LQB382 Developmental Anatomy and Tissue Adaptation

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The human body is very responsive to its environment, both in terms of genetic cues during embryological development and hormonal and mechanical signals during post-natal ageing. This unit will explore a number of key embryological processes where tissue patterning results in the formation of the nervous, muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular organ systems, and provides the foundational understanding of the mechanisms responsible for anatomical variation in the human body. Furthermore the ability of tissues to adapt to their environment will be discussed by building understanding of tissue biomechanics and the effects of trauma and ageing on the human body; where you will have the opportunity to design, implement and analyse experimental data in a bone strength research project. This developmental unit builds on foundational knowledge gained in first year anatomy and provides keystone knowledge and skills to advance into further units in Anatomical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Provide evidence of effective teamwork and research methodology in experimental design, biomechanical calculations and statistics.
2. Apply effective information literacy skills and data interpretation in scientific writing in anatomical science research.
3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in embryology and tissue biomechanics.
4. Use complex reasoning and graphical representations to analyse and communicate advanced understanding in biomedical cases.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit provides a series of digital learning resources to prepare and advance your understanding of each week's learning concepts. These concepts will then be explored and extended in the face-to-face workshops and practical sessions in a collaborative student-centred learning environment. You will have access to unit-specific notes and a workbook of exercises to drive your learning each week. These will be used to test your understanding and progress through the semester. It is essential that you recognise anatomy as a language, that is, a means to communicate; with this in mind the learning environment will focus on the acquisition and application of anatomical terminology, through an exploration of human embryology and tissue biomechanics. The practical environment provides an opportunity to view human donor (cadaveric) material, anatomical models, digital technologies such as the Anatomage table and complete anatomical experiments. One aspect of this will be the opportunity to complete an animal dissection, extract the bones and perform biomechanical strength tests. You will be required to work in learning teams during the face-to-face classes; students working in learning teams learn more, understand more and remember more than those who work in individualised or competitive environments. You will acquire process skills essential in the workplace such as collaboration, communication and project management. By explaining concepts and methodologies to your peers and developing solutions with each other, you will exercise and strengthen your skills in learning, thinking and problem-solving.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Weekly feedback on performance will be monitored through a checklist system of skill competency and formative quizzes.

Assessment

Overview

To enable you to determine if you are meeting the unit learning outcomes, regular formative assessment will be undertaken during the weekly classes. This assessment will provide a mechanism for you to regularly evaluate your understanding of the subject matter presented in the unit. Self-assessment is also encouraged by completing the formative online quizzes on Canvas.

This unit consists of three summative assessment items.

The first assessment item is a digital portfolio that you will build with your learning team. This portfolio will compile all of your team's work including planning and execution of a research experiment (developing a research question, conducting the research and data analytics). Your digital portfolio will be checked and assessed at specific times throughout the semester to provide feedback to progress to the next stage of your learning.

The second assessment item is a research paper, that draws on the results of your team's research experiment. Individually you will be required to conduct a literature review to write an introduction to your research paper, present and interpret your results, and summarise your research findings using scientific writing. This assessment is due in week 10 or 11. You will be required to submit this assignment using Turnitin which allows you to check your adherence to appropriate referencing and assist with plagiarism awareness. Refer to Canvas for specific assessment instructions and criteria.

The third assessment item is a final theory exam in the central examination period at the end of semester that will cover all content from the semester; your knowledge, communication and complex reasoning skills will be assessed.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Team research project

Throughout the semester you will collaborate with your learning team to (i) plan and execute a research experiment, and (ii) build a digital portfolio of your team's research output.

As a team you will create a team manifesto - a written document declaring how you will work, how you will communicate and what the overall intensions of the group are for this assessment/unit. 

Across the semester your team will design and conduct an anatomical experiment in biomechanics. Your team will summarise the research aim, objective and hypothesis; estimate sample size required for statistical power; perform biomechanical calculations and statistically analyse your data. All submissions will be included in your team's digital portfolio.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension except for the Team Manifesto and the Research Question.

Assessment: Anatomy Research Paper

Individually you will conduct a literature review and summarise key findings into a meaningful introduction to highlight the significance of the research question relative to current literature in the field, write the methods, present the results of your experiment using relevant graphs and tables and provide meaningful interpretation of the results and the limitations of the experiment.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

Will assess your depth of understanding of embryology and tissue biomechanics. Multiple choice questions, drawing of anatomical diagrams, analysis of biomechanical data, and application of your knowledge to clinical case studies will be required.

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 is the students responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

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.

This unit includes demonstrations on human donor material and animal dissection; additional safety training and personal protective equipment including a cotton lab coat, safety glasses and gloves are required when completing these demonstrations. You are to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times when accessing human and animal material. Viewing and handling of human donor material is voluntary in this unit, however part of your assessment requires you to participate in a rat dissection. You are required to view a series of online resources on Cadaver Preparedness and complete an online human donor material quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory; check your Canvas site for information on how to access this quiz and complete the student declaration of compliance.

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

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: Team research project, Anatomy Research Paper, Final Theory Exam
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: Team research project
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Team research project, Anatomy Research Paper, Final Theory Exam
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: Team research project
5. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Anatomy Research Paper, Final Theory Exam