Students
MOLS8003 – Application of Nuclear Science to Medicine
2021 – Session 1, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Joanne Jamie
Contact via joanne.jamie@mq.edu.au, (02) 98508283 (international 61298508283)
4 Wally's Walk room 231
varies - confirm by email
Lecturer/tutor
Andrew Katsifis
Contact via 0423 00 41 81
Lecturer/tutor
Jennie Guille
Contact via 0403 850 144 or jennifer.guille52@gmail.com
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MRadiopharmSc or MSc or MScInnovationChemBiomolecularSc) and permission by special approval
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit focuses on the preparation/radiolabelling of radiopharmaceuticals used in medical applications including molecular imaging (positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT)), and targeted radionuclide therapy. It encompasses pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, nuclear science, pharmacology, biology and radiation safety. It is particularly relevant to drug design and the radiolabelling of drugs and biological macromolecules for use in non-invasive imaging. The unit also contains a component of laboratory management, quality assurance and regulatory affairs associated with both pharmaceutical production, and radiation safety. With access to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the National Medical Cyclotron, and departments of nuclear medicine in hospitals, it will provide highly relevant contemporary and hands-on training for students.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Identify the different types of radiation, and describe terms applicable to radiochemistry, nuclear physics and radiobiology
- ULO2: Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties and the methods of production of key radionuclides suitable for diagnostic purposes and therapy
- ULO3: Present calculations and analysis of experimental results applicable to the practice of radiopharmaceutical science
- ULO4: Describe the types of chemical reactions and radiochemical processes associated with the incorporation of Carbon-11, the radiohalogens and various radiometals to produce biologically and clinically useful radiopharmaceuticals
- ULO5: Research the literature on a relevant topic, and present a point of view in written and oral format
- ULO6: Explain nuclear science concepts in workshops and in written format in a report and exam
General Assessment Information
Assessment will be a mixture of progressive assessment in the form of quizzes (20%), an assignment (20%), a mark assigned for quality of participation iLearn (10%), and a final exam (50%).
Quizzes allow identification of any deficiency in knowledge and understanding and encourage continuous learning of the topics without the stress of a significant assessment component.
The assignment will include a written component that will provide the opportunity for a detailed understanding of a clinically used radiopharmaceutical and an oral presentation, and will provide discipline specific skills as well as research in studying the literature and written and oral communication skills.
The participation will be designed to consolidate knowledge through active engagement in in-class sessions (via zoom) and through contributing to regular discussions on the iLearn discussion board.
Final exam: The final exam is designed to address specific understanding of all the topics presented within the unit and to show that the knowledge obtained can be applied to new problems.
If you are unable to complete an assessment item due to illness or misadventure, you must submit a request for Special Consideration. Late assessment items will not be accepted without Special Consideration being approved. Further details on applying for Special Consideration can be found here: students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Your marks (assignment, quizzes, final exam and mark for participation) will be placed on the MOLS8003 ilearn site. The minimum requirement to achieve a passing grade for MOLS8003 is an aggregate mark for all the assessment tasks of 50% or greater.
Final Examination Details: The format of the exam and how it will be conducted will be provided and discussed with plenty of notice to make sure you are prepared for the logistics of conducting an exam remotely. It is Macquarie University policy to not set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is, the final day of the official examination period. The only exception to conducting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption - see Policy and Procedure section. In these circumstances you should apply for a supplementary exam at ask.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 20% | No | Week 11 written assignment, Week 12 oral |
| Workshops | 10% | No | Weekly, completion Week 12 |
| Final exam | 50% | No | Formal exam period |
| Quizzes | 20% | No | Week 2- Week 11 |
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 11 written assignment, Week 12 oral
Weighting: 20%
The assignment requires a literature search, and findings are to be presented in both written form, and as an oral presentation. The purpose of the assignment is to develop research skills, and scientific communication - both written and oral.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify the different types of radiation, and describe terms applicable to radiochemistry, nuclear physics and radiobiology
- Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties and the methods of production of key radionuclides suitable for diagnostic purposes and therapy
- Present calculations and analysis of experimental results applicable to the practice of radiopharmaceutical science
- Explain nuclear science concepts in workshops and in written format in a report and exam
Workshops
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Weekly, completion Week 12
Weighting: 10%
Participation and discussions during classes (conducted online) will be marked; with the objective being to encourage active participation in learning activities and discussions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify the different types of radiation, and describe terms applicable to radiochemistry, nuclear physics and radiobiology
- Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties and the methods of production of key radionuclides suitable for diagnostic purposes and therapy
- Present calculations and analysis of experimental results applicable to the practice of radiopharmaceutical science
- Describe the types of chemical reactions and radiochemical processes associated with the incorporation of Carbon-11, the radiohalogens and various radiometals to produce biologically and clinically useful radiopharmaceuticals
- Explain nuclear science concepts in workshops and in written format in a report and exam
Final exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Formal exam period
Weighting: 50%
Final exam
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify the different types of radiation, and describe terms applicable to radiochemistry, nuclear physics and radiobiology
- Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties and the methods of production of key radionuclides suitable for diagnostic purposes and therapy
- Present calculations and analysis of experimental results applicable to the practice of radiopharmaceutical science
- Describe the types of chemical reactions and radiochemical processes associated with the incorporation of Carbon-11, the radiohalogens and various radiometals to produce biologically and clinically useful radiopharmaceuticals
- Research the literature on a relevant topic, and present a point of view in written and oral format
- Explain nuclear science concepts in workshops and in written format in a report and exam
Quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: Week 2- Week 11
Weighting: 20%
Quizzes will assist in revising the course material as the course progresses.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify the different types of radiation, and describe terms applicable to radiochemistry, nuclear physics and radiobiology
- Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties and the methods of production of key radionuclides suitable for diagnostic purposes and therapy
- Describe the types of chemical reactions and radiochemical processes associated with the incorporation of Carbon-11, the radiohalogens and various radiometals to produce biologically and clinically useful radiopharmaceuticals
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
This unit is run fully online and you need to ensure you have access to adequate resources for zoom meetings where we can see and hear you and vice-versa. There will be weekly evening live zoom sessions that everyone is expected to attend (see timetables.mq.edu.au) and contribute to discussions. Week 1 will be an introductory session that will require no preparation prior to the evening class, but all other weeks will require preparation PRIOR to the live zoom class sessions that will include listening to specified recordings and contributing to the iLearn discussion board.
Reading materials and resources on all topics will be provided to facilitate the weekly sessions and self-directed learning. There is no prescribed textbook.
Unit Schedule
| Week 1 |
An introduction to radiopharmaceutical science |
| Week 2 |
Radiation safety |
| Week 3 | Radionuclide production |
| Week 4 | An Introduction to imaging modalities and choice of radiopharmaceuticals |
| Week 5 | Carbon-11: Radiopharmaceutical chemistry and radiolabelling methods |
| Week 6 | Fluorine-18: Radiopharmaceutical chemistry and radiolabelling methods |
| Week 7 | Radiolabelling with other halides |
| Week 8 | Chemistry of the radiometals (Tc-99m and Ga-68) |
| Week 9 | Radiolabelling with other metals (In-111, Tl-201, Cu-64, Zr-89, Lu-177,Y-90) |
| Week 10 | Radiochemical measurement, instrumentation and analytical chemistry methods |
| Week 11 | Quality management and the regulatory environment and Radiopharmaceutical R&D |
| Week 12 | Oral presentations |
| Week 13 | Revision |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
This unit is now being run in fully online mode.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook