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Winter 2020 Online Course Syllabus PATH 310/3.0

PATH 310: INTRODUCTION TO PATHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE

COURSE CONTACT INFORMATION

Any questions may be directed to the course email address [email protected]. Most emails
are responded to within one business day.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide an introduction to Pathology and Molecular Medicine by presenting a
series of modules illustrating key aspects of molecular biology, biochemistry and clinical
pathology for a broad range of human disorders. For each topic, student will learn from two experts
in pathology, representing molecular and clinical perspectives, who will focus on a specific disease
and its relevant scientific background, pathogenic mechanism, clinical manifestations and
complications, testing and treatment options. This course will also introduce students to the current
transdisciplinary nature of many biomedical studies.

A second key component of the course will involve two Team-Based Learning (TBL) assessments.
The TBL sessions will focus on general concepts around: A) types of tests used for specific
diseases (screening, diagnostic and predictive); and B) basic scientific approaches used in
pathology and molecular medicine to asking questions worth addressing for complex health
problems. Each TBL will run over the course of 4 sessions, and involve small group discussions
of specific questions and issues to be considered based on preassigned readings, leading to a final
group TBL assignment.

Note: The online course was designed specifically using the Bachelor of Health Sciences
(Honours) program framework.

PREREQUISITE
Minimum 3rd year (level 3) standing and one of (BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 270/3.0).

METHOD OF DELIVERY
Online format with materials, communication, and assignment submission all via Daylight (onQ).

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing PATH310, students will be able to:
1. Integrate underlying genetic and biochemical factors with resultant pathologic processes
and disease states. (PLO 1-4, 6, 8; Assessments 1 – 5)
2. Compare and contrast the contributions of genetics and environmental factors to disease.
(PLO 1-4, 6, 8; Assessments 1 – 5)
3. Apply course concepts to a hypothetical disease to identify its molecular basis and clinical
features, and rationalize testing and treatment options. (PLO 1-4, 6, 8; Assessments 1 – 5)
4. Clearly and concisely articulate ideas in both oral and written formats, working
individually as well as in team-based learning groups. (PLO 1-4, 6, 8; Assessments 1 – 5)

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ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATION
1. Team-Based Learning Assignment #1 (25%)
2. Team-Based Learning Assignment #2 (25%)
3. Small Group Peer Assessments (5%)
4. Midterm Exam (15%)
5. Final Exam (30%)

Assessments 1-2 will be graded using marking rubrics.

Assessment 1 – Team-Based Learning Assignment #1 (LO 1-4)

In this Team-Based Learning (TBL) Assignment, students will explore the criteria that must be
assessed prior to initiating molecular tests of any nature. Students will use this as an opportunity
to enhance their understanding of module concepts in relation to testing considerations and
independently explore the scientific literature to further apply their knowledge. Students will
complete work individually before collaborating with group members to generate lists of
considerations with rationales. Then, as a small group, student will receive information on a
hypothetical disease and apply their gained knowledge to determine what kinds of molecular tests
should be used.

Assessment 2 – Team-Based Learning Assignment #2 (LO 1-4)

In this TBL, students will be provided with an example of a complex health question. Individually,
and then in small groups students will identify the complex individual and population-centric
factors that need to be considered, and weigh appropriate supporting evidence, in order to evaluate
if a given hypothesis is worth testing. The goal of this assignment is not to solve the identified
problem, but to understand the complexity of the issue. As a small group, students will then
generate their own hypothesis worth testing, and rationalize the factors and approaches they would
use to address their complex health problem.

Assessment 3 – Small Group Peer Assessments (LO 1-4)

Students will have the opportunity to provide peer feedback to their TBL #1 and TBL #2 group
members regarding their participation and collaborative work in the TBL sessions. Students will
receive grades for completing the survey of their peers. Feedback received about each group
member will influence each individual’s participation grade in each of TBL #1 and #2.

Assessment 4 – Midterm Exam (LO 1-4)

Working individually, students will complete an online proctored midterm exam to asses their
ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of course material. This evaluation
will include case-based multiple choice and short answer questions that will test students’ overall
understanding and application of course material.

