Course Catalogue

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During this course, students will be introduced to and develop a critical understanding of (i) precision diagnostics - current screening strategies for diagnosis; diagnostic imaging technologies; use of biomarkers for precision medicine; point of care testing; molecular pathology applications; novel diagnostic tools and (ii) precision therapeutics - drug discovery; clinical trials; technology for drug delivery; regenerative medicine; challenges and opportunities in precision therapeutics.

This course consists of lectures, tutorials and laboratories in semester 1.

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Essay (2000 words approx.) - 50%

Reflective portfolio (500 words approx.) - 20%

Group presentation - 30%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Where full reassessment is unavailable (group task), an alternative assessment will be issued.

■ Facilitate development of knowledge and understanding of current screening and testing methods, diagnostic imaging technologies, and companion diagnostics used for precision medicine.

■ Provide students with a detailed overview of therapeutic approaches employed in precision medicine.

■ Equip students with an integrative understanding of clinical trial methodologies, regulatory and ethical issues in precision medicine.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically evaluate current diagnostic tools and their applications in precision medicine.

■ Utilise knowledge of screening and testing methods in precision medicine to critically appraise their use in different contexts.

■ Critically discuss the use of clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.