CXA101 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences

School of Health Sciences

College of Health and Medicine

CXA101
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences

Unit Outline

CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

What is the unit about?

Unit description

This unit equips you with clinical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge that links to other first year units and that underpins learning in future units within the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Health Science and Exercise Science programs. At the end of this unit, you will have experienced a range of laboratory techniques and instruments and have a grounding in the theoretical principles on which these techniques and instruments are based.

The unit also provides the opportunity to develop and practice your communication skills in written and oral contexts, face to face and on-line. A workshop on cultural awareness, a faculty-wide initiative, aims to enhance your cross-cultural communication skills and understanding, to help you interact confidently and sensitively with your peers and to prepare you for the multi-cultural environs of postuniversity life.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of:
   • foundational techniques of medical laboratory analysis and the principles of
     operation of some laboratory equipment
   • the physiology of human blood and the interpretation of analytical results
     in a medical laboratory context
   • statistical and quality assurance principles used in medical laboratory
     analysis
   • occupational health and safety theory and practice in a medical laboratory
     setting
   • the use of University of Tasmania library resources
2. Display developing professional and intercultural communication skills by::
   • communicating scientific information in writing
   • applying cross cultural awareness and communication in writing

Graduate Quality Statement

Successful completion of this unit supports your development of course learning outcomes, which describe what a graduate of a course knows, understands and is able to do. Course learning outcomes are available from the Course Coordinator. Course learning outcomes are developed with reference to national discipline standards, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), any professional accreditation requirements and the University of Tasmania’s Graduate Quality Statement.

Alterations to the unit as a result of student feedback

Introduction of the on-line short answer questions (Assessment Task 3) increases the amount of formative (non-assessed) feedback students receive during the semester.

Splitting the original two-hour prac exam (held in week 13) into a one-hour prac exam at the end of semester and a semester-long minimum standards practical skills checklist (Assessment Tasks 2 and 7), allows for students and staff to better monitor student practical performance, prior to the final exam.

Prior knowledge and/or skills

Students enrolling in this unit are assumed to already be competent in the use of computers and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including creating and saving documents, logging-on to the internet and using on-line applications - particularly email, attaching documents to emails, downloading and uploading documents.

You need to possess a calculator with scientific functionality and you must be able to use the calculator correctly – particularly the statistical functions, before attending the tutorial and practical sessions.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment schedule

Please note that the penalty for non-submission of Item 2 assessments may increase the examination weighting. Check under the Penalties heading for more details.

Assessment details

Assessment task 1 – Library Assignment

CRA Table 1. Library Assignment – your library assignment will be assessed against the following criteria

Assessment task 2: Minimum Standards Practical Skills Checklist

Assessment task 3: On-Line Short Answer Submissions x 5

Assessment task 4: Mid-Semester Theory Test

Assessment task 5: Global Perspectives Program Quiz

Assessment task 6: End-Semester Theory Test

Assessment task 7: End semester prac exam

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit you must attend ALL practical sessions unless absence has been explained to the satisfaction of the unit coordinator and submit all assessment tasks, completed to the satisfaction of the unit coordinator. The final mark will be an aggregate of all assessment marks, provided that the final practical exam is  passed.

Final grades are awarded based on University guidelines. The co-ordinator reserves the right to alter marks if deemed necessary, so do not assume that the raw score for an assessment item is your final mark.

Submission of assignments

Submit assignments by the due date. All printed work must be submitted by 4:00 pm on the due date in the assignment drop-box, located in the foyer of the School of Health Sciences building (building  C).

There is a series of drop-boxes on the MyLO site for submission of the on-line short answer assessments, due by 9.00am one week after the relevant prac session. Please report any issues with submissions to the unit co-ordinator immediately. For details on submission dates refer to the assessment details on page 8.

Please ensure that all assignment submissions are accompanied by an assignment  cover sheet, in either hard copy or electronically. Download a copy of the cover sheet from the Assignment Resources folder on  MyLO.

Requests for extensions

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating  to how to resolve any issues concerning  assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Penalties

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating  to how to resolve any issues concerning  assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Failure to complete an online assessment by the close of release dates may result in late penalties at the discretion of the unit co-ordinator.