Assessment 5 – Final Exam (LO 1-4)

Working individually, students will complete an online proctored final exam to assess their ability
to apply knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of the course material. This evaluation will
include case-based multiple choice and short answer questions that will test students’ overall
understanding and application of course material.

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ASSESSMENT LATE POLICY

There is a 10% late penalty per day per item (including weekends). After 7 days, the assessment
will automatically receive a grade of 0%. Students with extenuating circumstances beyond their
control should contact the course instructor; extensions are given at the discretion of the
instructors, and must be approved prior to the due date/time.

It is the small group’s responsibility to confirm that they have uploaded the correct assignment file
to the correct location. If you cannot submit your assignment online, email your file to
[email protected] with a report of your submission error to receive credit.

BHSc ONLINE EXAM STATEMENT

By enrolling in this online course, you agree to write tests, quizzes, and exams online. The benefits of
this are that you can complete the exam in your own space using your own computer. For each
assessment, you will be using exam software developed at Queen’s, which is integrated with an online
proctoring system called Examity. To ensure a successful exam experience, you are responsible for
ensuring your computer meets the minimum technical requirements, as described on the course web
page, and that you are located in an area with sufficient high speed internet at the time of the exam.

You will be given the opportunity to practice the exam initiation process in advance of any quizzes,
tests or exams that require the use of this software. See Examity Instructions for more information.

In this course, academic accommodations within the online testing-environment are possible. Students
with QSAS accommodations must send a copy of their letter to [email protected] to have their
accommodations applied to all their assessments.

The use of Examity may be problematic in certain regions (e.g. China). If you are going to be located
in a region with restrictions during the time your exam is offered please reach out to BHSc Technical
Support [email protected] as soon as possible so alternate arrangements can be made
for you to complete your exam.

Students requesting an exam deferral will be required to write their final examination during the
Supplemental Exam Period as defined by the BHSc Sessional Dates.

Privacy and Security

Examity is a third-party, cloud-based service provided by Examity, Inc. When using Examity, you
are connecting to the third party and are no longer within the Queen’s University system. Queen’s
has conducted a privacy and security review of Examity and has entered into a binding agreement
with terms that address the appropriate collection, use and disclosure of personal information in
accordance with Ontario’s privacy legislation. Please consult Examity's Privacy and Security
policies for more information.

You should also take measures yourself to protect your information by keeping your password and
challenge questions private, closing all applications prior to starting an exam/assessment, and
ensuring your device is updated and safeguarded against malware.

For more information about Examity, see the Examity Frequently Asked Questions page.

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COMPETENCIES
The assessments that correspond with the program competencies are indicated below:
 Communicator (Assessments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
 Advocate (Assessments 1, 2)
 Leader (Assessments 1, 2, 3)
 Scholar (Assessments 1, 2, 4, 5)
 Professional (Assessments 1, 2, 3)
 Collaborator (Assessments 1, 2, 3)
 Content Expert (Assessments 1, 2, 4, 5)

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

PATH 310 course notes via modules posted online.

TIME COMMITMENT
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in study/practice
and online activities for PATH 310.

ACCESSIBILITY/ACCOMODATION
Queen’s University is committed to achieving full accessibility for persons with disabilities. Part
of this commitment includes arranging academic accommodations for students with disabilities to
ensure they have an equitable opportunity to participate in all of their academic activities.

If you are a student with a disability and think you may need accommodations, you are strongly
encouraged to contact the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) and register as early as
possible. For more information, including important deadlines, please visit the QSAS website at:
http://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/accessibility-services/.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Introduction to Pathology and Molecular Medicine (PATH 310) follows the academic integrity
policy of Queen’s University. Academic integrity is constituted by the five core fundamental
values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, (see www.academicintegrity.org) and by
the quality of courage. These values are central to the building, nurturing, and sustaining of an
academic community in which all members of the community can thrive. Adherence to the values
expressed through academic integrity forms a foundation for the "freedom of inquiry and exchange
of ideas" essential to the intellectual life of the University; see Senate Report on
Principles and Priorities
http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/policies/senateandtrustees/principlespriorities.html.

Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the regulations concerning academic
integrity and for ensuring that their assignments conform to the principles of academic integrity.
Information on academic integrity is available in the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
Program Calendar (see Academic Regulation 1), and from the instructor of this course. Departures
from academic integrity include plagiarism, use of unauthorized materials, facilitation, forgery,
and falsification, and are antithetical to the development of an academic community at Queen's.
Given the seriousness of these matters, actions which contravene the regulation on academic

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integrity carry sanctions that can range from a warning or the loss of grades on an assignment to
the failure of a course to a requirement to withdraw from the university.

Specifically, students must express themselves in their own words, and cite sources when they use
outside information. Verbatim copying of the module text or textbook is considered plagiarism and
is a breach of academic integrity. Further, lying and misrepresentation are dishonest and violate
the five core values of academic integrity.

ABOUT TURNITIN AT QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY

This course makes use of Turnitin, a third-party application that helps maintain standards of
excellence in academic integrity. Normally, students will be required to submit their course
assignments to through onQ to Turnitin. In doing so, students’ work will be included as source
documents in the Turnitin reference database, where they will be used solely for the purpose of
detecting plagiarism.

Turnitin is a suite of tools that provide instructors with information about the authenticity of
submitted work and facilitates the process of grading. Turnitin compares submitted files against
its extensive database of content, and produces a similarity report and a similarity score for each
assignment. A similarity score is the percentage of a document that is similar to content held within
the database. Turnitin does not determine if an instance of plagiarism has occurred. Instead, it gives
instructors the information they need to determine the authenticity of work as a part of a larger
process.

Please read Turnitin’s Privacy Pledge, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service, which governs users’
relationship with Turnitin. Also, please note that Turnitin uses cookies and other tracking
technologies; however, in its service contract with Queen’s Turnitin has agreed that neither
Turnitin nor its third-party partners will use data collected through cookies or other tracking
technologies for marketing or advertising purposes. For further information about how you can
exercise control over cookies, see Turnitin’s Privacy Policy.

Turnitin may provide other services that are not connected to the purpose for which Queen’s
University has engaged Turnitin. Your independent use of Turnitin’s other services is subject
solely to Turnitin’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and Queen’s University has no liability
for any independent interaction you choose to have with Turnitin.

COPYRIGHT OF COURSE MATERIALS

Course materials created by the course instructor, including all slides, presentations, synchronous
and asynchronous course recordings, handouts, tests, exams, and other similar course materials,
are the intellectual property of the instructor. It is a departure from academic integrity to distribute,
publicly post, sell or otherwise disseminate an instructor’s course materials or to provide an
instructor’s course materials to anyone else for distribution, posting, sale or other means of
dissemination, without the instructor’s express consent. A student who engages in such conduct
may be subject to penalty for a departure from academic integrity and may also face adverse legal
consequences for infringement of intellectual property rights and, with respect to recordings,
potentially privacy violations of other students.

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Find out more about copyright here: https://library.queensu.ca/help-services/copyright-fair-

dealing
NOTICE OF RECORDING
Synchronous (live) concept review sessions will be delivered in this course through a video
conferencing platform supported by the University [MS Teams, Zoom]. Steps have been taken by
the University to configure these platforms in a secure manner. Review sessions will be recorded
with video and audio (and in some cases transcription) and will be made available to students in
the course for the duration of the term. The recordings may capture your name, image or voice
through the video and audio recordings. By attending these live sessions, you are consenting to the
collection of this information for the purposes of administering the class and associated
coursework. If you are concerned about the collection of your name and other personal information
in the class, please contact the course instructor to identify possible alternatives.

To learn more about how your personal information is collected, used and disclosed by Queen’s
University, please see the general Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal
Information.

GRADING METHOD
All components of this course will receive numerical percentage marks. The final grade received
for the course will be derived by converting the student’s numerical course average to a letter grade
according to Queen’s Official Grade Conversion Scale:
Grade Numerical Course Average (Range)

A+ 90-100

A 85-90

A- 80-84

B+ 77-79

B 73-76

B- 70-72

C+ 67-69

C 63-66

C- 60-62

D+ 57-59

D 53-56

D- 50-52

F 49 and below

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