LSB525 Chemical Pathology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | LSB525 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LSB425 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $6,900 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LSB525 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LSB425 |
| Coordinator: | Steven Weier | s.weier@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is in the course to provide you with essential knowledge and practical skills to prepare you to work as a medical laboratory scientist. The unit is positioned in the developmental phase of the course and is preceded by LSB425, the study of quality and analysis in clinical pathology and is followed by LSB625 Diagnostic Endocrinology. The sequencing and content of these units will prepare you for work in both smaller multi-disciplinary laboratories performing a limited number of biochemical tests, as well as larger specialised laboratory performing in-depth studies in all aspects of chemical pathology.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and problem-solve in chemical pathology including the principle and rationale of various analytes that are estimated, the pre-analytical factors that may impact result integrity
- Apply your knowledge and understanding of the clinical tests associated with various pathologies and perform the measurement of a broad range of using a variety of techniques and instrumentation as per established protocols
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviours and knowledge, including occupational health and safety and quality assurance
- Communicate your knowledge and learning in a range of formats appropriate for medical laboratory scientists for a range of purposes and audiences
Content
This unit introduces the study of chemical aspects of human life in health and illness, and discusses the application of chemical laboratory methods to diagnosis, control of treatment and prevention of disease.
In this unit you will focus on:
- Electrolytes
- Acid-base balance
- Renal function
- Lipids, lipoproteins and assessment of cardiovascular risk
- Proteins in disease
- Renal function
- Diabetes
- Liver function
- Markers of cardiac damage
Learning Approaches
As this course is vocationally directed, this unit will scaffold your learning by closely integrating theory with practical exercises relevant to real world clinical laboratory practice. Strategies to assist with your learning will involve a combination of some or all of the following: (i) fostering of independent learning to assist your transition to clinical laboratory workplaces by developing your information literacy skills by locating, accessing, evaluating and using resources such as journals, books, websites, interactive computer software programs, online quizzes and providing weekly self-directed tutorials, and (ii) developing your practical skills in an authentic laboratory context that mirrors “real life” practices, including actual clinical case studies explored under the guidance of professionals from clinical practice, and (iii) modelling appropriate professional practice and behaviours by using past students/graduates/practicing medical scientists as peer mentors to assist you in developing your diagnostic skills.
The organisation of the unit is to consist of a lecture, a tutorial and a practical session per week. You will be encouraged to learn both independently and interdependently as part of an integrated generic skills approach. The practical sessions will allow you to apply your learning by performing estimations of various analytes using colorimetry, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, chromatography and immunoassay. These practical classes are integrated with the lectures by relevant questions, involving "real-life" case studies, which you will solve in as part of your practical activities. These corrected exercises, will provide ongoing feedback on your performance throughout the Semester in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Both during and at the end of the Semester you will be provided with the opportunity to give your feedback on both the teaching and content of this unit, e.g. REFRAME and class discussion/feedback sessions. Feedback and suggestions will be used to make modifications to the unit where possible to improve the learning outcomes for you and future students.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
Due to the applied clinical laboratory nature of LSB525 and for you to meet the requirements of course accreditation, 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, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and 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.”
This unit will use Canvas for the submission of your assessment tasks.
Practical Class Attendance and Assessment
Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LSB525, if you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation for your absence the following week at the start of practical class, e.g. medical certificate. For approved absences alternate arrangements will be accommodated on up to two occasions. 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: Case Study Portfolio
You will submit your laboratory training record and related maintenance record sheets and complete case study reports, which combined, will form your case study portfolio.
Only the submission of documentation (laboratory training record, maintenance record sheets and case reports) is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Threshold Assessment:
Threshold conditions apply. Students need to obtain greater than or equal to 50% for the portfolio and greater than or equal to 50% in the unit overall to pass.
Assessment: Method Verification Project
You will evaluate the performance and suitability of a new assay introduced to your laboratory. You will asses performance in accordance with current NATA method verification protocols. Your data will be collected during practical classes, and then collated, assessed and reported according to current clinical criteria and guidelines to determine its fitness for purpose. The report is expected to be between 3500 and 5000 words. The final length will be ultimately determined by the data you obtain.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Threshold Assessment:
Threshold conditions apply. Students need to obtain greater than or equal to 50% for the project and greater than or equal to 50% in the unit overall to pass.
Assessment: Theory Examination
A two and a half hour written examination covering the theoretical aspects of the unit. The exam will contain a combination of both short and long answer questions.
Threshold Assessment:
Threshold conditions apply. Students need to obtain greater than or equal to 50% for the final exam and greater than or equal to 50% in the unit overall to pass.
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
1. Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (2011). Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics (6th ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
OR
2. Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R., & Bruns, D.E. (2008). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry (9th ed.). WB Saunders.
OR
3. Kaplan, L.A., & Pesce, A.J. (2010). Clinical Chemistry (5th ed.)., Mosby.
AND/OR
4. Kellerman, G. (2011). Abnormal Laboratory Results. McGraw Hill
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.LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project, Theory Examination - Technical proficiency
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project - Interpretation and application of protocols
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project - Analysis and interpretation of data
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project, Theory Examination - Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
Relates to: Theory Examination - Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project - Time and resource planning
Relates to: Theory Examination - Quality assurance
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Method Verification Project, Theory Examination