LQB582 Biomedical Research Technologies


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:LQB582
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:LQB381 and LQB481
Coordinator:Jonathan Harris | j2.harris@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

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.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will 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:

  • Quality assurance, laboratory performance and compliance with government regulations including workplace safety.
  • Separation technologies.
  • Enzyme assays, immunoassays, biosensors and biomolecular interactions.
  • Structural and functional biomolecular probes and directed site labelling.
  • Biological spectroscopy such as circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy.

Learning Approaches

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.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback will be made available.

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Essay

An essay-based assignment focused on central theory and practical techniques covered in this unit.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 35
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 9
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Laboratory Workbook

Laboratory-based questions specific to practical content and write-up exercises.

Weight: 25
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Continuous
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment: Examination (Theory)

Final theory examination consisting of a range of question types including multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

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

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the student's responsibility.

Resources


You will be notified of suitable advanced level reference material through Canvas.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Nelson DL, Cox, MM, Lehninger AL. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition: W.H. Freemanl; 2017.

Safety and protective equipment

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

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 lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
    Relates to: Essay, Examination (Theory)
  2. Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
    Relates to: Laboratory Workbook
  3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
    Relates to: Essay, Laboratory Workbook, Examination (Theory)
  4. Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team, by demonstrating professional behaviour and participating in continuous learning.
    Relates to: Laboratory Workbook
  5. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
    Relates to: Essay