Laboratory Medicine

Stage 2 Units – 25 Credit Points Each

Evidence Informed Health Practice

The role of empirical evidence in making decisions in health practice. Introduction to different types of research methodologies; measurement; observation; data collection; research ethics; bio-statistical analysis; strategies to understand, question and evaluate evidence.

Foundations for Professional Health Practice

Introduction to ethical decision making in the context of professional health practice. Application of academic standards and development of skills required for studying at university. Introduction to professional requirements which impact on the safety and quality of client centred service/care when working in a health setting. Examination of differences in Australian and international health systems. Students will learn the value of diversity in inter-professional practice through working in teams. Students will reflect on their learning and begin to develop lifelong learning skills.

Health and Health Behaviour

Students will explore the environmental, social, cultural, psychological and biological factors that influence the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and populations. Perceptions of health, illness and disability and how these shape health decision making will be discussed. Consideration of how theories of health behaviour can be applied to maintaining and improving health and wellbeing. Students will work inter- professionally to identify the key principles influencing health and health behaviour required to deliver safe, high quality client and community centred services.

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

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.

Stage 2 Units – 25 Credit Points Each

Foundations of Biomedical Science

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.

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.

Introduction to Biological Chemistry

This unit is an introduction to biological chemistry for students who have passed CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry. This unit will build on Introduction to Chemistry by providing examples of chemistry with relevance to biological systems. It will relate properties of biological molecules to aspects of chemical bonding to allow identification of their physical and chemical properties. It will further build on your skills in chemical reactions and numeracy developed in CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and introduce some chemical measurement techniques of relevance to biological systems. It will illustrate the role of functional groups in controlling the function. behaviour and reactivity of organic molecules, focussing on application to biological molecules. The importance of solution pH in many biological systems will be introduced. along with the properties of acids and buffer solutions

Introduction to Chemistry

This unit is an introduction to the fundamental nature of matter for students who have not previously studied chemistry. Students who have passed WACE Chemistry 3A/3B or equivalent should instead take CHEM1000 Principles and Processes in Chemistry or CHEM1 001 Biological Chemistry. A range of chemical processes that underpin a broad array of disciplines will illustrate the importance of and differences between chemical and mathematical representations of reactions and reactivity. The physical phenomena resulting from bond types and their resulting intermolecular forces will explain the properties of natural and man-made processes and materials. Using examples from nature and biology the role of the certain groups in ascribing reactivity and function of organic molecules will be highlighted.