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 the medical sciences 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 and medical sciences. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills for further studies in the medical sciences.

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 BIOL1008 or BIOL1908 or BIOL1998 or MEDS1901
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Philip Poronnik, philip.poronnik@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Suzanne Ollerenshaw, suzanne.ollerenshaw@sydney.edu.au
	Melissa Cameron, melissa.cameron@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Witting, paul.witting@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Holmes, andrew.holmes@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Knight, peter.knight@sydney.edu.au
	Osu Lilje, osu.lilje@sydney.edu.au
	Brent McParland, brent.mcparland@sydney.edu.au
	Slade Matthews, slade.matthews@sydney.edu.au
	Philip Poronnik, philip.poronnik@sydney.edu.au
	Pauline Ross, pauline.ross@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
Tutor(s)	Cassandra Malecki, cassandra.malecki@sydney.edu.au
	Weber Liu, weber.liu@sydney.edu.au
	Matthew Sellwood, matthew.sellwood@sydney.edu.au
	Craig Campbell, c.campbell@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Final online exam Online final exam on lecture content (Type D exam)	40%	Formal exam period	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module quizzes Multiple-choice quizzes to be completed in own time following each block.	10%	Multiple weeks	8 minutes x 4 quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Anatomy visit assessment Worksheet submitted at end of class	2.5%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Pathology visit assessment In-class worksheet quiz	2.5%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	MEDSUnited Gallery Exploration Written task	10%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2022 at 23:59	500 words/student
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	MEDSUnited Gallery build Download Unity and build a virtual gallery	5%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2022 at 23:59	See Canvas for more details
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Data Detectives: Scientific Report Written report	15%	Week 10 Due date: 06 May 2022 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Virtual Exhibition piece Unity object text and video	15%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2022 at 23:59	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

MEDSUnited Gallery Exploration: Group: Explore the gallery and write a short report about artifacts that spark your interest.

MEDSUnited build: Individual: Familiarise yourself with the Unity development engine and create your own virtual gallery space using templates.

Post-module Quizzes 1-4: Individual: Online multiple-choice quizzes will be made available for a limited time at various times throughout the semester. Each quiz will assess lecture content delivered since the previous quiz.

Data Detectives: Individual: A brief scientific report relating to your analysis and interpretation of provided data sets.

Anatomy Worksheet: Individual: Complete a series of questions relating to the Anatomy Practical.

Pathology Worksheet: Individual: Complete a series of questions relating to the Pathology Practical.

Virtual Exhibition: Group: Create your own gallery exhibition in Unity. The Gallery will include objects that reflect topics and concepts that you have learned in MEDS1001. Assessment will include a brief description of the artifacts and a participation component.

Final exam: Individual: You will provide written answers to questions relating to topics addressed in the lectures.

This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

More detailed descriptions of assessments will be provided 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	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

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
Multiple weeks	Physiology, Anatomy, Histology, Pathology, Pharmacology	Practical (12 hr)
	Workshops	Practical (12 hr)
	Masterclass	Lecture (10 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Organisation and complexity	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	The Cell	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Ion regulation and cell signaling	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Feedback Loops and Endocrine regulation	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Kidney and Liver	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Nervous System	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Bone	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Muscle	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Circulation	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Respiration	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Gastrointestinal tract and digestion	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Gut Microbiome	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Cellular respiration	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Immune system	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Reproduction and development	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Chromosomes, genes, and genetic disorders	Lecture and tutorial (2 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

Silverthorn, DU. (2018) Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th 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-managing 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.

Assessments have been modified to address recommendations from 2021 USS.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

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

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MEDS1001: Human Biology

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect