Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is designed for first year students studying biomedical science and health courses. You will be introduced to a range of academic and professional skills which are required for all biomedical scientists. The unit will provide you with an appreciation of the career opportunities and pathways available for biomedical scientists. This introductory unit is designed to give students a strong foundation for continuing studies in biomedical science and related areas of study.

Aims

This unit aims to develop an appreciation and understanding of the role of biomedical scientists in a range of research and clinical fields; develop a basic understanding of academic honesty and ethics related to biomedical science; introduce you to academic and professional skills that provide an important basis for the study of the discipline and for working in the profession, including scientific reading and writing skills, communication and presentation skills, experimental design, critical thinking and critical evaluation; and provide an introduction to quantitative measurements and basic practical laboratory skills and competencies required by biomedical scientists.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1) describe the role of biomedical scientists in society and effectively discuss ethics, academic honesty and the importance of keeping accurate records of your work.
2) develop and apply basic skills in experimental design, data interpretation and critical evaluation in biomedical research examples.
3) demonstrate introductory level skills in scientific writing, scientific communication through delivery of presentations, and be able to critically search, read and interpret the biomedical literature.
4) perform quantitative measurements, prepare reagents and use microscopes through competent application of practical skills.

Content

In this unit you will gain an understanding of the role of biomedical scientists and be introduced to a range of skills that are required by all biomedical scientists. This will include:
· The diverse roles of biomedical scientists and potential career paths
· Ethical considerations in Biomedical Science: animal and human ethics; good record keeping; academic honesty, plagiarism and scientific referencing conventions.
· Scientific Writing: laboratory reports, journal articles/papers, assessing quality of scientific writing; information retrieval and library databases.
· Experimental Design and Data Reporting: elements of experimental design and hypothesis testing; collection of scientific data (sample size, controls, repeats, randomisation and research bias); presentation of data (graphs and tables); appropriate scientific summary statistics.
· Biomedical Instrumentation: technical skill development in light microscopy; units of measurement and conversion; accuracy versus reliability in measurement and experimental error; pipetting; solution preparation; pH analysis.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Learning in this unit will involve a range of approaches, including lectures, interviews with biomedical scientists, researchers and clinical scientists, tutorials and workshops, discussion, online modules, practicals and biomedical research seminars. The teaching team will consist of a range of biomedical scientists with experience in a range of fields.

Assessment

There will be a range of assessment items in this unit, which is designed to develop your understanding of the content, scientific skills and practical skills. A number of assignments will be due during semester and you may need to provide evidence of the completion of short online tests and online modules.You will receive feedback on your assignments and progress exams.

Assessment name: Data Analysis Report and Prac
Description: Part A: Collection of scientific artefacts and data analysis including tabulation, graphing, statistical measurements presented using presentation and spreadsheet computer software.
Part B: Practical demonstration of experimental procedures and laboratory skills including the preparation of reagents, using a light microscope and accurate and precise pipetting skills.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Literature Searching Project
Description: Information retrieval using scientific databases and literature; development of appropriate scientific referencing formats.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Ethics of Biomedical Research
Description: Oral debate on selection of biomedical topics.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 10-13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Students will be required to purchase a Good Laboratory Book practices laboratory book from the QUT bookshop and the practical manual for this unit will be available in the bookshop and for downloading from Blackboard. There is no required text for this unit.
Practicals will require personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats and lab glasses supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory coat - 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix (65% polyester is max. allowable).
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with AS1336, AS1337 and AS1338.

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. All students are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site: http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.
If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 09-Oct-2012