Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Clinical Biochemistry 1
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ONPS2340 |
Bundoora Campus |
Postgraduate |
160H Medical Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016 |
ONPS2340 |
Bundoora Campus |
Postgraduate |
173H School of Health and Biomed |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Stanley Chan
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925
Course Coordinator Email: stanley.chan@rmit.edu.au
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
Clinical Biochemistry 1 is an elective subject for Master of Laboratory Medicine (MC158) and Master of Biotechnology (MC111). This course is designed to broaden the students theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolomics, the latter is an emerging multidisciplinary science, combining aspects of biology, analytical chemistry, experimental design and data interpretation. The theory you will learn throughout this course will be intertwined and applied into a series of intensive laboratory practicals (face-to-face) throughout the semester. Throughout the course you will gain an immersive laboratory experience covering biochemistry and molecular biology concepts and learn current, relevant state-of-the-art bioanalytical techniques which are routinely used in the clinical environment and in research. You will develop the required employable attributes to either undertake professional practice or research endeavours.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for:
MC158 Master of Laboratory Medicine
- PLO 1. Knowledge capability: Have a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles underpinning laboratory medicine and have developed a systemic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease. Have advanced knowledge of two core clinical speciality disciplines of laboratory medicine and advanced management skills.
- PLO 2. Technical capability: Ability to develop and perform a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine. To use logical and systemic thinking and high level critical analysis skills to solve problems by utilising diagnostic techniques and methodologies in the chosen areas of clinical laboratory specialisation.
MC111 Master of Biotechnology
- PLO 1. Understanding science: You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society; You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology; You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to biological sciences.
- PLO 2. Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology: You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas; You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
On successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- Explain and apply the fundamental principles of biochemistry and molecular biology concepts with a focus on DNA Technologies, Hormones and Biosignalling, Metabolism, Metabolomics and Clinical Biochemistry.
- Prepare and analyse biological material and perform a series of practical biochemical investigations.
- Problem solve, validate, apply and interpret results from biochemical investigations.
- Interpret the relevant scientific literature and provide a synthesis of the information.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
The learning activities of the course take place in the form of online lectures (screen-casts); laboratory-based practical classes (face-to-face and/or online) and lectorial sessions (practical and topic based, online). The theory and practical components of the course are integrated throughout the teaching of the course. The practical component is designed to develop a high level of competency in the performance of a wide range of laboratory techniques which will be used to solve practical-based scenarios.
Assessment activities are conducted as both formative and summative assessments. Formative as well as summative assessment occurs throughout the laboratory practicals and online classes during the course. Self-directed learning activities prior to lectorials; interactive on-line quizzes and solving practical-based scenarios, will scaffold students interpretative and understanding of biochemical concepts and manipulation of biochemical data.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).
HURDLE Requirement: To pass this course, you must obtain at least 50% in the final practical components and an overall grade greater than or equal to 50%.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Applied Theory Assessment
Weighting 10%
This assessment task supports CLO 1
Assessment Task 2: In-Semester Theory and Practical Assessment (Online)
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3: Applied Laboratory-based Practical Assessment
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3
Assessment Task 4: Final Applied Practical Exam (Invigilated Face-to-Face)
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.