For Assessment Task 3: Submissions made within individually varied dates/times, as authorised by the Unit Coordinator, will be eligible for grading.

If you have failed to submit the short answer submission selected for grading (late submission without supporting documentation or non-submission), the assessment weighting for that assessment will be transferred to the theory tests. So if you fail to submit one on-line short answer assessments, 10% is transferred to the theory tests, making them worth 50% of the unit mark rather than 40%. If you fail to submit both on-line short answer assessments, 20% is transferred to the theory tests, making them worth 60% of the total unit mark. Additionally, you forfeit 5% towards your final unit mark by not submitting all five on-line short answer assessments.

Review of results and appeals

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating  to how to resolve any issues concerning internal assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Refer to the University website on policy and procedures regarding a review of assessment or  an  appeal.

Requests for extensions

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating to how to resolve any issues concerning assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Penalties

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating to how to resolve any issues concerning assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Failure to complete an online assessment by the close of release dates may result in late penalties at the discretion of the unit co-ordinator.

Review of results and appeals

Refer to the SHS Assessment Guidelines for detailed instructions and advice relating to how to resolve any issues concerning internal assessment. //www.utas.edu.au/health/students/resources/policies-procedures-and-forms

Refer to the University website on policy and procedures regarding a review of assessment or an appeal. //www.utas.edu.au/registrar/student-complaints/faqs

Academic referencing

In your written work you will need to support your ideas by referring to scholarly literature, works of art and/or inventions. It is important that you understand how to correctly refer to the work of others, and how to maintain academic integrity.

Failure to appropriately acknowledge the ideas of others constitutes academic dishonesty (plagiarism), a matter considered by the University of Tasmania as a serious offence.
The appropriate referencing style for this unit is the Harvard referencing style.

The University library provides information on presentation of assignments, including referencing styles and should be referred to when completing tasks in this unit.
Please read the following statement on plagiarism. Should you require clarification please see your unit coordinator or lecturer.

For further information on this statement and general referencing guidelines, see the Plagiarism and Academic Integrity page on the University web site or the Academic Honesty module in your unit MyLO site.

Academic misconduct

Academic misconduct includes cheating, plagiarism, allowing another student to copy work for an assignment or an examination, and any other conduct by which a student:

1. seeks to gain, for themselves or for any other person, any academic advantage or advancement to which they or that other person are not entitled; or
2. improperly disadvantages any other student.

Students engaging in any form of academic misconduct may be dealt with under the Ordinance of Student Discipline, and this can include imposition of penalties that range from a deduction/cancellation of marks to exclusion from a unit or the University. Details of penalties that can be imposed are available in Ordinance 9: Student Discipline – Part 3 Academic Misconduct.

In addition to plagiarism, responsible and ethical conduct of research requires that all researchers have confidence in research undertaken and reported to peers. The falsification and fabrication of data are inconsistent with academic integrity.

Falsification of data refers to the selective modification of data collected in the conduct of experimental research, or the misrepresentation of processes or uncertainty during statistical analysis of the data. Falsification may also involve the selective omission, deletion, or suppression of data inconsistent with the research objectives.

Fabrication of data. This refers to the creation of records of research for which there is no basis in fact, with the intent to mislead or deceive. Please note that whilst ‘copying a colleague’s assignment and using it as your own’ is one form of plagiarism, there are numerous other forms. These include, cutting and pasting from articles found on the world wide web or from websites, or copying verbatim from articles/web pages (or paraphrasing same) without due reference to or indicating (by italics and/or indenting text) the fact that you are directly quoting another person’s work. Again, when in doubt consult your unit coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Self-copying/Re-submission of assessment. It is inappropriate to copy your own work, in part or in whole, and submit it for assessment in more than one Unit of study at this, or another, University. Unless otherwise approved, all assessment tasks undertaken in a unit must be done within the enrolment period.

