41166 Healthomics and Molecular Diagnostics Studio
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Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 12 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 41162 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Studio A AND 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics AND 42001 Bioinformatics
Recommended studies:
91161 Cell Biology and Genetics; 42001 Bioinformatics
Description
The objective of this subject is to familiarise students in the areas of advanced molecular diagnostics on the wider field of biology, the health industry and society in general. This subject runs in a studio mode with an emphasis on collaboration and design thinking, concept development and refinement.
Students acquire knowledge and skills in diagnostics technologies with a focus on designing and building a PCR machine. The PCR build is directed at specific stakeholders with outcomes relating to real-life problems which can enhance people's quality of life. The subject further develops specialised verbal communication skills needed for the diagnostic industry. Overall the subject provides training for students in the area of molecular diagnostics with an emphasis on constructing a PCR machine and understanding the basis of the PCR reaction.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Communicate and collaborate in teams to manage biomedical projects. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Use design skills to generate solutions in medical technologies. |
| 3. | Apply techniques and tools to develop models in molecular diagnosis and healthomics. |
| 4. | Research and understand the engineering aspects of the state of the art biomedical diagnostic tools such as the PCR machine and a wide variety of DNA, RNA sequencing approaches. |
| 5. | Present findings to a variety of audiences including stakeholders and representatives of sequencing industry. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
The studio will rely on teamwork and develop collaborative skills. It introduces students to PCR technologies relevant to various industries sectors with a focus on the diagnostic industry.
Students will be able to work on their group projects in the presence of teaching staff as well as during their own time. This flexibility will allow students to meet the projects’ deadlines. Students will be involved in practical projects developing practical skills for industry applications. Students will receive feedback from the teaching staff about their proposed solutions and their progress at regular intervals.
During the 12 weeks, the students will form their research team and work collaboratively. Two days a week they will receive hands-on training on the PCR machine and be involved in project design.
They will reflect on their progress every fortnight in the form of presentation to their peers.
Content (topics)
- Understand the process of PCR
- Analysis of biological data and gene expressions, and research into Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Desgin thinking
- CAD SolidWorks
- Laser Cutting and 3D printing
- Arduino Programming
- Parts integration
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Pitch #1
| Intent: | To develop the skill of researching problems/background information and partially to measure the development of presentation skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 2: Pitch #2
| Intent: | This task ensures students are meeting their set milestones and deliverables for the project. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): .1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 3: Final seminar
| Intent: | To be familiar with the engineering background and problems associated with diagonostic technologies (PCR machine) and show progress in presentation skills and communicating ideas. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 20-25 minutes |
Assessment task 4: Final report
| Intent: | To be familiar with the engineering background and problems associated with diagnostic technologies (PCR machine) and articulate the final design as a written report. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Written report, essay format max 5 pages |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.