LQB562 Advanced Microbial Diagnostics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

An integral part of the practice of diagnostic microbiology is the laboratory processing of clinical specimens derived from patients with infectious diseases. Ultimately you will need to have a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts in infectious disease microbiology and be able to apply that knowledge and understanding safely, competently and skillfully in a PC2 diagnostic laboratory context.

LQB562 is part of a structured progression from your earlier LS47 units, including: LQB181 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, LQB292 Principles of Infection & Immunity, LQB362 Fundamentals of Microbiology and LQB462 Microbial Diagnostics. The LS47 medical microbiology stream as outlined above was specifically developed to ensure a stepwise and coherent learning pathway in your training to become a professionally-accredited medical laboratory scientist with expertise in diagnostic microbiology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Define, describe and discuss terminology of key concepts and processes of Advanced Microbial Diagnostics.
2. Critically analyse patient case scenarios, and solve complex problems using data analysis skills.
3. Safely, competently and skilfully perform routine techniques required by biomedical scientists to satisfy baseline competencies in a diagnostic microbiology PC2 laboratory.
4. Organise scientific data and critically report on the results, interpretations and conclusions derived from laboratory activities.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will be team taught and will employ a variety of teaching and blended learning models. Your learning will be enhanced with a series of self-directed learning activities via Canvas designed to assist you in monitoring your own learning outside of the classroom. Self-directed learning will be encouraged by giving you access to online resources and exercises.

One model, a context-based approach, will help you construct your knowledge and understanding. In this model, theory and practice will be closely aligned to each other through integrating lectures (which will present theory, introduce the laboratory content and feature tutorial type activities) and practical laboratory learning experiences. You should view the lectures as an opportunity to develop and refine your knowledge and understanding of learning concepts through the provision of an open forum where learning is constructed rather than delivered. Wherever appropriate, laboratory learning experiences will commence in the lecture and then be followed up in the practical laboratory classes. Thus, there will be a seamless transition in your learning from the lecture to the laboratory environment. It is essential that you attend both of your scheduled laboratory classes each week. Time will be available in the tutorials and laboratory classes for discussions at the individual, group and class levels to help you to clarify and reinforce learning concepts and develop critical thinking-complex reasoning skills. Your lectures, together with your hands-on practical classes, will focus on the interpretation of case scenarios that model real world patient cases.

Practical sessions allow you to apply your learning, demonstrate your skill development and ability to critically analyse and evaluate data, while also obtaining learning support and feedback from laboratory teaching staff. Teamwork and independent learning will be encouraged in the laboratory. Apart from discipline specific knowledge and practical skills, you will also learn how to troubleshoot and problem-solve in the laboratory, develop effective written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to work individually or as a team in an ethical, culturally sensitive and professional manner.

Your learning activities and assessment tasks will be focused on developing and demonstrating these skills and capabilities, respectively.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

To the student: Throughout the semester you will be provided with feedback on your learning by participating in formative learning activities and discussing these with your classmates and the teaching staff. You can also receive immediate feedback on your own progress by completing the self directed learning activities available to you on Canvas, where available. Feedback on assessment items will be provided through Canvas and in class, and you should use these resources to identify areas you might need to focus on to improve your learning and understanding.

To the teaching team: During the semester and at the end of semester you will also be provided with the opportunity to give your feedback on the teaching and learning strategies employed this unit via online and/or hardcopy surveys and by other evaluation instruments, as available. At any time, your feedback and suggestions will be used to make changes to the unit where possible to improve the learning outcomes for you and for future students.

Assessment

Overview

General assessment information

Your ability to meet the various learning milestones embedded in this unit is critical to the successful completion of this unit and will ensure that you meet the learning outcomes and the aims of this unit. Your first learning milestone assessment will be in the form of a practical document on medical mycology. Your second practical milestone learning assessment will be the submission of practical diagnostic reports based on the hands-on diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology site based diagnostic laboratories you will complete. Your final learning milestone assessment will be conducted in the central examination timeslot and will assess learning experiences from both lectures and practicals in medical mycology, parasitology, virology and bacteriology.

Formative Assessment

A series of formative question and answer sets for you to work through outside of the classroom are included on the LQB562 Advanced Microbial Diagnostics Canvas site.

Threshold Assessment

Threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A minimum of 50% in both theory and practical assessment tasks is required to successfully complete this unit. If you fail either the practical or theory assessment components, have (i) meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks; (ii) obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section; and (iii) your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator). If you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However if you do not pass this additional assessment you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment

Practical Class Attendance and Assessment

Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LQB562, if you are unable to attend a scheduled practical class, inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation for your absence as per QUT policy e.g. medical certificate. Approved absences in excess of two occasions will need to be discussed with the unit coordinator. In the case of unapproved absence from practicals, no marks will be given for related assessment.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Mycology Practical Report

You will complete and submit a practical document based on the mycotic case studies and materials provided to you, and the specific mycotic tests that you will complete in class. You will be required to complete various laboratory diagnostic tests and make interpretations of the materials provided to you; these will then be used to complete the practical document. This assessment will allow you to demonstrate the development of your skills in completing key mycotic diagnostic tests and how they can be applied in a diagnostic laboratory setting.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply.

Assessment: Laboratory Diagnostic Reports

You will submit online diagnostic reports in class based on case studies and materials provided to you and tests you complete. This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your skills in processing patient specimens from different anatomical sites, and in providing rapid, accurate diagnosis of patient infections (bacterial, parasitic, viral, mycotic) as you would in a real-world diagnostic laboratory.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply

Assessment: Examination (written)

Review and challenge-type multiple-choice and short answer questions. This will assess your knowledge and understanding of learning concepts presented throughout the semester and your ability to interpret diagnostic results.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening, 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Costs

Cost of obtaining lab gown and safety glasses is the responsibility of the student.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Forbes, B., Tille, P., & Bailey, W. (2021). Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology (14th ed.). Edinburgh: Mosby. Earlier editions are also fine.

Reference book(s)

Anaissie, E.J., McGinnis, M.R., & Pfaller, M.A. (2003). Clinical Mycology. USA: Elsevier Science

Antibiotic Expert Group. Therapeutic Guidelines: antibiotic. Therapeutic Guidelines Limited, Melbourne. This is an online resource that can be accessed using your QUT credentials.

Goering, R., Dockrell, H., Zuckerman, M., Roitt, I., Chiodini, P. (2013). Mims' Medical Microbiology (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mosby

John, D., & Petri, W. (2006). Markell & Voge's Medical Parasitology (9th ed.).Saunders.

Madigan, M., Martinko, J., Stahl, D., & Clark, D. (2012). Brock Biology of Microorganisms (13th ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.

Sheorey, H., Walker, J., & Biggs, B. (2003). Clinical Parasitology: A Handbook for Medical Practitioners and Microbiologists. Melbourne Univ Press.

Strelkauskas, A., Strelkauskas, J., & Moszyk- Strelkauskas, D. (2010). Microbiology: A Clinical Approach. NY: Garland Science.

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 view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the Academic in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

1. Discipline Knowledge
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report, Examination (written)
2. Interpretation and application of protocols
   Relates to: Examination (written)
3. Analysis and interpretation of data
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report, Examination (written)
4. Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report, Examination (written)
5. Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report
6. Time and resource planning
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report
7. Quality assurance
   Relates to: Mycology Practical Report