Units
Biomedical Research Technologies
Unit code: LQB582
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit will study the technical principles and practical techniques that are essential for advancing research and development in biochemistry and biotechnology.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit further develops the theoretical technological background and practical training you will need to work in a research and development-based career in biochemistry and biotechnology environment. It is designed to provide you with an understanding of the methodologies and applications of protein- and enzyme-based analytical technologies with emphases on biomedical research, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This unit is an advanced level final year component of your course and complements the study of nucleic acid-based research and diagnostic technologies studied elsewhere in the course. Earlier studies in biochemistry and metabolism in your course form the foundation conceptual knowledge bases for the study of this unit.
Aims
The aim of the unit is develop your understanding and initial training in protein- and enzyme-based analytical technologies that have applications in biochemical technology in research and development.
Objectives
On completion of the unit, you should be able to:
1. Understand the theoretical bases of modern protein- and enzyme-based research and diagnostic technologies.
2. Critically assess the applications of these technologies in specific areas of biomedical research and diagnosis.
3. Evaluate the applicability of practical biochemical and molecular methodologies with regard to workplace hazards in laboratories.
Content
The content in this unit includes:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures and a 2 hour laboratory/practical session per week. The course is presented as an integrated program of theoretical and laboratory studies where the laboratory work is designed to support the theoretical component of the course.
Supporting material such as prepared notes, instrument manuals, promotional and technical literature provides the necessary theoretical background, the experimental procedures and the assistance required for the interpretation of results and for the preparation of reports. Informal workshops based on your needs are organised as required.
Marked reports will be returned promptly to you with comment and formative feedback. Academics and tutors responsible for marking will be available to discuss all aspects of the reports with you.
Assessment
Formative feedback is through practical exercises and practical problems set on a unit Web page. Here, you can receive immediate feedback on your performance to assist your learning in both biochemical knowledge and laboratory practice. For students without home internet access, this material is also discussed and explained during formal class times.Feedback will be made available.
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
An essay-based assignment focused on central theory and practical techniques covered in this unit.Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 9
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
Laboratory-based questions specific to each practical class and practical class write-up exercises; summative.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Continuous
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
(1) Progress theory exam: multiple-choice questions. Formative and summative. (2) Final theory examination (central examination period): multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Summative.
Relates to objectives:
1,2 and 3.
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of semester
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
Recommended Textbooks:
1. Nelson, DL & Cox, MM (2008) Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry. 5th edition. W.H. Freeman Publ.
References:
You will be notified of suitable advanced level reference material through the unit web page.
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. You 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: 05-Oct-2012
