Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to evaluate the evidence base for biochemical tests used in diagnosis and monitoring of diseases in the major organ systems of the body and make recommendations on the management of patients. Problem solving and decision making skills will be developed through use of authentic case studies. You will provide advice to others on instrument calibration, best practice measurement, interpretation of test results, patient management including further testing and test quality control monitoring.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
PrerequisiteLMED28001 Chemical Pathology 1
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
- Develop and refine the processes involved in biochemical method evaluation, interpretation and development and provide advice on method selection
- Direct the process of laboratory quality management by overseeing regulatory aspects including those related to external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Advise on the use of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Provide advice on the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
- Research literature related to biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis and suggest further testing to improve patient management.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Case Study - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: PRINCIPLES, TECHNIQUES, AND CORRELATIONS
- Edition: 9th (2023)
- Authors: Michael L. Bishop; Edward P. Fody; Carleen Van Siclen; James March Mistler; Michelle Moy
- Jones and Bartlett Learning
- Burlington Burlington , Massachuse , United States of America
- ISBN: 9781284238860
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Microphone and camera for use with Zoom
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.siddiq@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025Module/Topic
Preanalytical Variables
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations:1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - Introduction
Week 2
Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025Module/Topic
Analytical techniques
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 1
Week 3
Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025Module/Topic
Liver & Pancreatic Disorders
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations:19 & 22
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 2
Week 4
Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Renal, Fluid and Electrolytes Disorders
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations:11& 21
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 3
Week 5
Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Research overview
Chapter
Based on lecture presentations
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 4
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Cardiovascular & Endocrine Disorders
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 20 & 12-18
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 5
Week 7
Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Enzymes & Musculoskeletal Disorders
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 8 &18
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 6
Written Assessment 1 -Literature Review Due: Week 7 Friday (5 Sept 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 8
Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Nutrition
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 27
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 7
Week 9
Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Quality Management in the Clinical Laboratory
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 8
Week 10
Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025Module/Topic
1.TDM & Toxicology
2. Point of Care Testing
Chapter
1. Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 25&26
2. Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 29
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 9
Week 11
Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Pregnancy Related Changes & Extremes Of Age
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations; 24,30 &31
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 10
Assessment 2 - Laboratory based Case Scenarios Due: Week 11 Monday (29 Sept 2025) 9:00 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - covering Week 11
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit will provide you with technical and applied knowledge of Chemical Pathology. Please note that, as this is an advanced-level unit within the CM18 Master of Laboratory Medicine, we have also invited, and are privileged to have, some experts from industry and guest speakers. Teaching content has also been incorporated into this unit through their lectures and tutorials, to ensure that the material is highly relevant and reflective of current practices in the field. The Unit Coordinator for this Unit is Dr. Amer Siddiq, who can be contacted through email (a.siddiq@cqu.edu.au) or via the Moodle forums.
1 Written Assessment
You are required to conduct a comprehensive literature review on any one of the specific disease-related topics which will be provided to you. The objective of this assessment is to conduct an in-depth exploration of recent advancements in understanding of disease and the corresponding evolution of laboratory-based diagnostic techniques/methodologies. Students will critically analyze primary literature, summarize key findings, and demonstrate their understanding of the implications of these advances for evidence based laboratory science.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: AI PLANNING
Al may be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining and initial research. This level focuses on the effective use of Al for planning, synthesis, and ideation, but assessments should emphasise the ability to develop and refine these ideas independently.
Week 7 Friday (5 Sept 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
The literature review should be uploaded in Moodle in word Document file
2-3 weeks after the Assessment Due Date
1. Your written assessment will be marked according to a detailed marking rubric which will be available in the
assessment tile on Moodle.
2. The literature review assessment equals 20% of the total unit marks.
3. All late submissions will be penalised 5% per calendar day unless an application for an extension has been
approved.
4. All extension requests must be made through the extension request system on Moodle with appropriate
documentation that complies with the Assessment Policy and Procedure.
- Develop and refine the processes involved in biochemical method evaluation, interpretation and development and provide advice on method selection
- Advise on the use of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Research literature related to biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis and suggest further testing to improve patient management.
2 Case Study
You are required to complete this online assessment, which consists of:
1. Case Study Questions
2. Quality Control (QC) questions
3. Quality Assurance and Performance (QAP) questions
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 11 Monday (29 Sept 2025) 9:00 pm AEST
Online
2-3 weeks after the Assessment Due Date
This assessment task aims to evaluate your ability to apply clinical laboratory knowledge in case study analysis and demonstrate an understanding of quality control and quality assurance concepts essential for medical laboratory science. Detailed marking criteria and marks allocated for each question will be provided with this assessment. Marks will range from 1-2 marks for short responses and 4-5 marks where more detailed information will be required. You will be provided with support and examples of the types of questions you are likely to encounter in this assessment during your scheduled classes; this will assist you in learning and understanding the expectations of this assessment. You are therefore strongly encouraged to regularly attend and actively participate in the weekly scheduled classes, ask questions where you are uncertain and ensure you come prepared for each class by having reviewed any pre-class learning material. If you still have questions or areas you do not understand following each weekly lectorial/tutorial class you will be encouraged to address these promptly by posting your questions on the Discussion forum and engaging in discussion on this/these topics with fellow students and academics, and the Unit coordinators. Doing this will ensure you 'arrive' to this assessment well prepared and give yourself the best chance of performing well in and from this assessment.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
- Direct the process of laboratory quality management by overseeing regulatory aspects including those related to external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Provide advice on the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
- Research literature related to biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis and suggest further testing to improve patient management.
Examination
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
