MEDS2011: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

MEDS2011: The Human Lifespan

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Many aspects of human health and disease contribute to human life span and quality. Recent advances in understanding human health and disease conditions, as well as improvements in treatment and management, have enabled humans to live healthier and longer. In this unit you will explore the scientific bases of human development and physiological changes across the lifespan, focusing on particular body systems, medical conditions, and treatments. Using specific examples, you will consider successful strategies and approaches to improve human health. In collaborative learning environments supported by experts, you will further develop your conceptual understanding of medical sciences, as well as skills in scientific and critical thinking.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
6 credit points of (MEDS1001 or BIOL1XX8) and 6 credit points of (MEDS1002 or BIOL1XX7 or CHEM1X11)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kay Double, kay.double@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au
Jingjing You, jing.you@sydney.edu.au
Erik Wibowo, erik.wibowo@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Written exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Online task Early Feedback Task Early feedback task
Online quiz based on week 1 lecturette content
0% Week 02 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Small test Quiz 1
Quiz based on lecturette content
10% Week 06 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment AI Allowed Lab report
Lab report based on the C. elegans labs.
10% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59
500-700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment AI Allowed Lab report
Lab report based on week 7 practical class
10% Week 09
Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59
500-700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small test Quiz 2
Quiz based on lecturette content
10% Week 11 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Group poster presentation
Poster presentation based on a topic chosen in week 2.
20% Week 13 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information about each assessment will be available on the MEDS2011 Canvas website. Specific announcements regarding each assessment will be made available to students on this site.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading information can be found on the University's Coursework Policy 2021

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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:

If a student cannot complete any of the assessed items by the due date they should contact the MEDS2011 Coordination Team at the earliest opportunity explaining the reason and providing relevant supporting evidence where possible. Please also submit a Special Consideration if an assessment is missed due to illness or misadventure.

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.

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 Human physiological changes through the lifespan Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Musculoskeletal development - Conception to birth Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Musculoskeletal development - Birth to Adulthood Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Musculoskeletal changes through lifespan Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to human development and lifespan and musculoskeletal system Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Interrogating information sources 1 and AI applications in research education Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 02 Nervous system development - Building the brain conception to adolesence Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Peripheral nervous system development Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Nervous system changes through the lifespan - Brain changes through adulthood/ageing Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
System development - Nervous system Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Wicked problem/Challenge assessment Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Cardiovascular system development (Heart) Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiovascular system development (Vascular system) Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiovascular changes through the lifespan Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
System development - Cardiovascular system Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Wet lab experiment on longevity Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Mortality and death - Change in lifespan over the years through research advances. Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
How to live longer healthier Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Drugs that increase longevity Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Calory restriction Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Longevity, mortality and death Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Scientific Methods/Study design/Statistics Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO6
Week 05 Introduction to Diseases Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Disease prevention Online class (0.25 hr) LO3
Influence of genetics on diseases Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Vulnerable populations Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to diseases Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Wet lab experiment on longevity Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Parkinson's disease Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Spina bifida Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Epilepsy Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Diseases of the nervous system Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Interrogating information sources 2 - Scientific journals Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 Osteoporosis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Sarcopenia Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Bone fractures Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Osteoarthritis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Disease risk through the lifespan Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Hypertension Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Atherosclerosis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Infarction Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Heart failure Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Diseases of the cardiovascular system Forum (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Work on group project - Wicked problem Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Treatment - small molecules Online class (0.25 hr) LO3
Treatment - Biologicals Online class (0.25 hr) LO3
Treatment - Monoclonal antibodies Online class (0.25 hr) LO3
Non-pharmaceutical interventions Online class (0.25 hr) LO3
Treatment modalities Forum (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Interrogating information sources 3 - Assessing quality of scientific papers Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Exercise - Resistance training for sarcopenia and osteoarthritis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Hormone replacement therapies for osteoporosis Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Pharmacological treatments for musculoskeletal conditions Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of osteoarthritis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of musculoskeletal diseases Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Disease from a patient perspective Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Treatment and management of Parkinson's disease Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Managing genetic and developmental nervous system disorders Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of epilepsy Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of nervous system diseases Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Understanding how research has advanced treatments Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Treatment and management of hypertension Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of atherosclerosis Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of infarction Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Exercise - aerobic training for cardiovascular health Online class (0.25 hr) LO2 LO3
Treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases Forum (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Understanding devices in Medicine Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Group presentations for assessment Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Workshops and practical class attendance is mandatory. Students with less than 80% attendance in the first 12 weeks (minimum 10 of 12 workshops/practical classes) will be at risk of an Absent Fail.

Attendance at the Week 13 presentation workshop is obligatory for all students.

If students are unable to attend a workshop or practical class, please contact the MEDS2011 coordinator via email (MEDS2011.coordinator@sydney.edu.au) and provide supporting evidence.

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

Information on any required readings will be posted on MEDS2011's Canvas page. 

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. Explain key processes in the human lifespan from conception and birth to ageing and death
  • LO2. Examine and critique health issues that occur across the human lifespan
  • LO3. Describe a range of possible solutions to the challenges of normal body functioning from tissue engineering to biomedical implants to calorie restriction and euthanasia
  • LO4. Collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate data and information from a range of sources and apply this to current issues associated with the human lifespan
  • LO5. Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving by working effectively, responsibly, respectfully and safely in individual and collaborative contexts associated with innovations relating to the human lifespan
  • LO6. Communicate observations and experimental findings in medical science and their implications through a broad variety of media to diverse audiences​

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

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

MEDS2011 is a newly developed Unit of Study and is offered for the first time in 2025. The MEDS2011 Coordination Team welcome student feedback about this Unit.

More information relating to this unit will be communicated via the MEDS2011Canvas website.

Additional costs

PPE for the practical classes

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

There are specific Work, Health and Safety requirements for  MEDS2011 in relation to the on-campus practical classes in the Charles Perkins Centre Laboratory spaces on the Camperdown campus of The University of Sydney. Please see the MEDS2011 Canvas site for further information about how to complete these requirements.

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 06 Feb 2025.

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