Assessment 1 – Post-Module Quiz (10%)
Following completion of modules, students will take individual online quizzes that test for integration of key concepts covered in the assigned sections. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped when calculating the total grade for this assessment.
Assessment 2 – Integrative Assignments (20%)
Students are placed in small groups. Each group is assigned a question encompassing the concepts from all modules covered up to that point. Each group member must submit their draft answer as well as give feedback to teammates on their submissions, reply to comments, and incorporate feedback into their own answer. Groups then submit final answers as a report (including the initial individual and the final group submissions). There will be two of these assignments during the term.
Assessment 3 – Problem-based learning (PBL) Clinical Lab (25%)
All students will be involved in discussions led by an Instructor/TA. To begin, all students are presented with the same case-study for discussion purposes. Then, students are divided into breakout rooms/small discussion groups to work through different scenarios and questions in small groups. Finally, all students return to the main plenary session/overall discussion group to report on the answers to the questions and other aspects of the scenario(s) generated by their group.
Assessment 4 – Presentation (15%)
In small groups, students pick a novel biomarker or clinical biochemistry technique associated with one of the pathologies covered throughout the course (the selection needs to be approved or be selected from a list). The group of students then review literature on the application of this biomarker and prepare a 15-minute presentation, to be presented to their peers and instructors. Evaluation will be based on breadth and depth of knowledge on the topic, quality of audiovisual elements, and presentation skills. Group members are expected to contribute equally to both the preparation and oral components of the presentation, to be assessed via peer evaluation forms submitted as part of the total assessment grade.
Assessment 5 – Proctored Final Exam (30%)
The individual proctored final exam will include well-designed, case-based multiple choice and short answer questions that will test each student’s overall understanding and application of the course material, rather than rote memorization.