CVB222 Forensic Analysis of Bio-active Compounds
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: | CVB222 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,760 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB222 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Emad Kiriakous | e.kiriakous@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides an introduction to the basics of bio-analytical methods used for the detection and identification of bio-active substances in different matrices. The methods are demonstrated to bio-active compounds that are frequently encountered in pharmaceutical, forensic, molecular diagnostics and environmental industries. The unit will introduce modern instrumental analytical platforms such as spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, nanosensors and immunoassay.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the basic concepts of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis
- Use a range of analytical instruments to identify and measure medicinal compounds
- Isolate and extract a medicinal compound from a biological sample such as urine or blood
- Describe the procedures used for drug testing in the forensic, environmental, clinical and pharmaceutical, sports and racing industries
- Interpret the results from chemical measurements
- Explain the use and significance of international standards in chemical measurement
Content
The basics of analytical chemistry as applied to the detection and identification of bio-active compounds
The modern instrumental methods that are currently used in pharmaceutical analysis, forensic
investigations, clinical diagnosis and drug testing; such as chromatography, spectroscopy and immunoassay
The verification and validation requirements in chemical measurement, according to the international standards for testing and calibration
The forensic and legal interpretation of chemical measurement results
The rules of competition in sports and racing industries, in regard to the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs
Learning Approaches
This unit will use a problem-solving approach to learning, involving collaborative group work to understand and acquire knowledge of the basic concepts of forensic analytics as applied to the testing, detection and identification of bio-active compounds. With an introduction to general principles delivered through lectures, tutorials, debate and discussion forums, you will make an in-depth study of analytical chemistry techniques and the concepts of valid and accurate chemical measurements. Case studies will be presented to students' groups in order to stimulate interactive critical thinking on the acceptable and correct interpretation of chemical measurement results. Lectures and tutorials will be also used to explain the social impact and the associated legal and ethical issues related to the detection and identification of drugs of abuse.
Computer software will be used to train you on the basic aspects of informatics as applied to the chemical measurement and screening of proteins in biological matrices.
Laboratory classes will enable you to apply the concepts of instrumental analysis to the forensic investigation of samples that contain bio-active compounds. You will acquire practical hands-on expertise in sample preparation and the extraction of bio-active compounds from real life samples, as well as the use of chromatography, atomic absorption, spectroscopy and immunoassay for the identification of unknown substances. You will apply the quality framework of ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and calibration to the chemical measurements and their results.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit:
Ongoing feedback in lectures to self/peer assess and improve understanding of key concepts
Written feedback on your reports, which will be annotated and returned to you
You also will have the opportunity for one-to-one feedback from your demonstrator at the tutorials and debate.
The academic staff in the unit will be available for moderating the discussion forums and explain any short- falls in the scientific opinions given by students in relation to the debated problem.
Assessment items, except the final examination, will be returned to you.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit will be divided into three elements:
A workbook containing a series of short practical reports will detail the outcome of experiments conducted in the laboratory or by computer simulation. This traditional style of report will capture the aims, experimental methods, results, discussion and conclusions.
An online discussion forum and a debate session will be used to discuss and form a valid scientific opinion on the nature, effect, testing and screening strategies, social impact and ethical issues related to new classes of bio-active compounds that emerge as potential drugs of abuse.
A final exam will cover content from all theory components of the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Workbook
The workbook will include a record of your methods and observations from completing a series of analytical tests in the laboratory, as well a computer simulation exercise.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Debate
You will investigate a particular family of new bio-active compounds to discuss the nature, effect, testing and screening strategies for these compounds, and debate the social impact and ethical issues related to their use and abuse.
Assessment: Examination (written)
You will undertake a closed-book exam involving multiple choice and short answer questions.
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.
Resources
Text book to be advised
Resource Materials
Safety and protective equipment
Laboratory coat and safety glasses
Risk Assessment Statement
The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.