LQN305-1 Diagnostic Genomics Research and Dissertation


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online

Unit code:LQN305-1
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:96 Credit pionts of study
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 provides the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during the Master's degree. Students can gain placement in a diagnostic (clinical) or research laboratory to undertake a project in the field of genomics. Alternatively, students may elect to author a meta-analysis or systematic review on a research question pertinent to diagnostic genomics.

Undertaking the project 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.

Students are required to verify their identification in this unit by showing their student identification card to their supervisor during supervision sessions.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Evaluate relevant methodologies and execute research pertinent to human diagnostic genomics.
  2. Reflect on and critique empirical and theoretical genomics information to formulate clear research questions.
  3. Employ coherent theoretical, methodological, practical and contextually relevant research knowledge, skills, and values in order to solve complex genomics research questions.
  4. Critically interpret research findings in the context of the published literature, examining strengths and weaknesses of study design, and clearly identifying all ethical aspects of the research.
  5. Exercise high level autonomy, collegiality, collaboration with peers, and ethical judgement in both research and clinical decision-making.

Content

The dissertation units 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

Meetings with your academic supervisor (unit co-ordinator) provide the opportunity to workshop your project based on submitted proposal and literature review. 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 on the project proposal will be provided by your academic supervisor regarding your ability to generate a research hypothesis and design a genomics research project.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in LQN305-1 consists of a two-page project proposal which is due at the end of week 4 of your project. This is a formative assessment item and is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Unit Grading Scheme

S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Project Proposal

You will submit the project proposal for your dissertation outlining your proposed study objectives, hypotheses and proposed methods.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Threshold Assessment:

Proposal needs to be submitted in order to pass this unit. Students are given the opportunity to rewrite the proposal should it be deemed unsatisfactory.

Weight: 100
Length: 2 pages
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 4
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

For WILs placements, 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.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

LS81 Master of Diagnostic Genomics

  1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills, focused on current genomic trends in practice and research, utilising digital capabilities.
    Relates to: Project Proposal
  2. Develop and apply professional oral and written communication skills that inform effective collaboration and digital interactions with colleagues and other stakeholders across the medical and scientific contexts.
    Relates to: Project Proposal
  3. Plan and execute a substantial academic activity in the field of diagnostic genomics to address a specific research question.
    Relates to: ULO2