Chemical and Molecular Pathology

Course aim

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the application of biochemical and molecular techniques for the detection, monitoring and assessment of metabolic and genetic diseases.

Course content

Role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in diagnosis of diseases. Specimen collection and handling. Quality assurance; sources of error. Use and establishment of reference intervals. Laboratory investigation of disorders of water and electrolyte balance; acid/base balance; kidney function; liver function; carbohydrate metabolism; calcium and phosphate metabolism.  Laboratory automation. Eukaryote genes: structure, function and control; translation control. Genomics. DNA sequence analysis, gene mapping; ethical issues. Diagnostic techniques: nucleic acid amplification, mutation detection, gene expression analysis, chromosome analysis and protein detection. Therapy for genetic diseases.

Textbook(s)

Dasgupta, A; and Wahed, A., Clinical Chemistry, Immunology and Laboratory Quality Control: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Current, Elsevier , San Diego

Clarke, William et al 2020, Contemporary Practice in Clinical Chemistry, 4th edition, Academic Press, England

Prerequisite(s)

All first and second year courses in the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine program.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 13 weeks
Practical	5 hours x 11 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Report, Test/Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.