Unit Outline
Clinical Biochemistry 234
Administrative Details
Unit Index No
311410
Credit points
25 (upon passing).
Study Package No:
173299 or 311376
Responsible School
Biomedical Sciences
Pre-requisites
Successful completion of Biochemistry 231 or 233, and the first
year of the course (173299 or 31176).
Anti-requisites
None
Study Mode
On Campus
Unit Significance
Core
Result Type
Grade/Mark
Ancillary Charges
None
Web site Unit materials
For on-line materials, Blackboard.
Student consultations
Contact the Unit Coordinator (see below)
Unit Coordinator
Dr Cyril Mamotte
Address
Room 308.207
School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987, PERTH WA 6845
Email: C.Mamotte@curtin.edu.au
Phone: 08 92667517
Fax: 08 92662342
Syllabus: Anabolic pathways. Integration and organisation of metabolism and discussion of
metabolic disease. Peptide, thyroid and steroid hormones, their receptors and mechanisms of
action. Diagnostic enzymology and the role of clinical biochemistry in evaluating hepatic, renal,
respiratory and thyroid function.
Important Dates
Assessment of practicals (worth 20% of final mark).
See page 8 for dates
Tests during the semester (2 x 1 h test, worth 20% of the final mark)
See page 9 for dates
Final written exam (worth 40% of the final mark)
During the University’s official exam period
CONTENTS
Page
Aims
3
Unit Learning Outcomes and Measuring Achievement of Unit Outcomes
3
Unit Materials
Unit Outline
Textbooks and References
Web-Based Resources
Journals
3
Unit Delivery
Study Load
Tuition Pattern
Lecture attendance
Case studies
Practicals
4
Assessment Format
5
Assessment Details
5
University and School Policies
Supplementary Examinations
Deferred Assessments
Mobile Phones
Plagiarism Policy
Copyright
Academic Misconduct
Student Charter
Grievance Procedures
6-7
Lecture/Practical Programme/Time table (topics and dates)
9
Appendix I (AdditionaltTextbook descriptions/details)
10
Please read this outline fully before commencing your study in this unit.
The Unit Outline is an important reference point for your study programme. It contains important
information about the general aims of the unit, texts and references, and details about the
assessment process, including allocation of marks, grading criteria and submission dates.
Page 2 of 10
Aims
Clinical Biochemistry 234 (Clin Biochem 234) serves as an introduction to clinical biochemistry, that area of
pathology and laboratory medicine which is concerned with the analysis of various fluids (e.g. blood, plasma
or serum, urine, CSF) or tissues and cells using chemical or biochemical techniques. The syllabus covers
numerous aspects pertinent to understanding of clinical biochemistry, spanning the physiological chemistry of
glucose and fat metabolism, to more applied aspects such as the conduct and interpretation of biochemical
tests for diagnosis of a myocardial infarction, and in the assessment of liver, renal, thyroid and adrenal
disease.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
1.
2.
3.
4.
ULO1. Interpret common clinical biochemistry tests used for assessment of cardiovascular, renal,
liver, and endocrine diseases in the context of physiological and patho- physiological processes.
ULO2. Demonstrate knowledge of the physico-chemical principles underlying assays for urea and
electrolytes, blood gases, plasma proteins, cardiac enzymes, and liver function tests.
ULO3. Organise (retrieve, assimilate, and evaluate) information pertinent to clinical biochemistry
and demonstrate self-directed learning: a willingness to learn, question, and enquire.
ULO4. Demonstrate practical skills in performance of common clinical chemistry tests including
urea and electrolytes, blood gases, plasma proteins, cardiac enzymes, and liver function tests.
Measuring achievement of ULO
Through assessment by lecturer/tutor of:
Interpretation of patient data from practicals/tests and exams (ULO 1).
Solving of problems posed in practical excercises and in tests and exams (ULO 2).
Data collation, analysis and interpretation in practicals/tests and exams (ULO3)
By supervisor observation and assessment of results to practical classes (ULO4).
Unit Materials
Unit Outline
This unit outline is an important reference point for you study programme. Please read it carefully to make
yourself familiar with it. It contains important information about the general aims of the unit; texts and
references; and details about the assessment process, including allocation of marks, and submission dates.
Textbooks and References
There is no set text for this unit but the following texts in closed reserve may be useful. Please also see
Appendix I page 11-12 of this Unit Outline for more detailed information on the various textbooks including
ISBN numbers and location in the library.
1. Tietz fundamentals of clinical chemistry / [edited by] Carl A. Burtis, Edward R. Ashwood ;
(Call NumberQ 616.0756 TIE)
2. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry [edited by] Carl A. Burtis, Edward R. Ashwood
(Call Number 616.0756 TIE)
3. Gaw, A. (1995). Clinical biochemistry : an illustrated colour text. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
(Call Number 616.0756 CLI)
3. Clinical chemistry in diagnosis and treatment. Mayne, Philip D. (Call Number 616.0756 MAY)
4. Clinical chemistry : principles, procedures, correlations / [edited by] Michael L. Bishop, Janet L.
(Call Number Q 616.0756 CLI)
Page 3 of 10
It is highly recommended that you purchase at least one book. The following textbooks, all very
useful, have been regularly available from the bookshop.
1. Tietz fundamentals of clinical chemistry (isbn 0-7216-8634-6). This will serve you well if you are
intent on majoring in Clinical Biochemistry. It covers physiological, clinical and methodological
aspects. However, it is expensive.
2. Clinical Biochemistry-An Illustrated Text (isbn 0443 072698). This is an excellent book on the
rudiments of clinical chemistry. However, it contains very little on methodologies.
3. Clinical Chemistry-principles, procedures, correlations, 4th edn, (isbn: 0-781-4611-6). This book
deals mainly with clinical aspects, but also has reasonable coverage of methodologies. It also
contains numerous case presentations. It is also available in the library.
4. Medical Biochemistry (isbn 0-12-095440-0). This is an excellent book on metabolism and
physiological chemistry. However it contains little in the way of clinical aspects.
Web-Based Resources
Journals on the Web
Full text versions of many journals can be accessed via Science Direct, ProQuest, Swetswise and Wiley
Interscience. These search engines can be accessed via Curtin’s Home Page, then Library, then Access
Gecko, then Resource Categories, then Full Text. You will need your username and password for this.
LabTestsOnline (http://www.labtestsonline.org.au).This is a website designed for the Australian healthcare
consumer. It should not be used as your primary resource, but it is a useful site which is edited by laboratory
professionals. It contains information on most of the common laboratory tests, including Clinical Biochemistry,
Haematology, genetics etc.
Useful Journals
Useful journals are Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Clinica Chimica Acta,
Australian and British Medical Journals.
and the American,
Blackboard
The Clin Biochem 234 section of the Blackboard site is password-protected. To use Blackboard, you will need
a username and password. You may also find some of the information available through the School of
Biomedical Sciences Home Page useful. From here, you can find out about the School of Biomedical
Sciences, its courses and its staff. Unit Delivery
Unit Delivery
Study Load
To be successful in completing this unit, it is recommended that you study for ~4 -5 hours a week, in addition
to the scheduled classes. Being sufficiently organized to set time aside for study, revision, and completion of
practical reports and assignments is critical. As already mentioned, if you have any difficulties, it is advisable
to ask for help at the earliest possible opportunity. Misunderstandings early in the course can compromise
understanding of topics/concepts later in the course.
Tuition Pattern
5 hours per week allocated as follows:
Lectures:
Practicals:
2 x 1 hour
1 x 3 hours
Attendance of Lectures & Blackboard Content
Attendance at all lectures is very strongly recommended. Not all of the material is covered by the on-line
material in Blackboard.
Case Studies
A number of the practical exercises may be based on study of patient cases. For these, you will be
presented with clinical histories. You will be expected to carry out several laboratory analyses. You will then
be expected to interpret the data in the light of material which has been covered in lectures or pre-lab
presentations.
Practicals
Appropriate clothing is compulsory for the safe conduct of laboratory practicals. Attendance is compulsory.
