Outline

Overview

What will it mean to be human in 2100? How will we be able to control our complex bodily mechanisms to maintain health and fight disease? Advances in human biology suggest we will age more slowly and new technologies will enhance many bodily structures and functions. This unit of study will explore maintenance of health through nutritional balance, aerobic health, defence mechanisms and human diversity. You will learn key structural features from the subcellular level to the whole organ and body, and learn about essential functional pathways that determine how the body regulates its internal environment and responds to external stimuli and disease. Together we will investigate nutrition, digestion and absorption, cardiovascular and lung function, reproduction, development, epigenetics, and regulation of function through various interventions. You will receive lectures from experts in the field of human biology and medical sciences, supported by practical classes, workshops and on-line resources that leverage off state-of-the-art technologies to develop your practical, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, problem solving, and enquiry-based skills in human biology. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills for further studies in majors in medical sciences. The practical work syllabus consists of a special project-based laboratory.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1003 or BIOL1903 or BIOL1993 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1996 or MEDS1001 or MEDS1901 or BIOL1008 or BIOL1908
Assumed knowledge ?	90 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ros Gloag, ros.gloag@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Holmes, andrew.holmes@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Knight, peter.knight@sydney.edu.au
	Philip Poronnik, philip.poronnik@sydney.edu.au
	Scott Byrne, scott.byrne@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Thorn (Physiology), peter.thorn@sydney.edu.au
	Hong Dao Nguyen, hongdao.nguyen@sydney.edu.au
	Timothy Lee, t.lee@sydney.edu.au
	Zoe Patterson Ross, zoe.pattersonross@sydney.edu.au
	Melissa Cameron, melissa.cameron@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Final exam Online final exam on lecture content	40%	Formal exam period	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Laboratory notebook n/a	5%	Multiple weeks	weekly
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	mtDNA report Written report	30%	Week 11	5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Wildlife forensics presentation Group oral presentation via ZOOM	20%	Week 13	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pre-work quizzes n/a	5%	Weekly	weekly
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

Laboratory notebook: You must keep all your notes from pratical class in your lab notebook. Your lab notebook will be marked twice.
Pre-work quizzes: These quizzes consist of 5 multiple choice questions. The questions test your understanding of material covered in an upcoming practical class, based on your reading of the lab manual and any associated material. These quizzes need to be completed before your scheduled practical class.
DNA report: You will write a report based on an extended laboratory project on human migration and evolution that includes sequencing and analysing your own mitochondrial DNA.
Wildlife forensics presentation: In groups of 3-4, you will extract DNA from an unknown wildlife sample, analyse it to deduce the species identity, and give a presentation of your results to the class.
Final exam: The final exam will cover material from lectures.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units’ material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units’ material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Organisation and complexity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction & Observing sub-cellular architecture	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Cells	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Mitochondrial Enzymology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Ion regulation and feedback systems	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Cardiac pharmacology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Glucose homeostasis and endocrine regulation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Exploring mammalian systems	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Kidney and liver	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Nervous system	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	DNA extraction and PCR of mitochondrial D-loop	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Bone and muscle	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Circulation and respiration	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Report Writing & Research Showcase	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Digestive system	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Analysing mtDNA sequences	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Fuels and gut microbiome	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Applying DNA analysis to wildlife forensics	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Immunity	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Forensic DNA analysis with BLAST	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Reproduction and development	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Genetics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Presentations on wildlife forensics	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Silverthorn, DU. (2015) Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (7th ed.), Pearson Higher Ed USA

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe the structure and function of body systems that interrelate for normal human activity
LO2. explain how the integration of complex cellular and whole body mechanisms underpin homeostasis
LO3. explain the current challenges and emerging solutions facing human biology research
LO4. communicate key concepts in human biology to diverse audiences through a variety of media
LO5. work independently and in groups to analyse and evaluate important questions in human biology
LO6. work collaboratively with academic integrity with others in the processes of learning, experimentation, problem solving and assessment
LO7. demonstrate competence in core laboratory and related skills
LO8. collect and analyse data related to human biology/medical sciences
LO9. appreciate the role that the science of human biology plays in contributing to the betterment of society as a whole
LO10. apply knowledge and skills to real world problems and articulate the relevance of human biology investigations and their findings to the local and global community
LO11. develop the skills for self-management and successful learning at university
LO12. work ethically, responsibly, autonomously and reflectively as a learner and as a scientist

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The mtDNA project schedule has been moved forward one week, to better space out the major assessments at the end of semester.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL1998: Human Biology (Special Studies Program)

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect