Example #2 of before and after unit outline
QUT unit: LSB647 Diagnostic Microbiology
original unit outline
revised unit outline
rationale
Clinical microbiology laboratories throughout the world are
recognising the need to maximise their diagnostic capabilities for
the early detection of parasitic and fungal infections of humans.
With that in mind, this unit provides descriptions and
microbiological characteristics of the common causative
parasites and fungi of human infections. It also provides a
detailed overview of the clinical manifestations and laboratory
diagnosis of infections caused by these microorganisms
preparing you for employment in pathology and clinical
laboratories.
Clinical microbiology laboratories throughout the world are
recognising the need to maximise their diagnostic capabilities for
the early detection of medically-important parasitic and fungal
infections of humans. This unit provides you with a detailed
knowledge of clinical situations, and develops laboratory skills
specifically for diagnosis of, and research into, these infections.
This unit prepares you for future employment in pathology
laboratories where you will also engage in continued
professional development.
aim/s
The aim of the unit is to provide you with basic descriptions and
microbiological characteristics of the common causative
parasites and fungi of human infections.
The aims of the unit are to:
 extend your basic knowledge of microbial disease processes
 develop specific analytical and interpretive skills so that you
can clinically diagnose fungal and parasitic disease
objectives/learning outcomes
On completion of the unit, you should:
1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the principles and
practice of basic mycology and parasitology.
2. Be able to demonstrate a proficiency and understanding in the
detection, isolation and identification of medically-important fungi
and parasites.
3. Understand the parasitology and mycology of parasitic and
fungal diseases in humans.
4. Be able to demonstrate the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic
and fungal diseases in humans.
On completion of the unit, you should:
1. Demonstrate and apply:
 laboratory skills (detection, isolation, drawing and
identification) for the diagnosis of these diseases
 knowledge of the fungal and parasitic disease processes in
humans, their pathology, and implications for patient health
2. Analyse and interpret clinical situations to propose
hypotheses that determine the strategy for data gathering.
3. Justify the diagnosis of fungal and parasitic diseases
More concise rationale,
stronger emphasis on lab
skills and ‘continued
professional development’
changed
Aims strengthened by
addition of second bullet
All knowledge grouped into one
objective/learning outcome.
Explicit mention of lab skills
as well as implications for
patient health
Fewer objectives with
different verbs used
(analyse and interpret,
justify) to reflect what the
unit actually intends
content - unchanged
1
Third year QUT unit, LSB647 DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY
original unit
revised unit
Approaches to teaching and learning
The unit consists of parasitology and mycology (50% each).
Material is presented in 2 hours of lectures, a 2 hour laboratory
session and a 1 hour student self-directed tutorial session per
week.
You are encouraged to support your knowledge by the use of the
library facilities in particular, use of videos and interactive
computer software programs covering the course content. The
parasitology component has a computer-based parasitology
database which you will use weekly in self-directed tutorials to
complete the weekly tutorial sheets. The theoretical section of the
mycology component of the unit is substantiated with use of
Kaminski's teaching slides on medical mycology. A computer
software program entitled "A Fungal Atlas" is used in mycology
practical classes.
Three approaches to teaching and learning are used in this unit
to scaffold your learning by closely integrating theory and
practice.
(i) fostering of independent learning to assist your transition to
clinical or research workplaces by:
 developing your information literacy skills by locating,
accessing, evaluating and using sources such as journals,
books, websites, interactive computer software programs,
online quizzes
 providing weekly self-directed tutorials.
(ii) developing your practical skills in an authentic laboratory
context that mirrors real life practices, including actual clinical
case studies explored under the guidance of professionals from
clinical practice
(iii) modelling of professional practice by using past students as
peer mentors to assist you in developing your diagnostic skills.
Mycology Online
(http://sciweb.science.adelaide.edu.au/mycology/myco.nsf) is
used as a reference tool and for self-directed tutorial sessions for
you in the unit.
Mycology Online
(http://sciweb.science.adelaide.edu.au/mycology/myco.nsf) is
used as a reference tool and for self-directed tutorial sessions
for you in the unit
Contact times (Weekly):
2 hours (lectures), 2 hours (practical session), 1 hour (tutorial)
Contact times (Weekly):
2 hours (lectures), 2 hours (practical session), 1 hour (tutorial)
Teaching approaches
specified instead of just
focussing on delivery
modes. The 3 approaches
together show intention to
prepare students for the
workplace
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Assessment
Formative feedback will be provided by the completion and
marking of weekly laboratory report sheets and the selfdirected tutorials.
Formative feedback on your weekly laboratory report sheets
and the self-directed tutorials prepares you for your practical
exam.
To assist you with preparing your responses to assessment
tasks, you will be given examples of what is expected so that
you can develop your understanding of how to use criteria
sheets.
1. Type: Examination
Description: Parasitology/Mycology: Practical; summative
Relates to Objectives 1 and 3
Due Date: End of semester
Weight: 20%
1. Type: examination -practical
Description: Parasitology/Mycology: summative
Relates to Objectives 1, 2 and 3
Due Date: end of semester
Weight: 20%
2. Type: Assignment
Description: Mycology: 5000-6000 word assignment;
summative
Relates to Objectives 1 and 2
Due Date: Mid-semester
Weight: 40%
3. Type: Examination
Description: Parasitology: End-semester. Theory: 40%,
Practical: 10%.
Short answer and essay-type questions
Relates to Objectives 1, 2, 3 and 4
Due Date: End of semester
Weight: 40%
2. Type: assignment (independent)
Description: Format described in week 1 document;
summative
Relates to Objectives 1, 2 and 3
Due Date: week 10 of semester
Weight: 40%
Explicit mention of
criteria sheets and
examples of standard of
work
3. Type: examination –written theory
Description: end-semester. Theory: 40%. Short answers.
Relates to Objectives 1, 2, 3
Due Date: end of semester
Weight: 40%
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