Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit emphasises practical clinical laboratory skills needed for employment as an entry level clinical scientist. Practical classes are compulsory and form the main body of the unit. These are complemented by online learning packages centred on specific clinical laboratory skills and problem-solving tutorials. These include reading material on clinical laboratory procedures, videos and commentaries. Laboratory data interpretation exercises and revision quizzes are delivered online.

The unit is structured into three blocks followed by an intensive revision week: (1) intensive core skills course—daily laboratory sessions in biosafety, applied microscopy, microbial identification, antimicrobial sensitivity tests, molecular diagnostic methods; (2) identification of infectious agents—bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites; (3) clinical specimen categories—sterile sites, genitourinary, respiratory, soft tissue, gastrointestinal; and (4) intensive practical revision (1 week).

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) work safely in a PC2 containment clinical laboratory; (2) isolate and identify biological agents of infection from clinical specimens and to select appropriate isolates for subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing; (3) conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing to EUCAST and NCIS standards; (4) extract microbial nucleic acids from clinical specimens, set up and operate real time PCR assays and correctly interpret their results; (5) apply a core range of microbial identification methods to medically significant bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites; (6) appropriately process common types of clinical specimens from sterile sites; urinary, genital, gastrointestinal, respiratory tracts; wounds and other sites of soft tissue infection; and (7) accurately record clinical laboratory results during the specimen journey and to generate interim and final laboratory reports.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) practical procedure competency log; (2) technical skills test; and (3) practical examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the technical skills test component.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Tim Inglis and Dr Nicole Bzdyl
Unit rules
Prerequisites
MICR5829 Foundations of Infectious Diseases
Incompatibility
MICR5832 Diagnostic Medical Microbiology
Contact hours
lectures: 1–2 hours per week
practical classes (laboratory classes, tutorials and workshops): 4–6 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.