Introduction To Biomedical Research

Subject BIOM40001 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours (estimated)
Prerequisites: BBiomed: Completion of third year.
BSc (or equivalent): Completion of third year, of which at least 37.5 points in third year shall be in a relevant biomedical discipline.
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Academic Coordinator:

Dr Richard Hughes
rahughes@unimelb.edu.au

Administrative Coordinator:

Ms Katrina Hall
halk@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives: 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: Two written reports (each not exceeding 3000 words) submitted during the semester, each worth 50%
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
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in BSc (Honours); BBiomed (Honours); MSc (RT, Biomedical and Health Sciences)
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours)
Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)

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