Overview
This unit provides you with an understanding of the role of the clinical biochemistry laboratory in the diagnosis and management of human diseases and disorders. The unit focuses on quality control in the pathology laboratory setting, the biochemical rationale for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of blood electrolyte balance, blood gases, blood acid-base balance, hormones, diabetes mellitus, jaundice, cardiac and liver disease, gout, inherited metabolic disorders, renal dysfunction and malignant diseases. You will be instructed on correct procedures for preparing blood and urine samples for analysis, and for interpreting results in a clinical biochemistry laboratory.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites BMSC11004 Introductory Biochemistry OR BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Self reflection
Students raised concerns over the consistency in the residential school scheduling and delivery.
Develop a delivery model where the residential school is consistently scheduled and delivered.
- Describe basic cell signalling, communication and metabolism (breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates under aerobic conditions)
- Recall, classify and evaluate significant pathological conditions which occur in the human body and their respective biochemical tests and assays
- Recall and describe the major functions of a clinical pathology laboratory
- Demonstrate competency in biochemical laboratory methods, test and techniques
- Evaluate the scientific literature and communicate this knowledge and understanding via scientific writing tasks such as practical reports and case study problem based learning assessment items.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
3 - Examination - 50% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Communication | |||||
2 - Problem Solving | |||||
3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
4 - Information Literacy | |||||
5 - Team Work | |||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
8 - Ethical practice | |||||
9 - Social Innovation | |||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Textbooks
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
8th edition (2017)
Authors: Bishop, Fody and Schoeff
Jones & Bartlett Learning (now BPS)
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , USA
ISBN: 9781496335586
Binding: Hardcover
MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
5th edition (2018)
Authors: Baynes and Dominiczak
Saunders Elsevier
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , USA
ISBN: 978-0-7020-7299-4
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
CG93, CM17, CG95 and CU18 students should consider the Medical Biochemistry Baynes textbook. CL10 students may want to acquire the Clinical Chemistry textbook.
Textbooks can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. If you prefer your own copy, you can purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.fenning@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Cell Biochemistry - signalling (receptor and cell-cell communication)
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 40-41; 5th Ed Ch 25-26
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Haemostasis and protein metabolism/disorders
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 7 & 19; 5th Ed Ch 15 & 40-41
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Protein metabolism, disorders and purine metabolism
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 19 & 31; 5th Ed Ch 15 & 16
Bishop 7th Ed Ch 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Carbohydrates during health and disease, diabetes and Lipids 1
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 17, 18 & 21; 5th Ed Ch 31, 32 & 33
Bishop 7th Ed Ch 14 & 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Lipids 2 and diagnostic enzymology
Chapter
Powerpoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 10 & 20; 5th Ed Ch 30 & 37
Bishop 7th Ed Ch 26 & 28
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Written Assessment - Clinical Case Study Due: Week 5 Thursday (6 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Mid-term vacation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Liver function, blood gas and pH
Residential School Bundaberg (17-18.04.2023)
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 25 & 30; 5th Ed Ch 34 & 36
Bishop 7th Ed Ch 17 & 25
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Due to the residential school there will be no tutorial this week.
Module/Topic
Renal function and failure, electrolytes
Chapter
PowerPoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 23-24; 5th Ed Ch 35
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Hormones and tumour markers
Residential School Rockhampton (02-03.05.2023)
Chapter
Powerpoint lecture notes with references (provided in the unit Moodle site)
Baynes 4th Ed Ch 39; 5th Ed Ch 27-28
Bishop 7th Ed Ch 20-24
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture content pre-recorded. Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
No content delivery - revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No content delivery - revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
No content delivery - revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Practical and Written Assessment Due: Week 11 Friday (26 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
No content delivery - revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly "in class" tutorial.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your teaching team for T1 2023
Your unit coordinator is Dr Andrew Fenning together with Dr Anna Balzar and a team of laboratory and postgraduate support staff will be managing the different components of the unit. You can contact the teaching team using the forum on the unit's Moodle site, via phone (07 4923 2568) or email (a.fenning@cqu.edu.au).
The unit
BMSC12010 Clinical Biochemistry fits into your course as a direct follow-on to BMSC11005 (Foundations of Biochemistry) and provides important scaffolding to second and third level (advanced) units such as Advanced Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Pharmacology. The unit also synthesises important elements covered in your other 1st and 2nd level units such as Measurement and Evaluation, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology and Cardiorespiratory - so don't forget what you have already studied! BMSC12010 is a core unit in several courses, including:
- Bachelor of Medical Science Specialisation (CG93)
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours (CL10)
- Bachelor of Medical Science Pathway to Medicine (CM17)
- Bachelor of Paramedic Sciences (CG95)
- Bachelor of Science (CU18)
Delivery and study commitment
This unit has all of the lecture content presented over the first 8 weeks of the unit schedule/unit Moodle site but these are arranged as themed modules rather than weeks. These 8 modules of content delivery will have an associated recorded ECHO360 lecture (and PowerPoint file) and be available from Moodle live of the term delivered in a module/weekly fashion typically of 2.5-3 hours in length. The PowerPoint file and lecture content are the primary delivery medium for this unit and will be where the final examination questions are drawn from. The final 4 weeks of the unit schedule have no lecture content delivery - this has been intentionally left free to allow for consolidation and self managed/directed study and completion of any remaining assessment items. As the final invigilated examination forms an integral component of your tasks during the term, you should use this time to prepare for this item. You still have the same amount of content/contact time as other units - it has just been designed and delivered in a topic format of 8 weeks x 3 hours rather than 12 weeks x 2 hours. There will also be a weekly face to face tutorial scheduled for the CM17 cohort in both the Rockhampton and Bundaberg locations.
