LQB608 Extreme Physiology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit is designed for students undertaking the human physiology major in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. You will integrate and apply knowledge obtained from Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388) and Medical Physiology 2 (LQB488) to study a number of advanced topics in physiology. In addition you will develop your ability to discuss, interpret and critically analyse important scientific issues. By successfully completing this unit you will be able to demonstrate a range of important skills including critical thinking, team work, planning, scientific writing, time-management, problem-solving and organisation skills. This unit has a very strong practical focus and you will investigate physiological problems independently and as a member of a team. These skills will prepare you for postgraduate study (such as the Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Honours), to work in biomedical research or for a career in clinical physiology.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of advanced topics in physiology and understand the ethical issues related to these.
2. Demonstrate skills in searching, reviewing and critically analysing the scientific literature related to human physiology.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, scientific writing and oral presentation skills.
4. Demonstrate the ability to investigate scientific problems in a practical manner, making use of both critical-thinking and time-management skills.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit consists of workshops and practicals, facilitated by physiology researchers. Over the semester you will perform two student-designed team research projects, which will each span half of the semester.
These projects will enhance your ability to work independently and in teams and to investigate physiological concepts using project-style research. There will be an emphasis on the application of professional and ethical practice, and academic integrity. Workshops during the practical sessions will develop your ability to understand, and critique the scientific literature, to apply your knowledge and to develop discussion, critical thinking, presentation, and team-work skills.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive regular verbal and written feedback on group and individual work throughout the semester.

Assessment

Overview

You will perform two student-led team research projects throughout the semester. You will present the findings from your first project as an individual oral presentation and for the second team project you will report your findings as a formal research paper. Throughout the semester you will participate in workshops designed to support your projects and extend your knowledge. These assessment tasks will demonstrate your ability to apply research, communication, problem-solving and team work skills.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Worksheets

Throughout the semester you will apply your knowledge to interpret and critically-evaluate research papers, reviews and other seminal works from a range of advanced topics in physiology. You will demonstrate your understanding of this body of work by the completion of worksheets.

Assessment: Research Project 1: Seminar

During the first half of semester you will work in a small team to design and perform a research project that will address a specific research question in physiology. Your final report on this project will consist of an oral presentation that will assess your understanding of the topic, your ability to plan and execute a research project effectively, as well as communicate the outcomes verbally.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Research Project 2: Paper

In the second half of the semester you will work as a member of a small team to perform a research project in another area of physiology. Your final report on this project will consist of a scientific paper that will assess your ability to execute a research project effectively as well as communicate the outcomes in a written format.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

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 are the student's 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.

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: Worksheets
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: Research Project 1: Seminar, Research Project 2: Paper
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Worksheets, Research Project 1: Seminar, Research Project 2: Paper
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: Research Project 1: Seminar, Research Project 2: Paper
5. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Worksheets, Research Project 1: Seminar, Research Project 2: Paper