Outline

Overview

Effective prevention and treatment of disease requires early, accurate and specific diagnoses. Biomedical advances in disease diagnosis and treatment are underpinned by the fundamentals of physics, cell biology and biochemistry. New imaging modalities for example, allow us to diagnose neurological diseases earlier and track the course of metastic cancers. New discoveries about how our genes contribute to disease enable design of novel intervention strategies that are leading to cures for some genetically-based diseases. And break-throughs in immunology mean we can now harness the power of our immune system to fight disease. In this unit, you will hear from clinician scientists at the frontier of biomedical research and translation. Working independently and in groups, you will deepen your knowledge and applicationn of the theory and technologies that underpin disease diagnosis and treatment. This will equip you to participate in the latest developments to diagnose and treat diseases.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anthony Don, anthony.don@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rachel Codd, rachel.codd@sydney.edu.au
	Anthony Don, anthony.don@sydney.edu.au
	Eve House, eve.house@sydney.edu.au
	Georgina Clark, georgina.clark@sydney.edu.au
	Georges Grau, georges.grau@sydney.edu.au
	Salvatore Fiorenza, salvatore.fiorenza@sydney.edu.au
	Mac Shine, mac.shine@sydney.edu.au
	Naisana Seyedasli, naisana.seyedasli@sydney.edu.au
	Natalie Lister, natalie.lister@sydney.edu.au
	Rebecca Rockett, rebecca.rockett@sydney.edu.au
	Samantha Ginn, samantha.ginn@sydney.edu.au
	Jayden Sterling, jayden.sterling@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Short release assignment	Test your knowledge Short release assignment testing knowledge from the in-person workshops.	30%	Formal exam period	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Online Module Quiz Multiple choice questions based on module content	5%	Week 05 Due date: 31 Aug 2024 at 23:59	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	In depth research essay In depth literature research essay with reflective component	30%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2024 at 23:59	1800 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Online Module Quiz Multiple choice questions based on module content	5%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Sep 2024 at 23:59	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral Presentation Oral Presentation + Peer Review and Participation	25%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2024 at 12:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Online Module Quiz Multiple choice questions based on module content	5%	Week 13 Due date: 02 Nov 2024 at 23:59	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Online Module Quizzes: Students are to complete short quiz questions based on module content.

Multimedia Assessment: Students are to submit a poster summary on a disease topic relevant to the course. Further information will be provided via Canvas.

Oral Presentation: Students will provide an Oral Presentation and then will participate in peer critique and discussion. Further information will be provided via Canvas.

Written Assignment (test your knowledge): Students will be given 3 h to complete resposes to a series of short and extended response questions, based on content and learning activities from the course.

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Please note: for this unit of study (BMSC5002) the late submission penalty will be 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. This is to ensure that timely feedback is provided to students. If the assessment is submitted more than 10 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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1.1: Introduction to Advances in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Module 1.2: Antibodies in Disease Diagnosis	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Module 1.2: Antibodies in Disease Diagnosis	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Module 1.3: Mass Spectrometry	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Module 1.3: Mass Spectrometry	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Module 1.4: Molecular Biology and Genomics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Module 1.4: Molecular Biology and Genomics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Module 1.5: Medical Imaging Technologies	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 1.5: Medical Imaging Technologies	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Module 2.1: Antibody Therapeutics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 2.1: Antibody Therapeutics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Module 2.2: Clinical Trials	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Module 2.2: Clinical Trials	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Module 2.3: Small Molecule Drugs	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Module 2.3: Small Molecule Drugs	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Module 2.4: Immunotherapy	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Module 2.4: Immunotherapy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Module 3.1: Cell-based Therapies	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Module 3.1: Cell-based Therapies	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Module 3.2: Pairing Genomic Technologies with Therapy	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Module 3.2: Pairing Genomic Technologies with Therapy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Module 3.3: Gene Therapy	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Module 3.3: Gene Therapy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Module 3.4: mRNA Targeting	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Module 3.4: mRNA Targeting	Lecture (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:
Students are required to attend online weekly workshops (2-hours duration) and watch pre-recorded lecture material each week. 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.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend every workshop, and attendance at a minimum of 80% of timetabled workshops is compulsory for successful completion of the course. Absences from scheduled workshop sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation. Attendance will be recorded. If you do not show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course you may not pass.

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2021 68.2 states:

55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

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.

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. Analyse advances in our understanding of disease in order to construct solutions for the effective diagnosis and treatment of new or re-emerging diseases.
LO2. Select and justify diagnostic tools in the design of innovative and/or optimal treatment strategies.
LO3. Acquire and apply advanced biomedical scientific knowledge and skills to the design of novel health interventions.
LO4. Validate and use evidence gathered from data sets to inform treatment practices.
LO5. Reflect on the impact of advances in disease diagnosis and treatment on the community.

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.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of the School of Medical Sciences. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BMSC5002: Advances in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Semester 2, 2024 [Online] - 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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect