Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
Molecular imaging in vivo has revolutionised the field of nanomedicine. Central to this technology is the ability to label, track and target specific cells in vivo. This is achieved by utilising the various molecular imaging modalities available to the clinician. In the pre-clinical sense, this includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), optical imaging (i.e. luminescence and fluorescence) and ultrasound. All of these modalities have specific advantages that can be translated into a suitable pre-clinical analysis (e.g. MRI provides exquisite spatial resolution while PET has extremely sensitive detection limits). These techniques can then be utilised to give different information regarding cell-labelling, tracking and targeting. The development of various cell labelling/targeting technologies can involve receptor binding motifs (e.g. antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, aptamers, small molecules) that are directly attached to the imaging modality, or can be a part of a larger construct (e.g. nanomaterials). In this way, the various requirements for cell-labelling are incorporated into the one construct (e.g. receptor binding for uptake or attachment to cells, molecular imaging agent for tracking). This course will describe the various approaches used for cell-labelling in vivo, with particular emphasis on the complementary nature of each modality for application in nanomedicine.
This elective course within the post-graduate Master of Molecular Imaging program will provide background knowledge in the area of molecular imaging technologiesﾠin nanomedicine for cell targeting and tracking.
Course requirements
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course is offered in internal and external mode
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Brett Paterson
Dr James Humphries
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Tutorials are held atﾠCentre for Advanced Imaging, Building 57, Level 2 Seminar Room.ﾠ
All tutorialsﾠare recorded and posted onto Blackboard.ﾠ
Internal tutorial structure Friday 10-11am
External tutorial structure Tutorial recordings posted on Blackboard
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide a foundation knowledge in the application of molecular imaging in cell labelling and tracking, with particular focusﾠon applications inﾠnanomedicine.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Have knowledge of imaging modalities useful for cell-labelling and tracking in vivo
LO2.
Demonstrate an understanding of the potential benefits and disadvantages of each molecular imaging modality in application to cell tracking/targeting, particularly in nanomedicine
LO3.
Demonstrate the ability to apply each modality to a specific cell-targeted application.
LO4.
Acquire sufficient knowledge to choose the appropriate labelling approach for chelates and conjugates and demonstrate solid knowledge of the application of chelates and conjugates in molecular imaging and nanomedicine.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Compulsory Online tutorial participation | 10% |
Throughout the semester |
| Quiz | Blackboard Online Quiz | 15% |
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
Due Friday of Week 8 |
| Essay/ Critique | Assignment 1 | 25% |
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
Due Friday of Week 10 |
| Examination |
Final examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Compulsory Online tutorial participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Throughout the semester
Task description
There are 7 Online Tutorials in the Blackboard Discussion Board. For each discussion in which you submit a response by the due date, you will receive marks, to a maximum of 10 for the whole semester.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Blackboard Online Quiz
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
Due Friday of Week 8
Task description
- There are 15 questions in total.
- Please allow an uninterrupted 30 minutes to take the quiz.When the time runs out the quiz will automatically be saved and submitted as is.
- You are allowed only one attempt at each question.
- The correct answers will be shown after you complete the quiz.
- This quiz closes on Friday of Week 8 at 14:00 Brisbane time.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Assignment 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
Due Friday of Week 10
Task description
Students are required to address a question listed on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Please submit your assignment via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Final examination
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
The examination is a non-invigilated online exam. It will be centrally timetabled and in the form of a pdf file you can download from Blackboard. You can print the exam and write on the exam paper, or write your answers on blank paper, or write electronically on a suitable device. You will then scan or photograph your work if necessary and upload your answers as a single pdf file. You will have 10 minutes planning time followed by 2 hours to complete the exam. A further 15 minutes are allowed during which you must upload your exam to Blackboard. You will be advised of the date and time in which to complete the examination once the examination timetable has been determined. Note that late penalties will be strictly applied as per university policy.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 1% Demonstrates very limited understanding of the basic principles of cell targeting and tracking. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrates limited understanding of the key concepts. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30% Demonstrates limited understanding of the basic principles of cell targeting and tracking with limited knowledge of the techniques to solve problems in molecular imaging. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% Demonstrates some understanding of the basic principles of cell targeting and tracking, and some knowledge of the rationale for determining when to choose a particular imaging modality. Can answer a few questions pertaining to molecular imaging in nanomedicine. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% Demonstrates an understanding of the basic principles of cell targeting and tracking, and demonstrates a knowledge of the rationale for determining which molecular imaging agent is suitable under specific conditions and what ligand should be used to target a specific disease. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% Demonstrates a good understanding of the basic principles of cell targeting and tracking, and can assess with some directions when to use a particular imaging modality to answer a specific question. Can begin to describe the important concepts of each modality with respect to molecular imaging in nanomedicine. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles of cell targeting and tracking, and can assess when to use a particular imaging modality to answer a specific question. Can describe the important concepts of each modality with respect to molecular imaging in nanomedicine. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the principles of cell targeting and tracking, and can assess independently when to use a particular imaging modality to answer a specific question. Can clearly describe the important concepts of each modality with respect to molecular imaging in nanomedicine and provide workable solutions to problems in molecular imaging. |
Additional course grading information
A maximum of a grade of 3 will be awarded if less than 45/100 is achieved in the final examination.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Plagiarismﾠ in assignments, or ﾠrecycling of previously submitted work, will result in anﾠacademic penaltyﾠthat could include a mark of zero for that assignment.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The Blackboard website is essential to this course. In addition to the discussion forum, this website provides a Schedule of Study, Assignment topics as well as relevant references, movies and web addresses.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Module 1 Introduction to cell labelling and tracking. |
Lecture |
Module 2 Optical imaging in cell labelling and tracking |
|
Lecture |
Module 3 Cell labelling and tracking with PET/SPECT |
|
Lecture |
Module 4 Cell labelling and tracking using MRI |
|
Lecture |
Module 5 Application of multimodal imaging in cell labelling and tracking |
|
Lecture |
Module 6 Advanced applications of molecular imaging and emerging technologies |
|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester break |
|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
King's Birthday |
|
Lecture |
Module 7 Summary |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.