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BCHM520 Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Updated: 03 May 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
05 September 2010 08 September 2010 Mandatory on-campus students to attend intensive school
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions BCHM320
Notes None
Combined Units BCHM320 - Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
Coordinator(s) Ian Cassady (acassady@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

The unit includes the basic principles of clinical biochemistry, including the analysis of clinical samples such as blood and urine. Topics covered include: the biochemistry of blood and the immune system, the biochemical basis of inherited disease and cancer, population screening and gene therapy. Molecular methods of disease diagnosis will also be examined. BCHM520 will cover material in greater depth than BCHM320 with separate and more challenging assignments being completed.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Molecular Medicine: An Introductory Text
ISBN: 9780126990577
Trent, R.J., Academic Press 3rd ed. 2005
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Mad Cows and Cannibals: A Guide to Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
ISBN: 9780131423398
Spencer, C.A., Prentice Hall 1st ed. 2003
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry
ISBN: 9780716771081
Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M., Worth 5th ed. 2008
Note: 4th ed. (ISBN 9780716762652) is also acceptable
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Referenced Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Reference material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Clinical Biochemistry
ISBN: 0632048344
Beckett, G.J., Walker, S.W., Rae, P.W.H. and Ashby, P., Blackwell 7th ed.
Note: Available from the Dixson Library, UNE
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Essay 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2, 3 GA: 1, 2, 4, 7
Laboratory Report 10%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Oral Presentation 10%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 4, 6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 8
Problem Assignment 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand, in detail, the types of clinical samples which are available for analysis, how these are obtained and the biochemical parameters which may be measured;
  2. list and understand the function of the major biochemical components of blood. Be able to explain how these may relate to disease;
  3. understand the molecular basis of inherited disease and understand and be able to interpret the DNA tests which are used in clinical biochemistry. Have an in depth understanding of the advantages and problems of population screening;
  4. describe processes involved in gene therapy and be able to discuss in depth its potential as well as problems and limitations;
  5. explain the biochemistry of the cell cycle and cancer;
  6. describe the proposed mechanism by which prions cause disease. Use this information to assess strategies to limit the spread of prion diseases.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
The unit includes the basic principles of clinical biochemistry, including the analysis of clinical samples such as blood and urine. Topics covered include: the biochemistry of blood and the immune system, the biochemical basis of inherited disease and cancer, population screening and gene therapy. Molecular methods of disease diagnosis will also be examined. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Essay writing, oral presentation skills and scientific report writing are taught practised and assessed. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are instructed on methods for accessing relevant scientific literature, databases and websites; this is practised and assessed in assignments and practical report. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students learn that scientific knowledge is constantly changing and requiring constant updating. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students are given extensive practise in problem solving in practicals and problem sets. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Scientific ethics are taught practised and assessed in practicals; specific issues relating to ethics of molecular medicine are discussed and assessed in assignments. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students must work cooperatively in order to complete practical work and oral presentation. 		True
   

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