Course Outline
MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
Course Coordinator:Melinda Dean (mdean@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
2024Semester 1
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC Moreton Bay |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills that are required to study medical science at university. You are introduced to the sub-disciplines of medical science; analytical methods and instrumentation used in medical science laboratories; specimen collection and processing; laboratory safety and regulations; quality management in the laboratory; clinical interpretation of laboratory test results; scientific report writing; and professional ethics and confidentiality. Applied laboratory mathematics and statistical tests are also covered in the course.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Interactive synchronous tutorials to gain in depth understanding of core course content. Small class tutorial with interactive, collaborative learning and case studies | 2hrs | Week 2 | 6 times |
| Laboratory 1 – The laboratory classes will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and competencies required for working in medical science laboratories. | 3hrs | Week 1 | 7 times |
| Learning materials – Asynchronous Emodules containing course learning materials supplemented with formative quizes, podcasts, interviews, simulations, screencasts and recorded discussions. | 1hr | Week 1 | 13 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Weekly workshop to engage with theory content and work through problems | 1hr | Week 1 | 13 times |
Course Topics
History of medical science and the modern medical science laboratory.
Measurements in medical science.
Safety and hazards in the medical science laboratory.
Common laboratory equipment in the medical science laboratory.
Laboratory maths and solution preparation.
Human specimen collection.
Techniques and instrumentation in medical science.
Professional ethics in medical science.
Laboratory statistics.
Quality assessment and quality control.
What level is this course?
100 Level (Introductory)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
| 1 | Demonstrate laboratory skills and competencies required to work in medical science. | Empowered |
| 2 | Enact professional responsibilities according to appropriate decision-making frameworks and codes of conduct to practice ethically. | Ethical |
| 3 | Demonstrate current knowledge of the various disciplines of medical science. | Knowledgeable |
| 4 | Synthesise and evaluate knowledge produced from a variety of sources to reach conclusions. | Knowledgeable |
| 5 | Demonstrate awareness of ecologically and economically sustainable laboratory practices. | Sustainability-focussed |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
Enrolled in Program SC211, SC355, SC357, SC385, SC201, SC301, UB001
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
It is recommended that students have some prerequisite knowledge in core mathematics, and basic biology and chemistry.
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
You will be completing two assessment sub-tasks during the first third of the semester that will provide you with early feedback on your progression in the MLS101 course. This includes an online measurement quiz in week 2, Pre-laboratory quiz in week 3 and laboratory exercises for Practical 2 in week 3. Together these assessment sub-tasks are worth 15% of your final grade for the course. You will have an opportunity to discuss your marks for these assessment sub-tasks with an MLS101 tutor either in class or during a weekly drop-In Session.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Portfolio | Individual and Group | 50% | Multiple elements equivalent to approx. 2000 words total |
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) | To be Negotiated |
| All | 2 | Quiz/zes | Individual | 20% | One hour |
Week 7 | In Class |
| All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 30% | Two hours |
Exam Period | Online Test (Quiz) |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Professional Skills Development Portfolio | |
| Goal: | Medical science is a complex field and you will have to develop skills and competencies including: safety in the medical science laboratory; technical laboratory skills and communication of findings; maths and computation skills; and report writing and knowledge of professional ethics. These skill sets come together and will be evidenced in this portfolio of activities as you advance your professional development, which includes developing a mastery of medical science practice, content and theory. |
| Product: | Portfolio |
| Format: | This portfolio will include: Task 1a. Online Measurements Quiz. 5%: Individual - Week 2. Task 1b: Pre-Laboratory Quizzes. 10% total: Individual - Weeks 3,5,9,11. Task 1c: Laboratory Exercises for Practicals 2,3,4 and 5. 20% total: Individual or Pair - Weeks 3,5,9,11. Task 1d. Case Study Report for Practicals 2. (Assessment of accuracy and precision for basic laboratory techniques) and 3 (Determination of Total Serum Protein).7.5%: Individual or Pair - Week 6 Task 1e. Case Study Report for Practical 4 (Working with the compound light microscope ad preparation of a blood smear) and 5 (Staining techniques for the identification of microorganisms using the compound light microscope and oil immersion microscopy).7.5% total: Individual or Pair - Week 12 Please refer to the MLS101 assessment folder in Canvas for specific details for task description, format and submission instructions. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:Review Quiz (20%) | |
| Goal: | This review quiz will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the medical science discipline and related areas of study. You will show your understanding of the disciplines in medical science; common laboratory equipment; laboratory safety and hazards; laboratory maths and solution preparation and graphing techniques. |
| Product: | Quiz/zes |
| Format: | Multiple choice questions and/or short answer questions |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:End-of-Semester Exam (30%) | |
| Goal: | This exam will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the course topics covered from Week 5 including: human specimen collection; techniques and instrumentation in medical science; and quality assessment and quality control. |
| Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled |
| Format: | Multiple-choice and/or short answer questions. |
| Criteria: |
|
Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Mary Louise Turgeon | 2019 | Linne and Ringsrud's Clinical Laboratory Science | (8th Edn.) | Mosby |
Specific requirements
A MLS101 Course Manual will be available for purchasing from USC Mail and Print Services (MaPS). You will require this manual for your practical and tutorial classes. MLS101 is structured to provide you with knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet industry established proficiency standards. It is therefore an expectation of both the University and our industry partners that you will participate in all the directed study activities (online learning materials, lectorials, laboratories, tutorials/workshops) and demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in the practical assessment. To gain such proficiency you must attend and participate in at least 80% of the laboratory practicals throughout the semester. You are required to provide and wear appropriate protective equipment during the laboratory practical, including: covered, non-slip shoes, laboratory coat/gown and safety glasses. Disposable gloves and other protective equipment will be provided when required.
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Attendance Students enrolled in MLS101 must attend and participate in all on-campus practical classes. Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: a. The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% b. The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c. You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative): - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
-
In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au