Information
| Unit | FACULTY OF PHARMACY |
| PHARMACY PR. | |
| Code | ECS221 |
| Name | Blood Biochemistry |
| Term | 2026-2027 Academic Year |
| Semester | 3. Semester |
| Duration (T+A) | 2-0 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 2 ECTS |
| National Credit | 2 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Belirsiz |
| Type | Normal |
| Label | E Elective |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Doç. Dr. METİN YILDIRIM |
| Course Instructor |
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.
|
Course Goal / Objective
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge and competencies related to blood tissue, general properties of blood, blood collection methods, plasma proteins, coagulation, electrolytes and other organic compounds, their formation and normal values, blood pH and acid–base balance, erythrocyte structure, membrane and transport systems, hemoglobin structure and the transport of O₂ and CO₂, bilirubin and iron metabolism, vitamin B12 and folate, as well as hereditary blood disorders and their diagnostic methods.
Course Content
The Blood Biochemistry course provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, physiological properties, and clinical significance of blood; the course initially covers blood tissue and its cellular components (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets), as well as the general characteristics of blood, followed by blood collection methods, pre-analytical processes, and sample management to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory results; it then addresses plasma proteins, coagulation mechanisms, electrolyte balance, and the formation and reference values of organic compounds; blood pH and acid–base balance are evaluated together with buffer systems and blood gas analysis; the structure of erythrocytes, membrane properties, and transport systems, along with hemoglobin structure and the mechanisms of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, are discussed in detail; additionally, bilirubin and iron metabolism, as well as the biochemical roles of vitamin B12 and folate, are examined; finally, hereditary blood disorders (such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia) and their biochemical and genetic diagnostic methods are analyzed, aiming to equip students with the ability to interpret laboratory data in relation to clinical conditions.
Course Precondition
none
Resources
Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Harper’s Biochemistry Lecture notes and presentation materials provided by the instructor
Notes
Recent scientific articles (indexed in SCI/SCI-E journals) International databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science) Clinical guidelines and protocols E-books and open-access resources National and international conference proceedings Supplementary materials provided by the instructor
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Plazma Proteinleri, Koagülasyon, Elektrolit ve Diğer Organik Bileşikleri açıklar. |
| LO02 | Explains the structure of blood. |
| LO03 | Explains blood pH and acid–base balance. |
| LO04 | Explains erythrocyte structure, membrane and transport systems, hemoglobin structure, and the transport of O₂ and CO₂. |
| LO05 | Explains bilirubin metabolism, iron metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folate. |
| LO06 | Explains hereditary blood disorders and diagnostic methods. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Have sufficient knowledge in pharmaceutical field and develop the knowledge. | 5 |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Comprehends professional knowledge with ethical responsibility through current laws and legislation. | |
| PLO03 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Provides consultancy service to patients, community and health care personnel and evaluates advanced knowledge and skills with a critical approach. | |
| PLO04 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Possessing the knowledge of historical and current developments in the field of Pharmacy, monitoring, evaluation and application of scientific and evidence-based data, and adopting lifelong learning. | |
| PLO05 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Have the knowledge and skills to help provide patient-oriented pharmacy applications and individualized pharmaceutical care by learning the basics of Clinical Pharmacy, | 5 |
| PLO06 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Takes a role in the evaluation and analysis of the events and cases related to the development of pharmacy profession and education. | 5 |
| PLO07 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Integrates and develops professional knowledge via different disciplines and uses the acquired knowledge to improve the health level and quality of life of the community. | 5 |
| PLO08 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Use effectively the concepts and applications of basic sciences and basic medical sciences in the field of medicine and pharmacy and update the information. | |
| PLO09 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Communicates effectively in writing and speaking. | |
| PLO10 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Practices the profession in accordance with Atatürk's principles and reforms, equipped with universal knowledge, uses Turkish correctly and knows at least one foreign language. | |
| PLO11 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Be an example to society withexternal appearance, demeanor, attitude and behavior for the other professionals and society and with professional identity | |
| PLO12 | Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik | Have knowledge about health policies and health economics, pharmacy management and define the problems in pharmaceutical field. | |
| PLO13 | Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik | Interprets information about current health and treatment problems and attends meeting on related matters . Plays an active role in community health. | 5 |
| PLO14 | Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik | Acquires basic information about diseases, makes decisions about the drugs used in treatment in accordance with rational drug use. | 5 |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blood Tissue: Structure, Components, and Functional Properties | General definition of blood tissue and its role in the body Main components of blood: plasma and formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) Structure of erythrocytes and the function of hemoglobin Types of leukocytes and their roles in the immune system Role of platelets in the coagulation process Physiological functions of blood (transport, defense, homeostasis) | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım |
