| Semester 2, 2021 External | |
| Short Description: | Intro to Biomedical Sciences |
| Units : | 1 |
| Faculty or Section : | Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences |
| School or Department : | School of Health and Wellbeing |
| Student contribution band : | Band 2 |
| ASCED code : | 010913 - Human Biology |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
Staffing
Examiner:
Rationale
Biomedical sciences comprise the scientific disciplines that investigate human health and disease across the lifespan. It is the study of the human body's normal function and structure and how this function and structure is compromised through injury, disease and the ageing process. This course will introduce students to foundational theory and practical skills in biomedical science as well as the professional and ethical principles that underpin this field. It will prepare students for future studies in genetics, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology as well as showcase future career options with a face-to-face and online careers panel held during the semester
Synopsis
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in biomedical science through the study of the human body from the earliest stages of life through to old age. The course includes an introduction to the molecular basis of cells that comprise the human body, human reproduction, basic Mendelian genetics and ageing processes. It also emphasises the importance of ethics and professional practice in biomedical science by exploring some of the human rights controversies associated with past biomedical advances.
This course contains a highly recommended residential school for external students and S2 on-campus students, and highly recommended on-campus laboratories or practical classes for S1 on-campus students (non-attendance will mean the student misses both an element for assessment preparation and an element of assessment).
Objectives
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- describe the molecular basis of cells in the human body;
- explain the cellular changes that drive human development from pre-fertilisation through to old age;
- detail the basis of genetic variation and heredity explained by Mendelian inheritance;
- employ scientific methods and quantitative skills in a biomedical science laboratory;
- apply and evaluate ethical and professional conduct in biomedical science;
- demonstrate written communication skills relevant to biomedical sciences.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Molecular basis of cells and cell function | 10.00 |
| 2. | Human development: mitosis and meiosis, early embryo development, pregnancy, life stages and ageing | 20.00 |
| 3. | Mendelian genetics: genes, genetic variation and heredity | 20.00 |
| 4. | Ethics in biomedical science | 20.00 |
| 5. | Quantitative and laboratory skills | 10.00 |
| 6. | The scientific method | 20.00 |
Text and Materials
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2021&sem=02&subject1=BIO1204)
Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)
(Pack includes, textbook, Interactive Physiology 10-System Suite, A Brief Atlas to the Human Body 2nd edn. and Access to myA&P Website with my eBook for Human Anatomy & Physiology, Eighth Edition.)
Reference Materials
Student Workload Expectations
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Assessments | 20.00 |
| Online Lectures | 26.00 |
| Online Tutorials | 13.00 |
| Private Study | 90.00 |
| Residential Schools | 16.00 |
Assessment Details
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg (%) | Due Date | Objectives Assessed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-semester quiz | 60 | 15 | 13 Aug 2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | (see note 1) |
| Laboratory Report | 20 | 20 | 28 Sep 2021 | 3,4,6 | (see note 2) |
| Tutorial Activities | 40 | 15 | 05 Oct 2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | (see note 3) |
| Open Examination - Online | 100 | 50 | End S2 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | (see note 4) |
Notes
- The examiner will advise dates for the mid-semester quiz, with this being the closing date.
- Examiner to advise details for the assessment. This assessment is linked to the residential school/laboratory. The dates and location of the highly recommended residential school are available from the Residential School Timetable (http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current/resschoolsched.html). On-campus students can follow the Class Timetables (https://www.usq.edu.au/current-students/organise-enrolment/timetables/class) as a guide or enrolled students can refer to their student portal and navigate to Student Centre>Self Service>Timetables>My Weekly Schedule.
- Examiner to advise details for the assessment.
- This will be an online exam. Students will be provided further instruction regarding the exam by their course examiner via StudyDesk. The examination date will be available via UConnect when the Alternate Assessment Schedule has been released.
Important assessment information
-
Attendance requirements:
External students are highly recommended to attend the residential school and on-campus students are highly recommended to attend the scheduled laboratories or practical classes as the residential school and laboratories or practical classes are linked to an assessment or an element of assessment preparation. It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. -
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination. -
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4) -
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course. -
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. -
Examination information:
An Online Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed, written, or online material as well as a calculator. -
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Deferred and Supplementary examinations will be held in accordance with the Assessment Procedure . -
University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
Assessment Notes
-
As part of the highly recommended residential school, students may be expected to complete a combination of laboratories, practical classes and assessment as advised by the course examiner.
-
Students should be aware that the originality of any submitted assignment will be checked by the USQ service, "Turnitin". Additional details will be provided on StudyDesk and with the assignment requirements.
-
Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide.
Other Requirements
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In order to attend laboratory classes, students must provide and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This shall include a laboratory coat, closed in shoes, and safety glasses. Such equipment must be approved by supervising staff. Failure to provide and wear the appropriate safety equipment will result in students being excluded from classes.