Study Guide

Objectives

The objective of the course is to learn key mathematical, chemical, and physical calculations and phenomena related to clinical laboratory work.

After completion of the course, the student:
• understands the mathematical notations and calculations used in the clinical laboratory and is able to perform simple calculations related to them.
• understands fundamental concepts of general chemistry and is able to perform simple calculations related to them.
• understands key basic concepts of physics related to clinical laboratory work.

Content

• Powers of ten
• Unit conversions (including concentration units)
• Linear equations
• Proportion
• Percentage calculations
• Graphs (especially linear: slope and intercept)
• Logarithm
• Definition and scope of chemistry
• Periodic table
• Major types of chemical bonds
• Amount of substance
• Concentration, molarity, mass percentage, and volume percentage
• Dilution, dilution series, and dilution ratio
• Chemical reaction and stoichiometry
• Rate and equilibrium of chemical reactions
• Brönstedt’s acid-base definition
• The concept of pH
• The concepts of strong and weak acids
• Buffer solutions
• Quantum mechanics: electromagnetic waves and photons, absorption phenomenon, prism, lattice, laser
• Hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, capillary action, osmosis
• Different states of matter, phase transitions, expansion, and contraction
• Optics: reflection and refraction, principle of a microscope

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student can calculate the necessary calculations for preparing a solution, perform unit conversions (excluding concentration conversions), solve proportions, and define key terms within the content.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

In addition to the previous criteria, the student can determine the slope of a fitted straight line, perform unit conversions with concentration measures, and explain how key physicochemical phenomena operate.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

In addition to the previous criteria, the student can comprehensively respond to theoretical questions.