Advanced Investigation of Human Disease

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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 on the MDHS Student Centre website: http://sc.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/quota-subjects

170 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

Students who have completed PATH30004 cannot enrol in BIOM30003 through the department of Pathology.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, 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 may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

In PATH30004 Advanced Investigation of Human Disease students will extend their understanding of human disease in the context of library or laboratory based research projects. This subject will give students the opportunity to work within a research group investigating diseases of significance to society and provide them with an appreciation of the relationship between basic research and the investigation of complex diseases and how research discoveries can contribute to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.

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 and Disease major MUST consult the Major Information Booklet.

The objectives of the subject are:

• to provide experience in research methods and
• to develop written and oral communication skills specific to the investigation of human disease

• Self-assessment (During semester, 3%)
• Assessment of Laboratory performance (throughout semester, 7%)
• 1x Draft Literature review (During semester, 5%)
• 1x Draft report (During semester, 5%)
• 1x Written Library or Experimental research report (3000-3500 words in length) due at the end of semester (50%)
• 1x 10min 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.

Students concerned they may be asked to participate in animal use activities to which they have a conscientious objection should raise the matter with their subject coordinator at the earliest opportunity to increase the chances that alternative arrangements can be made. In line with the policy relative to Conscientious Objection to Animal Use (MPF1182), the University will endeavour to make reasonable accommodation for conscientious objections of students in this area, although it will not always be possible to excuse students from particular activities. For more details on this policy, please go to http://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1182.