Techniques for Investigation of Disease
531-302
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Coordinators
Dr John Underwood - johnru@unimelb.edu.au
Credit Points: 12.5
Description
This subject aims to develop a sound practical and theoretical understanding of the scientific investigation of disease by the examination of key experimental techniques in the context of particular diseases. The techniques examined include: histology, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, quantitative ELISA, Southern blotting, immunoblotting, polymerase chain reaction. These techniques will be employed, in conjunction with critical analysis of published research papers, to understand the cellular, molecular and genetic processes involved in certain diseases and disease diagnosis. Diseases examined in this course include autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Crohn’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Prostate, Breast and Colon cancer. The subject also includes a practical session involving the techniques employed for forensic analysis. This course will introduce students to basic principles of laboratory based analytical methods that are currently used in Pathology Research, Diagnostic Pathology and Forensic Pathology.
Subect Objectives
The general aims of the practical course are:
- to extend and complement the 531-301 Mechanism of Human Disease lecture material
- to provide experience in a variety of experimental techniques related to pathology
- to provide experience in experimental design, data analysis and he experimental approach to problem solving
Generic Skills
The emphasis of this subject is to introduce students to the importance of research in the investigation of disease by undertaking experimental practicals and paper exercises. This will enable students to:
- enhance practical skills by undertaking scientific techniques used for the investigation of disease.
- develop 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 based on the Code of Conduct for Research at the University of Melbourne
- 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 reports
- develop the capacity to work as part of a team or independently
- develop information management skills necessary for undertaking an informed research project.
Contact Hours
Contact hours: 72 hours (6 contact hours per week)
Estimated total time commitment: 120 hours (10 hours per week)Assessment
Practical work submitted weekly in accordance wi the the subject handbook (65%).
Continuous assessment of laboratory performance (10%).
1 hour mulitple choice exam (25%).
All experiment-based practical reports, paper exercises and museum assignments are of equal assessment weight (6.5%) and must be of the order of 2000 - 2500 words in length excluding figures, diagrams, tables and the bibliography.
Completion and submission of all assessment activities including experiment-based practical reports, paper exercises and museum assignments by the submission dates indicated in the subject practical manual is a compulsory requirement of the subject.
Attendance at all pre-practical talks and all practical sessions as indicated in the subject practical manual is compulsory and a prescribed hurdle requirement of the subject.Recommended Texts
Kumar V., et. al., Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, Saunders Elsevier.