BIOMED 399 : Capstone: Biomedical Science

Science

2021 Semester Two (1215) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Students will synthesise knowledge and reflect on learning experiences attained during their studies in Biomedical Science. Students will engage in debate on contemporary issues and use their scientific reasoning to counter misunderstandings and misrepresentation. Students will consider wider societal issues involved in research, such as human and animal ethics, Māori and Pacific health advancement, and public health relevance and economic benefits.

Course Overview

This course explores the key processes involved in modern biomedicine research within the context of wider societal issues. This includes ethical and economical issues, consideration of the Treaty of Waitangi and the role of government in science. You will engage with local scientists to understand how science really works in the context of NZ society. You will be guided to debate contemporary issues in biomedical and health sciences, and use scientific reasoning to counter misunderstandings and misrepresentation. The role of communication to a range of audiences will also be discussed. Finally you will have the opportunity to write and tailor your CV to help you achieve your future career aspirations.  

The course combines lectorials and small-group workshops tailored to the specific BIOMED pathways.   Where possible you will be assigned to your chosen pathway. A range of assignments, including individual and group work tasks, have been designed to give you the opportunity to assimilate what you have learnt during your degree to date and to demonstrate your graduate capabilities. You will be guided throughout by "pathway mentors". 

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 30 points from BIOSCI 347-358, MEDSCI 300-320, MEDIMAGE 302, 306

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Summarise the key processes involved in modern research within the context of wider societal issues, such as human and animal ethics, Māori and Pacifica health advancement, and the public health relevance and economic benefits surrounding research. (Capability 1, 2, 5 and 6)
  2. Debate contemporary issues in biomedical and health sciences, and use scientific reasoning to counter misunderstandings and misrepresentation. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
  3. Identify and critique the rapidly evolving and diverse body of reputable Biomedical Science literature (Capability 2, 3 and 5)
  4. Integrate discipline specific knowledge to interpret data and create new ideas (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 5)
  5. Communicate biomedical science effectively and appropriately based on the target audience (Capability 2, 4, 5 and 6)
  6. Plan, research and write a tailored CV appropriate for potential employers in the biomed field. (Capability 3 and 4)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 35% Group & Individual Coursework
Reports 30% Group & Individual Coursework
Presentation 25% Individual Coursework
Coursework 10% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Assignments
Reports
Presentation
Coursework

Special Requirements

Attendance at workshops is compulsory.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 12 hours of lectures, 24 hours of tutorial, 30 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 70 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including tutorials to complete components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials/lab visits will not be available as recordings.
The course will include live online events including group discussions/tutorials.
There is no test or exam.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

A remote version of the course can be made available to students located overseas because of border restrictions, or those with an exemption to study remotely.

Learning Resources

There is no required text book.
Primary literature resources will be used.

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Level 1: Delivered normally as specified in delivery mode
Level 2: You will not be required to attend in person. All teaching and assessment will have a remote option. The following activities will also have an on campus / in person option: Lectures and tutorials
Level 3 / 4: All teaching activities and assessments are delivered remotely

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 05/12/2020 04:43 p.m.