LQN304-3 Laboratory Placement and Dissertation


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online

Unit code:LQN304-3
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:LQN304-2
Equivalent:LQZ304-3
Coordinator:Michael Gabbett | michael.gabbett@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

The dissertation component of the Master of Diagnostic Genomics program allows you to apply and build on the knowledge and skills acquired during your degree, under the supervision and guidance of an experienced professional, to undertake a research or clinical project in the field of genomics. The research dissertation fosters critical evaluation and interpretation skills and increases confidence in the design, execution and analysis of research. This research is reported in a written dissertation formatted to current APA guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Execute diagnostic methodologies and procedures in a human genomics laboratory.
  2. Analyse empirical and theoretical genomics information to formulate clear research questions.
  3. Apply appropriate research methodologies and procedures to investigate genomics research questions.
  4. Critically interpret research findings in the context of the published literature, addressing strengths and weaknesses of study design, and clearly identifying all ethical aspects of the research.

Content

The dissertation units will involve planning, designing, and executing an original piece of genomics research under the guidance of a supervisor. This process will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation (representing one-quarter of the Master of Diagnostic Genomics program). The dissertation will include clearly stated research question(s), an empirical literature review, data analysis, results and discussion

Learning Approaches

As a student enrolled in this unit you will be expected to meet on a regular basis with your placement supervisor, though the format and frequency of these meetings can be negotiated between you and your supervisor. The supervisor's role will be to guide and assist you through the planning, execution and reporting of the research project.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback will be given regarding your ability to conduct research/diagnostic tests and interpret their results. Your supervisor will provide you with ongoing feedback at your regular meetings. At the end of the semester, your supervisor will provide you with an assessment of how well you performed in your placement. Formal feedback on your written dissertation will be in the form of examiners' reports.

Assessment

Overview

There are three assessment items in LQN304-3. The first assessment is a Placement Performance Assessment which is completed by your supervisor at the end of your placement. The second piece of assessment is an up to date and validated copy of your research workbook to be submitted in the final week of your placement. The final piece of assessment (Assessment 3) is a 10,000 word dissertation that details the aims, methodology, outcomes and significance of the laboratory placement.

The first two assessment items are formative and are graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The final assessment item is summative and the awarded grade is applied to all three components of this multi-component unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Placement Performance

Supervisors will complete a student placement assessment form addressing the student's professional skills during their placement.

Due within four weeks following completion of placement.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Relates to learning outcomes
1.

Weight: 0
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): End of Placement
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Assessment: Dissertation

A 10,000 word dissertation that details the aims, methodology, outcomes and significance of the laboratory placement.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2, 3, and 4.

Weight: 100
Length: 10,000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): After Placement
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Research Workbook

Hardcopy laboratory book, electronic lab book diary or journal, which provides a continuous, contemporaneous record of your research work.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2, 3 and 4.

Weight: 0
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): End of Placement
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

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

The hosting institution will have mandatory workplace health and safety requirements which you will be informed about when accepted into your placement.

Costs

Associated workplace health and safety requirements (eg vaccinations)

Resources

You will source materials relevant to your dissertation from the published scientific literature.

Your chosen laboratory may request that provide some of your own equipment (eg personal protective equipment).

Risk Assessment Statement

If you are conducting your placement in a laboratory other than your place of employment then a Health and Safety Risk Assessment application must be approved by the School/ Faculty Health and Safety Officer before data collection can commence.