Introduction To Biomedical Research

Subject BIOM40001 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

February, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 16-Feb-2015 to 27-Feb-2015
Assessment Period End 02-Jul-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 18-Feb-2015
Census Date 20-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 15-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30
Total Time Commitment:

30 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours (including non-contact time)

Prerequisites:

Admission into BH-BMED - Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours)
OR
Admission into BH-SCI - Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
OR
Admission into BH-ORHLTH - Bachelor of Oral Health (Degree with Honours)
OR
Admission into MC-BMEDSC – Master of Biomedical Science

Corequisites:

For BSc (Hons) or BBiomed (Hons): a relevant discipline-specific Honours coursework unit and a relevant Research Project in an MDHS department.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Three years of undergraduate 3 year sequence in a relevant biomedical science discipline.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Equitable Adjustment Procedure (SEAP), academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry. It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Richard Hughes

Contact

Subject Coordinator:

Assoc Prof Richard Hughes
rahughes@unimelb.edu.au

Administrative Contact:

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Student Centre
http://sc.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/contact

Subject Overview:

This subject uses a structured approach to introduce students to processes and strategies at the core of modern biomedical research. In a series of 10 x 2hr tutorials, students are guided through the need for – and tools of – testable hypothesis formulation, data management and evaluation, data presentation, and research outcome communication. Specific case examples of experimental design and statistical testing techniques are considered. In the course of this, students are introduced to appropriate statistical approaches and software. Ethical practices relevant to both animal and human experimental biomedical research are reviewed and inculcated. Broad issues relating to research conduct and management are addressed in the context of Discussion Workshops. These topics include critical reading skills, management of intellectual property, scientific integrity and fraud, conflict of interest, e-research, publication production, reference management and archiving of data. Additional Workshops deal with advanced techniques utilised in contemporary medical research.

Learning Outcomes:

To develop a mature understanding of experimental design, experimental implementation, data evaluation and communication as it relates to modern biomedical research, in a broad ethical context. To acquire competency in statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and data presentation. To generate awareness of, and appropriate behaviours relating to, ethical conduct of animal and human experimental ethics, including regulatory requirements. To appreciate the need for the active management of intellectual property issues, scientific integrity and conflict of interest in a contemporary biomedical research context. To become aware of the scientific and technical basis of selected advanced techniques in biomedical research.

Assessment:

One statistics and experimental design assignment (50%). Two short (1500 word) essays (50%). Both pieces of assessment are submitted during semester.

Prescribed Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

To:
• Develop critical reading skills.
• Develop skills in a range of communication forms, oral and written.
• Appreciate the roles of the individual and the team in contemporary medical research.
• Develop appropriate time managements skills over both short and long time frames

Links to further information: None
Notes:

This subject is only available to students enrolled in BSc (Honours); BBiomed (Honours); MSc (RT, Biomedical and Health Sciences)

Related Course(s): Master of Biomedical Science
Master of Science (Biomedical and Health Sciences)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anatomy and Neuroscience
Health Informatics
Honours Program - Veterinary Bioscience
Medicine (Austin Health)
Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital)
Medicine (St Vincent's Hospital)
Oral Health Science
Otolaryngology
Paediatrics
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Primary Care (General Practice)
Psychopharmacology [Psychiatry (Austin Health)]
Surgery (Austin Health)

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