Unit Outline

This unit develops expertise in the application and critical evaluation of biochemical investigations in the clinical laboratory. You will evaluate and apply quality assurance processes, including internal and external quality control, while developing advanced laboratory and analytical technical skills, including relevant calculations. The unit emphasises integration of practical and interpretive aspects of biochemical testing, focusing on renal function, water, electrolyte and acid–base balance, and hypothalamic, pituitary and fertility hormones. Through case-based learning and laboratory activities, you will critically analyse complex data, communicate interpretations using discipline-specific terminology, and exercise professional judgement in making evidence-informed decisions in clinical chemistry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of clinical chemistry principles.
2	Communicate in a scientific manner using discipline specific terminology related to clinical chemistry.
3	Perform laboratory techniques and calculations competently and accurately
4	Critically assess laboratory results and evaluate the clinical relevance of case studies to peers.
5	Apply technical skills to obtain reliable results in the laboratory

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In class tests (x2)	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Laboratory Report	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Skills and Competencies Test	Week 4	0 %	LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Practical Exam	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 5:	Examination	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In class tests (x2)

Task Description:

Two 60 minute colsed-book tests comprising calculations, short answers and case studies.

Task Length:

60 minutes

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform clinical chemistry calculations	LO1, LO3
2	Use clinical chemistry principles to explain diseases	LO1, LO2, LO4
3	Critically assess laboratory results	LO4
4	Use discipline specific terminology	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Report

Task Description:

During the semester, you will complete two written laboratory reports (one formative and one summative) based on practical sessions. Reports must be written to conform to the provided format.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain relevant principles of clinical chemistry	LO1, LO2
2	Appy and document laboratory activities undertaken	LO2
3	Analyse and interpret data collected in the laboratory to explain clinical chemistry principles	LO1, LO2, LO4
4	Critically assess laboratory results and use evidence to explain clinical relevance and draw valid conclusions	LO1, LO2, LO4
5	Critically evaluate experiment to suggest improvements	LO1, LO4
6	Report conforms to scientific writing requirements for a laboratory report and uses discipline specific terminology and refers to literature	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Skills and Competencies Test

Task Description:

This skills and competencies test is a hurdle task to determine that you have the required skills on which to build further laboratory skills. The session will examine basic pipetting. You must pass this task in order to pass the unit.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform laboratory and analytical techniques	LO3, LO5

Assessment Task 4: Practical Exam

Task Description:

A three hour practical exam will be conducted during the formal examination period. The exam will involve the application of techniques studied during the semester, demonstration of laboratory competency and the interpretation of results obtained. The exam will be marked on the accuracy of laboratory results and the completeness of result interpretation and questions. The practical examination is a hurdle task that students are required to pass to be eligible for a pass grade or better in this unit. This task assesses competencies that contribute to core claims of competency for medical scientists.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge of clinical chemistry principles	LO1
2	Use technical skills to obtain results in the laboratory	LO1, LO5
3	Perform laboratory techniques and calculations	LO2, LO3, LO5
4	Assess laboratory results and evaluate the clinical relevance	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 5: Examination

Task Description:

This is a closed-book written exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge. You may take one A4 double sided or two A4 single sided pages of typed notes into the exam.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge of clinical chemistry principles	LO1, LO3
2	Critically assess laboratory results and evaluate the clinical relevance	LO2, LO4
3	Complete clinical chemistry calculations	LO3
4	Communicate in a scientific manner using discipline specific terminology.	LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.