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BIO3204 Molecular Diagnostics 2

Semester 2, 2023 Toowoomba On-campus
Units : 1
School or Department : School of Health and Medical Sciences
Grading basis : Graded
Course fee schedule : /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules

Staffing

Course Coordinator:

Requisites

Pre-requisite: BIO2104 and BIO2108 and BIO2106

Overview

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.

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.

As part of the 精东传媒app's 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 attend the mandatory residential school and obtain at least 50% of the marks allocated to the practical/laboratory skills assessment in this course.

Course learning outcomes

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.

Topics

Description Weighting(%)
1. Overview of molecular diagnostic concepts and their future directions 10.00
2. Principles of molecular testing in immunology and infectious disease 25.00
3. Principles of molecular testing in genetic disease 25.00
4. Principles of molecular testing in cancer and haematology 30.00
5. Laboratory skills and practice 10.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Coleman, WB & Tsongalis, GJ 2016, Diagnostic Molecular Pathology: A Guide to Applied Molecular Testing, Academic Press.

Student workload expectations

To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.

Assessment details

Approach Type Description Group
Assessment
Weighting (%) Course learning outcomes
Assignments Written Quiz A1 of 3 No 20 1,2,4
Assignments Written Quiz A2 of 3 No 15 1,2,4
Assignments Practical Practical No 20 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assignments Written Problem Solving No 30 1,2,4,6
Assignments Written Quiz A3 of 3 No 15 1,2,4
Date printed 9 February 2024