As with other Units - the design is such that students are expected to spend on average 10-12.5 hours per week (150 hours total) on associated study activities for this Unit. As a rough "time budget estimate" the approximate guide for your study per assessment is as follows:
- Assessment item 1 Case study - 20 hours
- Assessment item 2 Practical report - 30 hours
- Assessment item 3 Examination - 100 hours
150 hours total
If you consider the lecture content and other activities will total approximately 40 hours, your own study needs to account for the rest (110 hours). Assessment items 1 and 2 have elements which are "time on task" activities to also contribute to the module content and hence the generic content study for this Unit. Use these details as a guide because your study journey and requirements are unique (some students may require less or more hours than suggested to pass).
Practical/Residential School information - important information
- If you are enrolled in the Medical Science (CG93), Medical Laboratory Science (CL10), Pathway to Medicine (CM17) or Science (CU18) courses it is a course level learning and skill requirement for compulsory attendance of the laboratory residential school.
- If you are enrolled in the Paramedic Science (CG95) course, it is not compulsory for your course learning outcomes to attend the residential school (you can still attend if you wish however consider your study load).
Regardless of the course you are enrolled in you will still need to complete the assessment item. We will use actual collected data from the residential school classes to complete the practical written assessment item. For those students needing to complete the residential school, it is scheduled from 17-18.04.2023 (Bundaberg) and 02-03.05.2023 (Rockhampton). A reminder to be aware of any COVID19 travel restrictions/recommendations which may impact your attendance.
Brief assessment overview and tips
- Assessment item 1 Case study - Dr House styled case study diagnosis covering directed study on important clinical biochemical markers, communication and written expression, synthesis and problem solving and scientific writing/literature appraisal
- Assessment item 2 Practical report - a mini journal article based on the laboratory data collected during the residential schools covering scientific writing and communication, problem solving, data analysis, basic statistical analysis and critical appraisal of the results and literature
- Assessment item 3 Examination - content knowledge and problem solving
Make sure you cite correctly and gather sufficient reference materials for the written assessment items and proof your documents well - these were common features which translated to a less than optimal grade.
1 Written Assessment
- infrequent but significant sensations of burning pain in the limbs and extremities
- decreased perspiration
- poorer vision - corneal opacities were noted
- abdominal pain and nausea
- suspected recent mild myocardial infarction
- a significant cardiac arrhythmia
- altered urination
- sharp pain with redness and swelling at the back of the left leg (calf)
- Discuss each biometric/biochemical marker provided under the “clinical measurements” heading below and indicate if a value is outside the typical reference range and what an elevated or decreased reading for each of these markers could indicate (1500 words)
- Diagnose Gazzy's symptoms (combining the “clinical measurements” and patient description) and provide a recommendation on what further tests you would require to confirm your diagnosis, if any. You will need to explain your reasoning and your answer will require at least 5-10 primary references (original journal articles) (2000 words)
- blood pressure - 139/85 mmHg
- troponin T - 14 ng/L
- LDL-C - 5.1 mmol/L
- HDL-C - 0.9 mmol/L
- alpha-Gal A leukocyte activity - less than 3% of normal activity levels
- eGFR - 62 ml/min
- spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio - 58 ug/mg
- Fibrin D-dimer - positive 0.9 mg/L (normal - less than 0.5)
- Activated protein C (APC) resistance test sensitivity ration - 0.9 (2.0-3.4)
- brief introduction paragraph to the assignment and scenario (very short - don't just reiterate the scenario)
- dedicate a paragraph to each of the “clinical measurements” and use textbook referenced content to examine the diagnostic importance of the measurements and what an elevated or decreased reading for each of these markers could indicate
- written assignment/review format in paragraphs
- combine the “clinical measurements” and patient symptoms/description to form a rational and supported diagnosis using primary reference material (5-10 journal articles)
- clearly state and articulate your diagnosis
- conclude this section and the assignment with suggestions for Dr Magoo on further testing to correctly confirm Gazzy’s diagnosis and typical treatments for this condition
Week 5 Thursday (6 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Friday (21 Apr 2023)
The case study questions will be out of a total of 50 marks (3500 word limit). You should consider the following points when developing your assessment task:
• clarity of expression (spelling and grammar)
• the inclusion of key facts, accurate up-to-date research (i.e. in the last ten years - where appropriate)
• correct referencing
• use of clear and appropriate diagrams
The use of information contained solely within the study or lecture notes will result in the awarding of a passing grade at best. In order to obtain higher marks, information from other sources will be required. Students who use relevant information from other sources in their assignments will be looked upon favourably. The failure to cite references in your assignment will result in your not achieving full value for your efforts. Those students, who plagiarise material from textbooks, internet sites or other student's work will be subject to the standard plagiarism procedures in operation at CQUniversity (remember that such plagiarism will easily be detected using Turnitin). Please refer to the CQUniversity Library website for correct referencing information. Further details will be available in the Assessment block for this item in the unit Moodle site. Total = 50 marks (3500 words) (to achieve full marks, aim for the following) -
Part 1 (25 marks) (1500 words)
• correct clinical description of the "Clinical measurements" provided, indicating what a decreased or increased level of each would indicate (one paragraph for each); correctly referenced from either textbook or primary reference material (journal articles); correctly written paragraphs (20 marks)
• correctly written and proofed (5 marks)
Part 2 (25 marks) (2000 words)
• demonstrated scientific review format with a supported clinical diagnosis (primary reference articles) (15 marks)
• referencing (contextual use of 5-10 journal articles) (5 marks)
• written expression and proofing (5 marks)
- Describe basic cell signalling, communication and metabolism (breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates under aerobic conditions)
- Recall, classify and evaluate significant pathological conditions which occur in the human body and their respective biochemical tests and assays
- Recall and describe the major functions of a clinical pathology laboratory
- Evaluate the scientific literature and communicate this knowledge and understanding via scientific writing tasks such as practical reports and case study problem based learning assessment items.
