Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit is designed for first year Biomedical Science students and will develop a range of academic and professional skills which are required for all biomedical scientists. This unit will give you a strong background in basic experimental design in biomedical science. Your basic understanding of biostatistics, which was introduced in LQB184 Biomedical Skills 1, will be extended and applied to a practical project. The critical evaluation and interpretation of research data and the ability to generate and test hypotheses are key skills required for all biomedical scientists. As collaboration and team work are essential skills in the workforce, you will further develop team work skills and work collaboratively on a project and present the project outcomes as a team.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to build upon the basic biomedical scientific skills that were introduced in Biomedical Skills 1, to extend the scientific communication skills, data analysis and interpretation through sophisticated statistical methodology, and continue to develop effective interpersonal skills.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1) Demonstrate appropriate selection and application of a range of basic biostatistics methods to the design of a simple experiment and analysis of generated data.
2) Be able to interpret and critically reflect on basic data, graphs and statistical analyses presented in biomedical scientific literature.
3) Develop the skills required for working in teams and be able to work collaboratively to communicate data using media relevant to biomedical research.
4) Be able to use computer software to collate and present scientific data, which you have produced and analysed.

Content

In this unit you will further develop a range of skills that were introduced in Biomedical Skills 1 and that are required by all biomedical scientists. This will include an introduction to the following basic biostatistics concepts and applications:

. Use of basic statistics packages, and data entry and manipulation
. Review of mean, median, standard deviation, standard error, confidence intervals
. Normality and distributions
. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests
. Basic introduction to epidemiology and causality
. Chi-square tests
. Regression and correlation
o Student's t-test
o Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
o Power calculations
. Case analysis of statistical applications in current biomedical research will be used to provide examples of application of each statistical tool and evaluate appropriate selection and presentation of statistics
. Presentation of research findings, including scientific abstract writing, conference poster presentation and oral communication skills appropriate for scientific press release
. Effective teamwork skills and project management
. Student ePortfolio: building a portfolio of evidence of achievement of foundation skill competencies

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Learning in this unit will involve a range of approaches, including lectures, workshops, online modules and practicals. The teaching team will consist of a range of biomedical scientists with experience in the field and biostatisticians. Working collaboratively in small teams, you will design a basic research project, perform the project, interpret the data using appropriate statistical methods that you have learnt in this unit, and report on the outcomes of your project.

Assessment

There will be a range of assessment items in this unit which will be designed to develop your understanding of the content, scientific skills and practical skills.You will receive feedback on your assignments and formative activities will be conducted in the weekly workshops.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Evidence of completed online modules, team-work agreement and worksheets performed in class.

Online modules on team work , student ePortfolio and effective workplace communication in the QUT Career Development Program. Certificates will be submitted to provide evidence that the modules have been completed successfully. Your ePortfolio site will also be reviewed. A signed copy of your group¿s team-work agreement and team member participation evaluation is required. You will also complete worksheets which will reinforce your knowledge of biostatistics.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Abstract & Poster Presentation
Description: Working individually you will submit an abstract summarising the purpose, methods and results of your research project. Then working in groups, you will present a poster describing your research project, the results obtained, the statistical analysis of these results and a brief discussion of their significance. An oral press release will also be required.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Theory Examination
Description: Theory exam covering basic concepts in biomedical statistics. You will also be required to be able to interpret and critically evaluate simple graphs, data and statistical data from the biomedical literature.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

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.

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: 08-Oct-2012