Advanced Investigation of Human Disease

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

An enrolment quota of 50 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, refer to the Quota Subject link (under Advice and Support) on the MDHS Student Centre website: http://sc.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/

Semester 2 - Taught in Parkville and surrounding institutes

120 hours

PATH30003 may be taken concurrently.

NOTE: B.Biomedicine students doing a Defence & Disease major MUST consult the Majors Information Booklet for additional requisite requirements and choices.

Pathology and Biochemistry

None

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit:

http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

PATH30004 Advanced Investigation of Human Disease extends the practical training objectives encompassed by PATH30002 Techniques for Investigation of Disease in the context of research projects of approximately 5-6 weeks duration. The emphasis of this course is to introduce students to the importance of research in the investigation of disease by undertaking a supervised individual experimental or small-group library-based research project in a specific area of pathology. Major research areas covered in this subject include autoimmunity, immunopathology, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer diagnosis, infectious diseases and the molecular, cellular and genetic bases of disease and disease therapies. This course introduces students to basic laboratory research and provides insight into and preparation for a career in biomedical research.

This subject is an elective subject for Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology and is recommended for students interested in doing Honours in the Department of Pathology.

Biomedicine students intending to take the Defence & Disease major MUST consult the Major Information Booklet.

The objectives of the subject are:

• to provide experience in research methods
• to provide experience in experimental techniques.
• to provide experience in the experimental approach to problem solving through scientific research in pathology.

• Assessment of laboratory performance throughout the semester (10%)
• 1 x written library or experimental research project report (maximum 6000 - 8000 words in length) due end of semester (60%)
• 1 x research seminar in October (30%)

Hurdle requirement: attendance at all pre-practical talks, all practical sessions, tutorials, research discussions and seminar practice sessions as indicated in the subject practical manual or by subject coordinator and/or the research project supervisor.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

The emphasis of this subject is to introduce students to the importance of research in the understanding of disease by undertaking short experimental or library-based research projects.
This will enable students to:

• enhance practical skills by undertaking scientific techniques used for the investigation of disease.
• develop a variety of skills in the experimental design, analysis and interpretation of scientific data which may be applied across the various scientific disciplines.
• develop their critical thinking and problem solving techniques by the analysis and interpretation of scientific data.
• develop an understanding of the importance of accurate recording, storage and retrieval of scientific information .
• understand the ethical considerations of reliably performing, recording, storing and reporting scientific information.
• improve written and oral communication skills by the preparation of a detailed written scientific report and the presentation of a seminar based on the research project.
• develop inter-personal skills by working as a member of a team.
• develop the capacity to work independently.
• develop information management skills necessary for undertaking an informed research project.

• Laboratory coat and safety glasses are required.
• Students should be familiar with the University policy on Plagiarism and must sign and
  attach an Anti-Plagiarism declaration to each Assessment Activity.
• Completion and submission of Experimental and Library-based Research Reports by the
  submission date indicated in the subject practical manual is a compulsory requirement of
  the subject.
• Students will need to access research journal articles and selected texts as outlined in the research project descriptions indicated by research and teaching staff.