Should you be unable to participate in laboratory practicals without an acceptable reason, including
Page 4 of 10
inappropriate attire, marks may be deducted. The material covered in the practical exercises as well as
material covered in lectures, will be included in the two 2 hour written tests during the semester. Continuous
assessments of the practicals contributes 20% to the total mark for this unit and you must hand-in your
results sheets at the conclusion of each series of practical exercises. Each practical must be submitted with
the Clinical Biochemistry 234 Practical Cover Sheet. The declaration on the Cover Sheet must be signed by
students.
Assessment Format
Clinical Biochemistry 234 is assessed as follows:
Assessment Task
Percentage of total
mark
Assessment of practicals and pre-lab questions
20%
(Attendance of practical sessions is compulsory).
2 theory assessments within the semester
40%
(Both 1 hour tests, one held during practical classes on
17-18/8/09; and the other n the lecture slot on 24/9/09).
See page 8.
2 hour final written examination on lectures & practicals
40%
(held during the University’s formal examination period)
TOTAL
100%
Assessment Details
Significant Unit Policy
It is important to note, and in accordance with Curtin policy, that this unit is a SIGNIFICANT UNIT in
which failure twice may lead to termination of a student’s course.
Students should note that a mark of 50% or more in all components of the unit is required in order to
secure a pass, and that failure in any one area may result in an overall failure in this unit regardless
of the total marks accrued. That is, a pass in the practical component but failure in the theory
component (or vice versa) may lead to a fail grade for the unit, even though the student's total mark
may exceed 50%.
Assessments of Practicals
Your results/reports for the practical exercises and the answers to pre-lab questions account for 20%
of your final mark. Results must be submitted at the conclusion of each series of experiments. Each
practical must be submitted with the Clinical Biochemistry 234 practical Cover Sheet. The declaration
on the cover sheet must be signed by students. Do not reformat any proformas.
Theory Assessments
There will be two 1 hour assessments, the first held during practical classes on the 17-18/8/08 and
the second, also held in the lecture time slot on 24/9/08. These tests will include questions on
material from lectures and practicals.
Final examinations
The final theory examination will consist of a 2 hour paper conducted during the official university
examination period. Further details regarding the final examinations will be provided later in the
semester.
Page 5 of 10
University and School Policies
The School and the University have a number of policies regarding supplementary examinations; deferrement
of exams; and the rights, responsibilities and ethical conduct of students. You should familiarize yourselves
with these.
Supplementary Examinations
Supplementary examinations are not automatically awarded. The Board of Examiners will carefully review
individual cases. No written application for supplementary examination will be considered.
Supplementary examinations are awarded only at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. The aim of a
supplementary examination is to allow the student to correct minor problems /deficiencies in the initial
assessment and not to gain extra study time or correct major problems. The number of supplementary
examinations awarded will be kept to a minimum for any one examination period and for this course of study.
Supplementary examinations, if awarded, will be indicated on the official Curtin examination result statement
posted to all students. It is your responsibility to check your status. You should note that supplementary
examinations for units conducted in the School will be held during early July. Exact dates will be provided
when these are finalized. A student who does not sit for a scheduled supplementary examination has no
claim to a further examination. If you are awarded a supplementary examination it is imperative that you
confirm the time and venue for the exam.
Deferred Assessment
Deferment of an examination is not automatic. Students may be permitted by the relevant Board of
Examiners to defer an examination or other assessment where circumstances outside their control have
arisen. However, a student's overall performance may be taken into account in granting permission to defer
an examination.
Applications for deferment on health grounds or as a result of extenuating circumstances must be submitted
not later than seven (7) days after the end of the relevant examination period or assessment date during the
semester. Detailed medical certificates should be attached to the application where appropriate.
The prescribed application form may be obtained either from Admission and Student Records or the Course
Coordinator. Completed forms must be submitted to the Course Coordinator.
Mobile Phones
As a courtesy to both lecturers and other students, if you have a mobile phone, please ensure that it is
TURNED OFF during lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. Students who do not comply with this request
may be asked to leave the class.
Plagiarism Policy
The School of Biomedical Sciences advises students that it will use screening software to check for
plagiarism in submitted work suspected of containing plagiarized material and also for routine screening of
text as deemed appropriate by the Head of School.
