Laboratory Medicine

Stage 2 Units – 25 Credit Points Each

Foundations of Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Students critically appraise public health and clinical epidemiological research literature and perform basic statistical analysis. You will encounter basic statistical and graphical description and analysis of epidemiological and biomedical data with appropriate graphs, tables, and summary measures; statistical inference and statistical hypothesis testing applied to problems in health and clinical medicine using parametric and non-parametric tests; calculation of common epidemiological measures of disease frequency and association such as incidence rate, prevalence, attributable risk, risk ratios and odds ratio; role and significance of inferential statistics such as confidence intervals and probability values.

Foundations of Biomedical Science (unit not available online)

This unit is an introduction to the theory and application of disciplines in the biomedical sciences: microbiology, immunology, histopathology, haematology, biochemistry and molecular genetics. Themes include the basic theory of the cellular and molecular components that form the foundations of biomedical science, the investigation of disease and infectious agents, occupational health considerations, the use of specialised equipment and testing of biological samples in a professional manner. The role and function of medical and research laboratories will also be explored.

Human Structure and Function

Anatomical organisation of the body and the relationships between body systems and cells. Human requirements for metabolism and life. The structure and function of the body. Basic control and interactions of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. Primary defence against microorganisms. Mechanisms for growth, repair and reproduction.

Indigenous Cultures and Health Behaviours

In this unit students will examine culture and diversity within local, national and global, Indigenous populations; impacts of specific policies and historical events on Indigenous Australians and their effects on health and health care access. Students will analyse health outcomes of Indigenous Australians and explore underlying social determinants, and how health professionals can work collaboratively in consultation with Indigenous individuals, families, communities and organisations.

Integrated Systems Anatomy & Physiology

An integrated approach to the study of body systems correlating structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems together with their endocrine and neural control. Students will investigate the interaction of these systems in normal body functioning and in selected altered body states.

Foundations of Bioscience Practice (unit not available online)

In this unit students will be introduced to the application of academic standards and development of skills required for studying at university. Introduction to requirements for professional, safe and accurate laboratory practice. Students will learn laboratory techniques to apply introductory Chemistry knowledge, and practise as emerging scientists capable of working individually and in teams. Introduction to ethics in the context of human and animal research. Introduction to careers for health scientists.

Fundamental Chemistry for Bioscience (unit not available online) – Semester 1 only

Molecular Genetics and Biosciences (unit not available online) – Semester 2 only