2 Practical and Written Assessment
Analysis and interpretation of your experimental or treatment findings (both bench and clinical sciences) are essential features of communication in the medical sciences. The laboratory activities will use "real" collected samples and cover common elements of the clinical biochemistry testing laboratory such as glucose/diabetes testing, cardiovascular markers, liver function tests and drug screening. You will be required to write a report from your choice of selected laboratory experiments (provided to you) in basic scientific journal format (from data collected during the residential schools). Scientific journal format typically contains the following elements:
- abstract
- introduction
- methods
- results
- discussion/conclusions
- limitations/future directions
This task requires you to complete a similar yet abbreviated format that only requires IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion/limitations). This item assess unit learning outcomes 1-5.
Week 11 Friday (26 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023)
The practical report will be evaluated in accordance with the detailed marking rubric available in the Assessment item block located in the unit's Moodle site. A brief overview of the assessment criteria are as follows:
Introduction (20 marks): The introduction should be between 500–700 words in length and will provide the reader with sufficient information to understand why this study was performed and also provide any essential background information (with references to journal articles or text books) that is needed for interpretation of the results and discussion. It should conclude with a specific aim of the study. As a general guide—approximately 3–6 paragraphs with important and interesting background information that has been correctly referenced.
Methods (10 marks): There is no need to completely rewrite the methods section in detail. This section should be a brief summary approximately 1-2 paragraphs in length (100-200 words).
Results (20 marks): This section should contain the experimental results in summary form (means/SD), presented in either tables or graphs, not both. It is not enough just to use tables and graphs—you must also state the results referring to the table or figure. All tables and figures must be labelled appropriately. There should be no interpretation of results in this section—just state the results observed! Leave any interpretation to the discussion (100-200 words).
Discussion (20 marks): This section should be between 500-700 words in length and will provide an analysis and interpretation of the results of the study. The implication of your results should be discussed, referring back to statements made in your introduction. Alternative explanations should be offered if necessary especially for negative or unexpected results. Errors could also be discussed.
References (5 marks): All articles or texts referred to in the report need to be listed in this section. Referencing style should follow either the “Vancouver" or "APA” style as listed in the unit profile.
Writing Style/Presentation (25 marks): Reports should be clearly written in full sentences (not point form) using correct spelling and grammar. Abbreviations should be explained when first used. Any diagram (added from reference material) must be of good quality and sources must be acknowledged appropriately. The use of scientific writing style is important—peruse scientific journal entries. Of particular importance is clarity of written expression (clearly stated ideas and outcomes). The document should be in scientific journal format with well designed figures, graphs and tables where appropriate.
Clarity of expression (spelling and grammar), the inclusion of key facts, accurate research, correct referencing, and clear diagrams will be important general criteria for performing well in this assessment item (see below for more detailed criteria and in the associated Assessment item block in the unit Moodle site). The use of information contained solely within the study notes/practical support information will result in the awarding of a passing grade at best. In order to obtain higher marks information from other sources will be required. Students who use relevant information from other sources in their reports will be successful. As a guide, between 8 to 10 journal articles should be used! The failure to cite references in your assignments will result in you not achieving full value for your efforts.
- Describe basic cell signalling, communication and metabolism (breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates under aerobic conditions)
- Recall, classify and evaluate significant pathological conditions which occur in the human body and their respective biochemical tests and assays
- Recall and describe the major functions of a clinical pathology laboratory
- Demonstrate competency in biochemical laboratory methods, test and techniques
- Evaluate the scientific literature and communicate this knowledge and understanding via scientific writing tasks such as practical reports and case study problem based learning assessment items.
Examination
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
![](/img/academic_integrity.png)