It is not acceptable to simply copy the words of other students or authors when completing the weekly
exercises and assignments in this unit. This action constitutes plagiarism and is regarded as academic
malpractice. The penalties for plagiarism can be severe and may include termination from your course of
study. All direct quotes must be correctly attributed to the author and should be kept to a minimum. Also, you
should include a list of references to acknowledge the source(s) of information used to produce any written
work. Useful examples and explanations to help you understand the nature of this academic malpractice may
be seen at the website – http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html.
As a guide only, typical penalties which may be imposed by the School of Biomedical Sciences for some of
the more common types of plagiarism (including collusion) are shown in the Table below. Please note that
each case of academic malpractice is assessed individually, and that penalties actually imposed by the Head
of School (or delegate) may vary from the examples shown below.
Page 6 of 10
Example
Degree of
seriousness
Typical Penalty
Students submitting very
similar work (even as a result
of legitimate co-operation).
Collusion
Minor to Severe.
Loss of marks for that
question or assignment etc
by both students.
Not referencing input (factual
statements, definitions etc)
where students’ words are
used.
Minor to Intermediate.
Loss of 5% of assessment
entity for each instance.
Not referencing input where
plagiarized words are used.
Depends on context, but may
be serious.
Loss of 50 – 100% of marks
for that question or
assignment as appropriate.
Not acknowledging ideas or
concepts belonging to others
(i.e. stealing intellectual
property).
Usually serious.
Loss of marks plus an
additional penalty which
could entail failure of unit
and/or possible termination
from course. depending on
the circumstances
Copyright Requirements
As a student of Curtin you must be familiar with the requirements of the University's Copyright Procedures.
Guidance is available to you at http://lisweb.curtin.edu.au/copyright/, under the heading “Information for All
Students”. Curtin's Copyright Procedures can be found under the heading Related Curtin Policies and
Procedures whilst the Copyright Act can be accessed from the additional information heading at that web site
should you wish to understand the source of the procedures.
Failure to comply with the University's policies and procedures on Copyright and IT/IS use may include
suspension or termination of enrolment, fines, withdrawal of privileges for use of the University's ICT facilities
and services and, depending on what is copied, stored or communicated, may also render you liable to
prosecution in the courts."
Academic Dishonesty
The University has further statements on the nature and unacceptability of academic dishonesty including
cheating, plagiarism and the fabrication or falsification of data.
http://www.curtin.edu.au/corporate/governance/
Student Charter.
This Charter states the expectations of students and staff in their interactions as members of the Curtin
community. http://www.curtin.edu.au/corporate/governance/
Grievance Procedures
This policy covers “Any real or perceived ground for complaint including perceived racial or sexual
harassment; discrimination on the grounds of disability, race, religious belief, political viewpoint, sex, marital
status or pregnancy; or any other unfair or improper treatment.”
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these policies, details of which again, can be found at
http://www.curtin.edu.au/corporate/governance/
Plagiarism monitoring
Some assignments in this unit will be monitored for plagiarism using Turnitin plagiarism
detection service (see <http://www.Turnitin.com>).
Students, who do not want assignments to be retained in the Turnitin database, must
lodge a special request using the form available at
http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/nonretentionform.doc
Page 7 of 10
This form must be submitted along with your assignment. For further advice see
http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/turnitintrial.html
Turnitin at Curtin University of Technology
This document briefly explains how Turnitin works and why it is currently being trialed at Curtin
University.
What is Turnitin?
Turnitin (www.turnitin.com) is an electronic text matching system that compares text in a student
assignment against electronic text on the Internet, in published works, on commercial databases, and
in assignments previously submitted to Turnitin by students in universities all over the world,
including assignments obtained from ‘paper mills’ (Internet sites which sell papers). The Turnitin
system operates through a web site and is accessed using standard web browsers
Turnitin supports the implementation of the University’s mission and values
(strategic.curtin.edu.au/vmv.html)
and
its
policy
on
plagiarism
(www.policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/plagiarism.doc). It is one of many resources that can assist
in ensuring academic integrity is maintained.
Will my work be submitted to Turnitin?
All academic staff will have access to Turnitin, so there is a good chance that any submitted work
for marking will be assessed by Turnitin. A copy of all work submitted to Turnitin will normally be
retained on Turnitin’s database for future text matching.
What if I do not want my work retained by Turnitin?