| 2 | General Properties of Blood: Evaluation of Physical, Chemical, and Physiological Parameters | Physical properties: Color, viscosity, density, and blood volume Chemical properties: pH (7.35–7.45), buffer systems (bicarbonate, phosphate, protein buffers), osmolarity Composition: Plasma (~55%) and formed elements (~45%) (hematocrit) Functions of blood: Transport (gases, nutrients, hormones) Defense (immune system) Homeostasis (temperature, pH, fluid balance) Clinical parameters: Hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, electrolytes | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım |
| 3 | Blood Collection Methods: Pre-Analytical Processes, Techniques, and Clinical Applications | Types of blood collection: Venous blood collection (venipuncture) Capillary blood sampling Arterial blood collection Venipuncture techniques: Vein selection, tourniquet use, antiseptic procedures, correct tube selection and order of draw Capillary sampling: Fingerstick / heel stick techniques and their applications Arterial sampling: Principles for blood gas analysis Pre-analytical factors: Fasting status, patient position, timing, tube type, risk of hemolysis Safety and ethical considerations: Infection control, biosafety precautions, patient identification Potential errors and complications: Hemolysis, clotting, incorrect tube usage, sample contamination | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım |
| 4 | Plasma Proteins: Structure, Functions, and Clinical Significance | Classification of plasma proteins: Albumin Globulins (α1, α2, β, γ) Fibrinogen Albumin: Synthesis (liver), regulation of oncotic pressure, transport functions (drugs, hormones, fatty acids) Globulins: α and β globulins: transport proteins (e.g., transferrin, lipoproteins) γ globulins: immunoglobulins and immune function Fibrinogen and coagulation: Role in the blood clotting process Functions of plasma proteins: Transport Defense (immune response) Homeostasis (oncotic pressure, pH buffering) Clinical significance: Hypoalbuminemia and its causes Acute phase proteins (e.g., CRP) Protein electrophoresis and diagnostic use | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma |
| 5 | Coagulation: Mechanisms of Hemostasis, Coagulation Cascade, and Clinical Evaluation | Stages of hemostasis: Primary hemostasis (platelet adhesion and aggregation) Secondary hemostasis (coagulation cascade) Fibrinolysis Coagulation cascade: Intrinsic pathway (Factors XII, XI, IX, VIII) Extrinsic pathway (Factor VII and tissue factor) Common pathway (Factors X, V, II [prothrombin], I [fibrinogen]) Role of platelets: Activation, adhesion, aggregation, and clot formation Coagulation factors: Liver synthesis, vitamin K–dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X) Anticoagulant systems: Antithrombin III, Protein C, and Protein S Fibrinolysis: Plasmin system and clot breakdown Laboratory tests: PT (prothrombin time), aPTT, INR, fibrinogen levels Clinical significance: Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) Thrombosis and embolism Anticoagulant drugs (heparin, warfarin) | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma |
| 6 | Electrolytes and Other Organic Compounds: Formation, Functions, and Normal Reference Values | Electrolytes: Sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻) Calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), phosphate (PO₄³⁻) Distribution (intracellular / extracellular) Formation and regulation of electrolytes: Role of kidneys, hormones (aldosterone, ADH), and acid–base balance Functions of electrolytes: Nerve impulse transmission Muscle contraction Osmotic balance and fluid distribution Other organic compounds: Glucose Urea Creatinine Lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) Enzymes Metabolic pathways: Relationship with carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism Normal reference values (general ranges): Na⁺: 135–145 mmol/L K⁺: 3.5–5.0 mmol/L Ca²⁺: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL Fasting glucose: 70–100 mg/dL Creatinine: 0.6–1.3 mg/dL Clinical significance: Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypo/hypernatremia, hypokalemia) Kidney function tests Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes) | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma |
| 7 | Blood pH and Acid–Base Balance: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Clinical Interpretation | Review of basic concepts of acids and bases, definition of pH, principles of buffer systems, CO₂–HCO₃⁻ relationship, roles of the lungs and kidneys in acid–base balance, and an introduction to blood gas analysis (pH, pCO₂, HCO₃⁻). | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
|
| 9 | Eritrosit Yapısı, Membran ve Transport Sistemleri | Eritrosit Yapısı, Membran ve Transport Sistemleri | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 10 | Hemoglobin Structure and Oxygen (O₂) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Transport: Molecular Mechanisms, Regulation, and Clinical Significance | Structure of hemoglobin (tetrameric structure, heme group) Oxygen binding and cooperativity Oxygen dissociation curve and influencing factors CO₂ transport mechanisms (HCO₃⁻, HbCO₂, dissolved form) Carbonic anhydrase reaction Bohr and Haldane effects Clinical conditions (anemia, hypoxia, CO poisoning) | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 11 | Bilirubin Metabolism: Formation, Transport, Conjugation, and Clinical Significance | Review of hemoglobin degradation, liver functions, basic enzyme reactions, and bile formation. | Yöntem Seçilmemiş |
| 12 | Iron Metabolism: Absorption, Transport, Storage, Regulation, and Clinical Significance | Review of erythrocyte structure, hemoglobin function, basic mineral metabolism, and liver functions. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap |
| 13 | Vitamin B12 and Folate: Absorption, Metabolism, Functions, and Clinical Significance | Review of DNA synthesis, erythropoiesis, basic vitamin biochemistry, and gastrointestinal absorption mechanisms. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap |
| 14 | Inherited Blood Disorders and Diagnostic Methods: Molecular Mechanisms, Clinical Features, and Laboratory Diagnosis | Review of erythrocyte structure, hemoglobin function, basic genetic concepts, and general characteristics of blood disorders. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap |
| 15 | Term Exams | Term Exams | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Sözlü Sınav |
| 16 | Term Exams | Term Exams | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
| 17 | Term Exams | Term Exams | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Sözlü Sınav |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 53 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 2,12 | ||
| ECTS | 2 ECTS | ||