Group work. It is important that all group members make appropriate contributions to the required task. Copying from others, or contributing less, little or nothing to a group assignment and then claiming an equal share of the marks is not appropriate. When working as a member of a group or team, it is important to keep records of your own work. Even though you may have group discussions and work together – always write your own notes, and keep records what of you have personally contributed to any group assessment product/s.

Collusion. Protect your academic work. The intentional sharing of your work potentially allows others to copy your work and cheat and gain an academic advantage. In these circumstances, both YOU and the person that copied your work may be subject to allegations of academic misconduct.

You are not permitted to collude during any summative online assessments – you must submit your own work in all online and written assessment tasks that contribute to your final marks in the unit.

What learning opportunities are there?

MyLO

MyLO is the online learning environment at the University of Tasmania. This is the system that will host the online learning materials and activities for this unit,   including lecture notes, tutorial notes and prac notes. The unit outline and additional resources are also available.

This unit is web dependant and you are required to access MyLO (on campus or off campus) in order to complete the on-line short answer assignments. You are required to check the MyLO site daily (Monday to Friday) for NEWS items, discussion board postings and new  material.

Getting help with MyLO

It is important that you are able to access and use MyLO as part of your study in this unit. To find out more about the features and functions of MyLO, and to practice using them, and a range of step-by-step guides in pdf, word and video format, visit the MyLO Student Support page on the University website. If something is not working as it should, contact the Service Desk (Service.Desk@utas.edu.au, phone 6226 2600), or Request IT Help Online.

Course Specific Technical Assistance

If you are having trouble accessing course content and assignment drop boxes, contact your unit coordinator. The School of Health Sciences also employs a number of Educational Technologists who may be able to help you. Email: SNM.Support@utas.edu.au

Resources

Required readings

There is no prescribed text for this unit. There are numerous, excellent, clinical texts available in the library and on-line, in the form of e-journals. Library catalogue codes for text books pertinent to the topics you will be investigating include:
RB 37- laboratory skills and tests
RB  40- clinical chemistry/biochemistry
RB 45- haematology - laboratory technique RB 111 - interpreting pathology tests
RB 145- microscopic haematology
RC 633-647.5 diseases of the blood, haematology

You are expected to make extensive use of the library resources in the study of this unit, the focus of the first assessment task. If you need assistance, ask a librarian.

Other resources

Resources in the form of lecture and tutorial notes, laboratory notes and review exercises are available via MyLO as required. You are strongly recommended to pre- read the lecture notes, tutorial and practical notes before attending the relevant sessions.

Equipment, materials, software, accounts

Computer hardware, software and digital media

If you are a student in any one of the courses offered by the School of Health Sciences you are able to use the Faculty of Health computer facilities which are located in D001 during times when it is not being used for tutorials. You will need a swipe card to access the room. Contact the School of Health Sciences Reception area for details.

You should also have access to the central computer facilities available in the library, cafeteria, student centre and learning hub areas. Computing resources on campus are limited.

Unit-specific software

For MyLO

To access MyLO from your own computer you will need suitable hardware and software.

Activities

Learning expectations

Details of teaching arrangements

Please refer to the unit schedule at the end of this document for the topics covered in each week’s learning module (lecture, tutorial, practical).

Lectures

Two 50 - minute lectures are scheduled each Friday during Semester 1, 11.00 - 1.50 am and 12.00 - 12.50 pm in Lecture theatre 7. Recordings of lectures are available via the MyLO site a day or so after the lecture.

Tutorials

One 50 - minute tutorial is scheduled each Friday during Semester 1, 1.00 - 1.50 pm in lecture Theatre 1.

Practical/laboratory sessions

One two-hour practical session each Friday during Semester 1, 2.00 - 4.00 pm in rooms C207, C219 and C220 in the School of Health Sciences building (Building C, NH.BA25).

Workshops/seminars

Global Perspectives Program: Lecture, tutorial and prac time in Weeks 6 and 7.