The effectiveness of Turnitin depends on its ability to store copies of all documents submitted to it.
This has the benefit of protecting a student’s rights and intellectual property in the future. If for any
reason you do not want your assignment to be retained on the Turnitin database after it has been
checked, you are required to lodge the ‘non-retention’ form available at
http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/nonretentionform.doc and submit it along
with your assignment to your Lecturer/Tutor.
For further information on the trial of Turnitin at Curtin please visit
http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/turnitintrial.html
Page 8 of 10
Programme for CB 234
SB Steve Bottomley
EH Erik Helmerhorst
Tuition
Week
LECTURE 1
5-6 pm Tues
LECTURE 2
0800-0900 Fri, wks 1-5
5-6 pm Wed, wk 6 on
PRACTICAL
310.103 (A)
1
2
Nutrient homeostasis
[SB]
General Regulatory
Mechanisms [SB]
Gluconeogenesis [SB]
No practical
Fed/Fasted States in
Tissues [SB]
Glucose metabolism
3
Receptors and
Hormones [EH]
Pancreatic Hormones
Insulin Action [EH]
Glucose metabolism
4
Glucagon, cAMP and
hormone action [EH]
Calcium and Hormone
Action [EH]
5
Lipoprotein
Receptors [CM]
Steroid Hormones
[CM]
6
Lipoprotein
Metabolism [CM]
Thyroid Function
[CM]
Function and
diagnostic utility of
major plasma
proteins and
enzymes
Enzymes in Diagnosis
and Monitoring of Tissue
Damage
Biochemical markers
of liver disease.
Diagnosis and
monitoring of
Diabetes Mellitus
Water and Electrolyte
Balance
Test 2
7
8
9
10
Water and Electrolyte
Balance
Plasma Lipids
Markers of Tissue Damage
-Cardiac Markers/LFTsMarkers of Tissue Damage
-Cardiac Markers/LFTs-
Tutorial +
Submission of practicals
Urea, creatinine and electrolytes
Plasma potassium
Urea, creatinine and electrolytes
Renal Function
Renal Function
Review session
Reports Due
Blood gases, acids,
and buffers
Blood gases, acids and
buffers
11
12
Test 1 +
Submission of practicals
Practical exam if required
(e.g. if attendance was poor or
failed to submit practical reports)
Study Week
2/11
Study Week
Study Week
10/11
Examinations
Examinations
Examinations
19/11
Examinations
Examinations
Examinations
Page 9 of 10
APPENDIX I
Clinical Biochemistry Textbooks
See the next page for additional details on these books, including titles, version, location in the library
etc.
Texts emphasizing Clinical and Methodological aspects
(Burtis, Ashwood, & Border, 2001)
(Tietz, Aldrich, Burtis, & Ashwood, 1996)
(Bishop, Fody, & Schoeff, 2005 or 2010)
The first two of these references are much stronger on methodological aspects.
All three are excellent. The second is a little dated. The last (Bishop et al., 2005) is weaker
on methodology, but is easy to read, and cheaper.
Texts emphasizing physiological biochemistry
(Bhagavan, 2002)
This is an excellent book on metabolism and physiological chemistry. However, it contains
little in the way of clinical or methodological aspects.
Texts with an emphasis on clinical and physiological aspects
(Zilva, Pannall, & Mayne, 1988)
(Mayne, Zilva, & Pannall, 1994a)
(Gaw, 1995)
However, it contains little on methodologies, quality control etc. The first two (Mayne et al.,
1994a; Zilva et al., 1988) are very good, but are dated. The last (Gaw, 1995) is an excellent
book on the rudiments of clinical chemistry. This particular edition is dated. Newer versions
(2004 edition, ISBN 0443072698) are available through the bookshop, and are very
reasonably priced.
Texts on Methodological Aspects Only
(Varcoe, 2001)
Texts with an emphasis on case examples
(Mayne, Zilva, & Pannall, 1994b)
(Walmsley, Watkinson, & Cain, 1999)
(Walmsley & White, 1994)
These are excellent. For some topics, where there have been significant advances (eg
thyroid function testing) newer editions (eg 1999) are preferable. However, all the
texts illustrate how clinical biochemistry tests are used in practice.
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