Course Title: Precision Medicine

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Precision Medicine

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus.

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MEDS2200

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Steven Bozinovski

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6674

Course Coordinator Email: steven.bozinovski@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed BIOL2262 Genetics and Molecular Biology before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course, contact your course coordinator.

Note: it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course.

For your information go to RMIT Course Requisites webpage.


Course Description

This course offers an introduction to the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine, with a strong emphasis on its application in oncology. In this course you will explore foundational topics such as genetic screening programs and the rise of ‘omics’ technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. A major focus is placed on precision oncology, covering cancer genome profiling, immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, and innovations in early cancer screening. The course also introduces pharmacogenomics and theranostics, integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, highlighting their transformative impact on cancer treatment. Through real-world case studies and emerging technological applications, you will gain a broad understanding of how precision approaches are reshaping modern medicine.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • PLO 1: Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach.
  • PLO 2: Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems related using a biomedical perspective.
  • PLO 4: Communicate and collaborate with diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices.
  • PLO 5: Demonstrate critical reflection skills, responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the foundational principles of precision medicine and describe current genetic screening programs used in healthcare.
  2. Interpret and apply ‘omics’ data, including genomic and transcriptomic information, to understand disease mechanisms and guide treatment strategies.
  3. Evaluate emerging technologies and therapeutic approaches in precision oncology, including immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, and theranostics.
  4. Assess the clinical relevance of pharmacogenomics and early cancer screening innovations in the development of personalized treatment plans.
  5. Communicate the ethical concerns associated with precision medicine in a health care context.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course Site.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through Canvas and the RMIT Student website.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT Student website.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks:

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLO 1,2,3,4,5

Assessment Task 2: Workshop reports
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1,2

Assessment Task 3: End of semester test (in class)
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.