BMS262 Practical Clinical Biochemistry (4)

This subject introduces units, reference ranges and specimens used in clinical biochemistry. The subject also covers the patho-physiological and patho-biochemical rationale for routine clinical biochemistry tests and the interpretation of data. Biochemical techniques associated with the various routine tests covered include principles of the methods and the analytical performance. Technology, including point of care testing is important in healthcare and it is also therefore learnt. At the end of the subject, a student will have knowledge of the requirements of the various specimens and measurements and will have theoretical skills to carry out routine testing using various methods and equipment. The student will carry out test, assess performance on the analysis (quality control) and interpret clinical biochemistry data. Such knowledge is useful for example, in further studies in this discipline, routine and specialist medical laboratory sciences, forensic sciences, biotechnology, dentistry, medicine, veterinary and animal sciences, research and in industry that develops and/or supplies diagnostic technology and consumables. This practical subject will be run in a residential school format with both internal and distance cohorts attending the practical sessions.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Micro Session 3 (44)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS262. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences

Prerequisites

BMS261

Subject Relationships

BMS261 Provides laboratory practicals for BMS261

Incompatible Subjects

BMS207, BMS302

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify, describe and justify the utility of the various specimens, conditions of specimen collection and preservation as well as other requirements for analysis;
  • be able to describe, use and evaluate the various techniques (including but not limited to chemical, enzymatic, electrometric, recognition techniques and mass spectrometry) utilised in measurement of endogenous metabolites, hormones and drugs in biological fluids/tissues in various diseases;
  • be able to carry out measurements (technical skills), to evaluate methods (including but not limited to evaluating accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, linearity), to identify and analyse sources of errors, to implement quality control and quality assurance for good analytical practice; and
  • be able to work independently and collaboratively in measurement of analyses and to write a scientific report on experimental findings and data interpretation.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to clinical biochemistry and laboratory safety;
  • Units of measurement, reference limits, specimens;
  • Errors, quality control and quality assurance concepts, accreditation;
  • Manual techniques and technology in measurement including point of care testing, automation and information systems;
  • Biological specimens; and
  • Biochemistry data interpretation.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BMS262 in 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Practicals/exercises write ups
50
2
Qa/qc exercise data handling
30
3
Practical skill examination
20

Residential School

This subject contains a 6 day Compulsory Residential School.

This subject is a micro-session practical subject and the residential school will provide students with advanced skills in clinical biochemistry. Students will be required to attend compulsory laboratory classes to develop technical skills and interpretation of clinical biochemistry data. Individual, group and class exercises will allow students to learn to work as individuals as well as to develop team work skills.

Special Resources

Students attending compulsory residential schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources (minimum: lab coat, safety glasses and covered footwear for lab-based practicals).

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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