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Human Blood and Blood Functions

Develop your knowledge of blood, its components, and its different functions to gain a better understanding of the human body with this online course from Universiti Malaya.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

2 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Established

1905

Location

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

World ranking

Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Discover the different components of blood with Universiti Malaya

The human blood is a crucial part of the body that helps regulate homeostatic functions, deliver nutrients for cell function, and remove waste from the body.

On this three-week course from Universiti Malaya, you’ll gain an introduction to human blood and the different functions it performs. With this knowledge, you’ll have a better understanding of how the human body works.

First, you’ll delve into the five components of blood; red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Next, you’ll discover how each component has a specific purpose.

Understand the functions of blood

You’ll investigate the many functions of human blood, such as helping to fight infections, removing waste, and carrying nutrients.

This knowledge will help you further explore the components of blood as you gain an understanding of conditions such as anaemia and polycythaemia.

Explore the roles of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets

With your knowledge of blood functions, you’ll delve into the role of specific blood components such as erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets.

Next, you’ll unpack the main events that happen in haemostasis – the body’s response to help stop bleeding.

Understand different blood types

During the final week of the course, you’ll explore different blood types to understand the compatibility of blood types during transfusion. Within this, you’ll also unpack what is meant by a universal donor and recipient.

Guided by the experts at Universiti Malaya, you’ll finish the course with a greater understanding of human blood and its functions to ensure you have a solid foundation of knowledge to build on in further studies.

Week 1
The components of blood
- Getting Started
  Welcome to the online course 'The Human Blood'. This course is brought to you by Dr. Maziah Mat Rosly from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya via FutureLearn.
- The properties of blood
  Before we get started, let's get to know each other here. Before we begin, we will test your general understanding of blood. Don't be afraid and try them out. You'll be surprised at how much you know!
- The components of blood
  The blood may appear red, but it actually contains more than just the red colour. Let's find out what components make up the human blood, and why they actually may appear in many different colours.
- Weekly wrap up
  Congratulations! You have neared the end of week 1. Let's wrap this week and revise through your understanding with this week's summary. Attempt the quiz and be amazed at how much you've learned this week!
Week 2
The Blood Cells
- Red blood cells
  The red blood cell is an important part of the blood responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide for your body's cells. But there is more to learn about these miraculous cells. Let's learn of its properties here.
- White blood cells
  White blood cells are here for your protection and immunity. Did you know that there are five different white blood cells in the body? Let's learn more about them here.
- Platelets
  Platelets are small and can only live for a few days, but they carry important functions for the body, especially when you're injured. Let's find out more about these platelets here!
- Weekly wrap up
  Congratulations! You have neared the end of week 2. Let's wrap this week and revise through your understanding with this week's summary. Attempt the quiz and be amazed at how much you've learned this week!
Week 3
The Blood Types
- Blood types
  Did you know that there are various blood types among the human population? Not all of them are the same, and making the wrong decisions in blood transfusions can be fatal. Let's find out more here.
- Blood Grouping
  Now that you know what are the various blood types available, let's look into how blood grouping or typing works. This will be your final leg for the course. Let's go!
- Weekly wrap up
  Congratulations! You have neared the end of week 3. Let's wrap this week and revise through your understanding with this week's summary. Attempt the quiz and be amazed at how much you've learned this week!