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Molecular diagnostic testing has evolved over the last 20 years and is now considered one the most progressive and rapidly growing areas in medical laboratory science and biomedical research. Traditional methods employed in medical diagnostics have been complemented and/or replaced by molecular assays. This course is designed for students who have completed introductory courses in Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics and will explore the theory and application of molecular techniques across various disciplines of clinical pathology, including immunology and infectious diseases, genetic diseases, oncology and haematology. This course will not only provide the student with enhanced understanding of molecular diagnostics, but also with practical skills that may be utilised as they transition into the medical laboratory environment.

As part of the USQ accreditation agreement with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), students are required to attempt and submit all assessment items in this course. Students are also required to obtain at least 50% of the marks allocated to the practical/laboratory skills assessment in this course.

This course will explore the following four major themes: the status of molecular diagnostic testing and its future, molecular testing in immunology and infectious disease, molecular testing in genetic disease, and molecular testing in cancer and haematology. This course contains a mandatory two-day residential school for both external and on-campus students. The practical component of the residential school will focus on utilising molecular diagnostic techniques in immunology and infectious disease testing and in diagnosis of specific human genetic diseases. Tutorials will extend the student's knowledge by providing problem-solving tasks, case studies and/or journal article discussions.

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. describe modern molecular diagnostic techniques and the concepts that underpin molecular testing in human disease,
2. explain the more complex molecular assays and discuss the future directions of molecular diagnostics;
3. follow standard procedures within the laboratory environment to develop fundamental skills in molecular diagnostic techniques;
4. explain how the use of molecular diagnostic procedures can be applied to the diagnosis of certain diseases;
5. apply safe laboratory practices and the professional and ethical standards associated with working in a clinical molecular laboratory;
6. communicate and work effectively both independently and in a team environment.