The Global Perspectives Program aims to support you in developing cultural awareness for life-long learning and work in a global society. The program will assist you to:

1. Identify AWARENESS of your own world-view in the context of other    world-views
2. Demonstrate a respectful ATTITUDE towards other   cultures
3. Demonstrate RECOGNITION and an acceptable INTERPRETATION of different cultural practices and world  views
4. COMMUNICATE effectively and appropriately in an intercultural   context

The program is a faculty-wide initiative, rolled out to all first year students enrolled in undergraduate degrees offered by the faculty of Health, to encourage interaction   within the diverse undergraduate cohort, in preparation for post-graduate life. The program, presented over two weeks (weeks 7 and 8), consists of four 50 minute plenary sessions, each followed by a companion 50 minute tutorial. Students complete a short, on-line 'pre-program' quiz (not assessed) in the days before the first plenary and a face-to-face, paper-based, 30 minute quiz (assessed) directly after the fourth tutorial. The introductory lecture in week 1 contains more information.

Completion of the Global Perspective Program is compulsory.

Online activities

For information on accessing and using the MyLO Discussions tool, lecture recordings and the MyLO Drop Box tool, see the help resources at //www.utas.edu.au/mylo/student-support

Specific attendance/performance requirements

Attendance at all practicals is compulsory unless you negotiate alternatives with the  unit coordinator. For non-attendance, you must supply a medical or dental certificate,   a statutory declaration or declaration witnessed by a Commissioner for Declarations.

You should actively participate and co-operate in lectures, tutorials and practicals. In practical sessions, you should conduct yourself in a safe and co-operative manner at all times and be prepared to work in a group environment.

Teaching and learning strategies

The university encourages a blended learning approach that extends beyond lecture/tutorial/prac notes and teaching spaces, beyond the virtual learning environment of MyLO, to on-campus spaces that enable you to engage with other students and with other online resources. For example, study spaces and study pods within the library, dedicated computer laboratory access and wireless networking.

You are expected to take responsibility for your learning success in this and other units in your degree, which then translates into your post-graduate life. The university provides a number of programs and counsellors to support your learning. For further information, contact the Student Centre (telephone 6324 3999) or visit the eStudent Centre.

Work Health and Safety (WHS)

WHS information that is specific for students is available at: https://secure.utas.edu.au/work-health-safety/students-info

Unit specific WHS information is available in the Work Health and Safety module on the Unit MyLO site.

Communication

Communication mechanism for students

The School of Health Sciences is committed to meeting students’ needs as far as circumstances reasonably allow. The School of Health Sciences uses email as a primary communication tool - students are expected to check their UTAS email at least once a week to receive all communications.

Students should follow the three steps outlined below when concerns over their academic progress or personal issues that impact on study occur:

1. In the first instance, the Unit Coordinator is to be contacted.
2. Concerns that cannot be managed by the Unit Coordinator are normally referred to the Program Chair (Health Sciences).
3. Concerns that cannot be resolved through the first two steps will be referred to the Associate Head (Learning and Teaching) or the Head of School.

Student communication and Support Plan

The School of Health Sciences Student Communication and Support Plan (SCSP) provides a case management approach for the development of academic and pastoral support for students who have been identified as being at risk. The SCSP aims to assist students to succeed in their course of study by developing academic study skills and maintaining wellbeing. For international students identified as being at risk, development of an SCSP forms part of the ESOS legislation for monitoring student progression and implementing a support plan for these students. Students who are identified as being academically at risk will be contacted and placed on a student communication and support plan.

Unit and Teaching feedback

The University of Tasmania, on a regular basis, evaluates its teaching and learning environment through eValuate. You will receive an email requesting you to complete an online unit feedback form at the end of the semester for this unit. You may also receive an email requesting your feedback for specific teaching staff. Teaching staff typically evaluate their teaching according to their performance management requirements.

You are strongly encouraged to complete these online forms to enable the University of Tasmania to continue to improve its learning and teaching.

Further information and assistance

If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies or assignments, have personal or life-planning issues, disability or illness which may affect your course of study, you are advised to raise these with the unit coordinator in the first instance.

There is a range of University-wide support services available to you including Student Learning Support, Student Advisers, Disability Services, and more which can be found on the Student Support and Development page of the University website.

Should you require assistance in accessing the Library, visit their website for more information.

Unit schedule

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