Biomedical Basis and Epidemiology of Human Disease

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/20

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Biomedical Basis and Epidemiology of Human Disease

Unit ID:

MONCI3002

Credit Points:

30.00

Prerequisite(s):

(MONCI1001 and MONCI1002 and MONCI1003 and MONCI2001)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

019901

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit will have a combined approach and examine the biomedical and epidemiological impacts of human disease on society. It will concentrate on the pathobiological and biomedical basis of prevalent human disease processes. Relevant areas examined in this unit may change from year to year but will generally include immune and inflammatory diseases, (e.g. inflammatory renal and joint disease); cancer biology (focussing on mechanisms of tumour spread); cardiovascular biology, (coronary heart disease/cerebrovascular disease); diabetes, obesity and neurological diseases. Disease pathogenesis, including lessons gained from cell/molecular biology and disease models will be the major focus. Concurrently, the epidemiological/clinical features of each disease, current treatments, challenges and future treatment prospects, including clinical trials will be covered highlighting the importance of an evidence-based approach to health care. This will discuss the complexities behind treatment based decision making by reviewing the evidence- base and understanding the criteria for deciding on what is best evidence. This unit will consider the biomedical basis and epidemiology in the context of the Australian health care system, including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), health policy and service delivery systems, putting illness and health in the context of social, cultural and behavioural systems.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:No

Supplementary assessment is not available to students who gain a fail in this Unit.

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Integrate and apply knowledge from previous core units in the study of specific human diseases.

K2.	Describe and distinguish between the pathobiological processes related to disease.

Skills:

S1.	Demonstrate sophisticated interpretation and application of epidemiological methods and principles and discuss critically and cite evidence for the impact of disease on the individual and society.

S2.	Critically assess the epidemiological quality of research in a range of studies outlining the basis of your methodological approach and criteria for determining the quality of the research.

S3.	Synthesise and critically analyse medical literature to discover future challenges in disease pathogenesis and treatment.

S4.	Further develop research skills including collaborative team work, clear communication and interpersonal skills as well as critical thinking and writing skills.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Recognise and cite evidence for how biomedical research, including cell biology, animal models of disease and human studies are important in defining the pathogenesis of disease and the optimal treatment of disease in a public health context;

A2.	Identify and evaluate the contribution of the epidemiological studies involved in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases and justify your reasoning.

Other outcomes:

Unit Content:

Graduate Attributes:

Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptor		Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
FED TASK and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
FEDTASK 1 Interpersonal	Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.	Not applicable	Not applicable
FEDTASK 2 Leadership	Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative	Not applicable	Not applicable
FEDTASK 3 Critical Thinking and Creativity	Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving.	Not applicable	Not applicable
FEDTASK 4 Digital Literacy	Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities.	Not applicable	Not applicable
FEDTASK 5 Sustainable and Ethical Mindset	Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.	Not applicable	Not applicable

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.		In-semester activities	Online quiz	10
2.		Small group activities	Tutorial tasks	15
3.		Systematic review	Oral and written presentation	30
4.		Examination	Examination	45

Adopted Reference Style:

Australian Harvard ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency