training, with classroom instruction focusing on the theoretical background necessary to perform laboratory tasks. There is no laboratory component in this course.

Assessment methods may include written examinations, homework assignments, quizzes, and discussion activities. Evaluation will focus on students’ understanding of theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, and comprehension of clinical laboratory protocols, safety regulations, and quality assurance measures. Practical lab skills will be assessed during on-the-job training, rather than in the classroom.

Course Themes:

1. Carbohydrates

2. Glucose metabolism and regulation

3. Diseases associated with glucose metabolism

4. Metabolic relationships

5. Laboratory procedures for glucose analysis

6. Enzymology

7. Enzyme structure and function

8. Enzymes and their associated tissues

9. Diseases and conditions detected and monitored by circulating enzymes

10. Laboratory methodologies for enzyme measurement

11. Enzyme role in laboratory analysis of other analytes

12. Liver Function

13. Etiology and pathophysiology of hepatitis and other liver diseases

14. Liver function panel

15. Bilirubin, pathophysiology and laboratory testing

16. Endocrinology

17. Hormones, pathophysiology and laboratory testing of the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands

18. Proteins

19. Protein structure and function

20. Laboratory methods for protein measurement and differentiation

21. Correlation of various diseases and conditions with protein values

22. Protein Electrophoresis

23. Principles and application of serum electrophoresis

24. Normal and abnormal serum electrophoresis patterns

25. Cardiac Markers

26. Etiology and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis

27. Laboratory tests associated with myocardial infarction diagnosis and risk assessment of cardiac vascular disease

Course Skills:

Cognitive Skills:

• Explain chemistry theory supporting test principles

• Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about clinical chemistry test results 

• Predict expected results

• Draw appropriate conclusions based on test results

Performance and Professional Skills:

• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and professionalism through classroom participation and discussions.

• Engage with course materials independently, showing motivation and commitment to learning.

Safety Awareness Skills:

• Recognize laboratory safety equipment and proper usage.

• Understand the importance of safety measures in preventing accidents and exposure to pathogens.