Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to evaluate the evidence base for biochemical tests used in the diagnosis and management of diseases in the major organ systems of the body. Problem solving and decision making skills will be developed through use of authentic case studies. Skill development in instrument calibration, best practice measurement, interpretation of test results and test quality control monitoring will occur through practical exercises. You will be required to attend a residential school at the biochemistry laboratory on the Rockhampton campus.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMSC12010 Clinical Biochemistry and (BUSN11016 Introduction to Study and Professional Practice or BMSC11003 Introduction to Medical Sciences).
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 2 - 2024
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 Student Feedback
Heavy Content
It's essential to note that the standardized content has remained consistent with previous years and adheres to established guidelines, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, therefore, it can only be changed if required necessary. While I acknowledge the need for simplicity and increased clarity, there are limitations in significantly reducing the actual content due to accreditation requirements. Nevertheless, our teaching team is committed to making the content more plausible and approachable without compromising the necessary depth and standards. We will explore ways to enhance the clarity and presentation of the material to facilitate better understanding.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Use of guest lecturers
There were concerns about the use of guest lecturers in the context of this being an unactioned item from students`previous feedback. Upon my recent arrival at the university, joining mid-year (when the term had already been started), due to staff movements and the departure of the previous lecturer, the college decided to utilize previously recorded guest lectures from the previous term set by my predecessor for continuity. In recognition of the workload associated with this transition, a new lecturer was specifically tasked to focus on delivering pre-designed tutorials in accordance with the study questions. It is understandable that this arrangement may not have been clearly communicated to all students, leading to concerns about the use of guest lecturers. This feedback highlights the importance of communication, and I am committed to improve transparency in conveying such arrangements in the future. I believe that open and regular communication is vital, especially during periods of staff movements or transitions.
Feedback from Student Feedback and self reflection
Anxiety over invigilated exam
It's important to note that the university has historically employed invigilated exams as an exam format in line with accreditation standards. The online exams were implemented temporarily during the COVID situation. This year, the decision was made to return to invigilated exams as the primary assessment method. I understand that this change may induce anxiety, as students are transitioning back to this format. To address these concerns, I am committed to providing support by orientating students to the invigilated exam process. This will include detailed guidance, and information sessions to help them feel comfortable and prepared for the upcoming exams
- Explain the various processes involved in biochemical method evaluation, interpretation and development
- Explore the limitations of laboratory procedures, regulatory aspects including external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Describe the rationale and clinical correlation of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Demonstrate skills in the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | |||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 4 - 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: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations
Edition: 9th (2023)
Authors: Michael L. Bishop; Edward P. Fody; Carleen Van Siclen; James March Mistler; Michelle Moy
Jones and Bartlett Learning
Burlington Burlington , Massachusetts , United States of America
ISBN: 9781284238860
Binding: Hardcover
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.siddiq@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Analytical Techniques, Automation & POCT
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 4,5& 29
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - Introduction
Module/Topic
Kidney Functions & Electrolytes
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 21& 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 1
Module/Topic
Acid Base Balance
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 2
Module/Topic
Cardiovascular System
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 20
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 3
Module/Topic
Liver, Pancreatic & GIT Function
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations:19 & 22
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 4
Module/Topic
No lecture
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
No Tutorial
Module/Topic
Carbohydrates Metabolism
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 5
Case Study Report Due: Week 6 Monday (19 Aug 2024) 10:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Lipid Metabolism & Nutrition
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 10 & 27
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 6
Module/Topic
QC & EQAP
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 7
Module/Topic
1. Tumor markers
2. Endocrinology basics
Chapter
1. Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 28
2. Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 8
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 9
Module/Topic
Residential School
Chapter
A Laboratory Workbook will be provided.
Events and Submissions/Topic
A tutorial will be run in the Residential School in addition to an open Q&A session and discussion.
Practical Assessment Due: Week 11 Wednesday (25 Sept 2024) 11:45 am AEST
Module/Topic
Review and Examination Preparation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - Revision & Examination Preparation
Laboratory Workbook Due: Week 12 Thursday (3 Oct 2024) 10:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
An invigilated examination will be scheduled during the CQUniversity examination period. The exact date will be communicated to all students.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
An invigilated examination will be scheduled during the CQUniversity examination period. The exact date will be communicated to all students.
1 Case Study
You will be provided with a clinical case study on the Moodle page.
You will be provided with information regarding the clinical presentation, patient history and specific biochemical parameters (provided by an automated analyser) for this clinical case study. You are required to write a report using a case study approach describing the pathophysiology, specific biochemical profile characteristics observed that led to the provisional diagnosis, differential diagnoses and potential treatment options. You may also recommended further tests that will assist in confirming the diagnosis. Further details on the case, a template and an exemplar will be provided to you on the Moodle site to assist in preparation.
Week 6 Monday (19 Aug 2024) 10:00 am AEST
The case study report should be uploaded in Moodle in word Document file
Feedback will be provided within two to three (2-3 ) weeks of submission.
The assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specific requirements and in accordance with the criteria outlined below:
Presentation: The report is presented in the provided template with clarity of purpose and coherence of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax) in a clear and organised manner.
Abstract: Provides a clear overview and overall summary of the case study.
Introduction: Provides necessary background information and pathophysiology of the case. Does not discuss the final diagnosis, rather supports the intended diagnosis via arguments.
Materials and Methods: Briefly describes all the methods used to aid in diagnosis. Discusses further tests to be employed in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Results: All data presented clearly with reference ranges. Layout is clear with further tests and expected results discussed.
Discussion: Clear discussion of the results with supporting arguments and reasoning for arriving at the final diagnosis.
References: Correct referencing system used with appropriate in-text references.
- Describe the rationale and clinical correlation of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
2 Laboratory/Practical
You will be provided with a laboratory workbook on the Moodle page. This workbook will contain all the tasks that need to be completed during the residential school. It will also contain a series of short questions and patient reports to be completed in relation to the authentic cases provided. Group experimental activities during the residential school will foster team work and provide hands-on experience of the biochemical techniques used in pathology laboratories. Completion of the workbook will evidence student engagement and understanding of the principles behind the Biochemical tests. Laboratory staff or demonstrators will assess your individual experimental capability during residential school to ensure your understanding of the learning outcomes.
Week 12 Thursday (3 Oct 2024) 10:00 am AEST
A scanned version of the laboratory workbook will be submitted on the Moodle page following the Residential School.
Results will be posted on the Moodle page within two to three (2-3 ) weeks of submission.
Residential school Workbook component:
Each section will have respective assigned marks as indicated on the provided workbook.
The Workbook is a PASS/FAIL Assessment.
The laboratory staff will provide immediate verbal feedback to you on the practical hands-on aspect of this assessment item.
The laboratory workbook template will contain the weighting of marks associated with the tasks and subsequent questions/reports to be completed.
- Demonstrate skills in the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
3 Practical Assessment
On Day 3 of your residential school, you will have a final practical assessment.
Further details regarding the practical assessment will be available on the Moodle page.
Week 11 Wednesday (25 Sept 2024) 11:45 am AEST
The Practical Assessment will be conducted in class on the last day of the Residential School
Results of the Practical Assessment will be posted on the Moodle page with in two to three (2-3 ) weeks of submission.
Practical assessment component: The practical assessment conducted on Day 3 of the Residential School is worth 30% of your final grade.
Further information on the practical assessment will be available on the Moodle page.
- Explore the limitations of laboratory procedures, regulatory aspects including external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
Examination
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?
