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Unit outline_

CPAT3901: Pathogenesis of Human Disease 1 (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

A deep understanding of pathological mechanisms for disease progression leads to improved human health outcomes. As human populations across the world are ageing, the increasing burden of age-related disease will become one of the greatest challenges facing modern medical science. To equip students with skills appropriate for job-ready careers in the biomedical sciences specialising in pathology it is necessary to provide an integrated understanding of how to evaluate and analyse crucial pathological mechanisms governing disease progression in humans. You will participate in inquiry-led learning modules focused on the systems theory of disease and the underlying mechanisms that promote disease progression in humans. To demonstrate disease you will review high-resolution imagery of pathological specimens using innovative online tools combined with in-depth description of immunological, molecular and biochemical process that underpin the pathogenesis of disease in a range of major body organs. You will undertake investigations to gain an advanced understanding of the health complications of common human diseases. You will learn to use a process of high-level deduction to identify key differences between normality and disease in order to explain cellular aspects of certain pathological processes. Through undertaking this unit you will develop the necessary skill set to define and strategically assess how different organ systems react to injury/insult and how to apply basic concepts of disease processes, which ultimately improve the capacity to manage and intervene in fundamental and clinical aspects of health and disease. Enquiries should be directed to paul.witting@sydney.edu.au.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A WAM of 70 and a mark of 70 or above in 6CP of (IMMU2X11 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02 or IMMU2101 or BMED2404)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CPAT3201
Assumed knowledge
? 

A working knowledge of biology

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paul Witting, paul.witting@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Paul Witting, paul.witting@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Final 2 h closed book exam comprising McQ, SaQ and image-based questions.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task In-semester Practical Exam 1
Open book exam - 10 min reading/30 min exam, McQ and image-based questions
10% Week 07
Due date: 03 Apr 2024 at 17:30

Closing date: 03 Apr 2024
Open book-10 min reading/30 min exam
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Online task In-semester Practical Exam 2
Open book exam - 10 min reading/30 min exam, McQ and image-based questions
10% Week 11
Due date: 08 May 2024 at 17:30

Closing date: 08 May 2024
Open book-10 min reading/30 min exam
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Presentation Journal Club Presentation
Presentation on allotted literature via live Zoom and submitted text
20% Week 12
Due date: 22 May 2024 at 15:00

Closing date: 22 May 2024
10 min presentation + 5 min questions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Indepth Research project
Essay assignment replacing the research project in CPAT3201
20% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 19 May 2024
up to 3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

Final exam 40%

2 x In-semester exams 20% (10% each)

Journal Club Presentation 20%

Detailed pathogenesis essay 20%

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

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

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:

Any work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. Any work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Inflammation Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Course introduction; How to do a literature review Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Inflammation Microscope Pratical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Inflammation Lectures 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
How to give a talk Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Inflammation Museum Expert Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Inflammation museum tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Neuro Inflammation Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Essay briefing/resource review Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Neuro Inflammation Microscope Practical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Immunology Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Lab induction/ lab buddy meet and greet Practical (1 hr) LO5
Immunology Museum Expert Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Immunology Museum tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 Immunology Lectures 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Shadow lab buddy Practical (1.5 hr) LO4 LO5
Immunology Microscope Practical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 06 Renal module 1 Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Lab experiment with buddy Practical (1.5 hr) LO4 LO5
Renal Microscope Practical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 Renal Lectures 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Forum Discussion with active clinicians Practical (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Renal Museum Expert Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Renal module 1 museum tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 08 Respiratory Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Lab experiment Practical (1.5 hr) LO4 LO5
Respiratory Museum Expert Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Respiratory Museum Tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 09 Respiratory Lectures 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Respiratory Microscope Practical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
How to deliver journal club Presentation (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Renal module 2 Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Renal module 2 Microscope Practical Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Scientific recognition (metrics) Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Cancer Lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Cancer Microscope Practical 1 Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 12 Cancer Lectures 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Cancer Museum Expert Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Cancer Museum Tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 13 Cancer Lectures 5 and 6 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Cancer Microscope Practical 2 Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Journal club presentations to committee of markers Presentation (1.5 hr) LO2 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Compulsory practical classes

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 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.

The Faculty of Science resolutions states:

9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean. Thus, attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is compulsory for successful completion of the course. Attendance will be recorded. If you do not show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course you may not be allowed to sit the final examination.

Absences from scheduled practical, workshop or tutorial sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation (also see Guidelines for Special Consideration/Arrangements for important information relating to absence from scheduled classes). It may be possible to attend a different practical or tutorial session by special arrangement with the UoS coordinator.

NOTE in view of COVID-19 impact: Attendance will be recorded from students' arrival date on campus or from March 31st, whichever is the earliest. From February 24 (week 1), students enrolled in this unit should engage with and study all online content, as directed in the Canvas site, including the submission of any required formative tasks and completion of any asynchronous activities.

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

Robbins Basic Pathology Edition 9/10 – refer to relevant chapters on specific pathologies discussed in modules presented in CPAT3201

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.

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

  • LO1. 1) Develop a robust process to evaluate digital sources of information and present contemporary scientific views based on validated literature
  • LO2. 2) Develop an advanced understanding of disease pathogenesis, specific cell types involved and the underlying mechanisms for disease progression
  • LO3. 3) Develop a depth of knowledge in contemporary management and treatment options for various pathologies that affect humans
  • LO4. 4) Develop an advanced understanding of diagnostic imaging technologies that are useful in the fields of basic research and disease diagnosis diagnostic
  • LO5. 5) Work collaboratively with active researchers and develop an understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to examine disease progression

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Science Threshold Standards - RACI
3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary
4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
LO2
Science Threshold Standards - RACI
3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
LO3
Science Threshold Standards - RACI
3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
LO4
Science Threshold Standards - RACI
3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary
5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
LO5
Science Threshold Standards - RACI
3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
3.2. Formulating hypotheses, proposals and predictions and designing and undertaking experiments in a safe and responsible manner
3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary
3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
Science Threshold Standards -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
3.1 A Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
3.4 P Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
4.1 P A Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
4.2 A Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
5.1 P Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning

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

All lectures are live face to face and recorded and available online. Academics are available for 10-15 min question time after the lecture session.

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.

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