Skip to main content
Unit outline_

ORHL2104: Life Sciences III

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

This unit of study continues introducing major human organ systems in health and disease and related pharmacotherapeutics principles that are significant in the oral disease diagnosis and patient management.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
ORHL1104 and ORHL1204
Corequisites
? 
ORHL2101 and ORHL2102
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Filip Vujovic, filip.vujovic@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Filip Vujovic, filip.vujovic@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam - Sem 1 (ORHL2104)
This is a ‘supervised test’, corresponds to pre-pandemic pen and paper exam
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment group assignment A snapshot of the experience of disease (ORHL2104)
Written report
25% Week 12
Due date: 17 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 May 2024
800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentation group assignment A snapshot of the experience of disease (ORHL2104)
In-class assessment
25% Week 13
Due date: 23 May 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 23 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

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

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

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.

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 Introduction Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 01 Physiology of kidney and urinary tract Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Assignment introduction Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO4
Week 02 Chronic kidney disease and patients on dialysis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Overview of endocrine system and pituitary disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Thyroid gland and adrenal gland disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Puberty, adolescence and growth development Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Reproductive system Lecture (1 hr) LO1
“Uncontrolled blood sugar level” Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Nervous system organisation and function Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 05 Cerebrovascular diseases Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Degenerative neurological disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Developmental disability and epilepsy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 Mental health disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Eating disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Psychotherapeutic agents and dental correlation Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Week 08 Sedation and general anaesthesia drugs Lecture (1 hr) LO3
“Drooping mouth” Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 09 Substance use and related problems Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Alcohol use and related problems Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Assignment feedback Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Week 10 “The journey of your lunch” - GI tract and common disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Nutrition and diet Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Liver and liver disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 11 Hepatitis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Drug metabolism and the liver Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Principles of neoplasia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Common cancers - aetiology, presentation and dental relevance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Principles of chemotherapy Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Biology of ageing Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 13 “A 65 years old patient” Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Unit review Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.

  • Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

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 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. understand the essential foundational level of knowledge of common medical conditions and systemic diseases related to adult scope practice, including pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, basic laboratory findings, and oral manifestations
  • LO2. determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
  • LO3. understand the principles of pharmacology, the implications, risks and limitations in using therapeutic agents relevant to oral health practice
  • LO4. locate, analyse and apply scientific evidence in a critical manner to understand oral biosciences.
  • LO5. understand the principles of pharmacology, the implications, risks and limitations in using therapeutic agents relevant to oral health practice
  • LO6. locat, analyse and apply scientific evidence in a critical manner to understand oral biosciences

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
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
3.3. understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
4.1. understand the determinants of health, risk factors and behaviours that influence health
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.6. understand the principles of pharmacology and the risks in using therapeutic agents
6.1.1. obtain and record a relevant history of the patient’s medical, social and oral health status
6.1.3. select necessary clinical, pathology and other diagnostic procedures and interpret results
6.1.5. evaluate individual patient risk factors for oral disease
6.2.1. recognise health as it relates to the individual
6.2.3. determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
6.2.5. determine when and how to refer patients to the appropriate health professional
6.3.9. manage medical emergencies
LO2
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
6.1.5. evaluate individual patient risk factors for oral disease
6.2.3. determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
6.2.5. determine when and how to refer patients to the appropriate health professional
LO3
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
5.6. understand the principles of pharmacology and the risks in using therapeutic agents
6.2.3. determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
LO4
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
3.1. locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
3.2. apply clinical reasoning and judgement in a reflective approach to oral health care
3.3. understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.4 T recognise professional and individual scopes of practice
1.5 T recognise the importance of continuing professional development for all members of the dental team
2.1 T P A communicate and engage with patients, families and communities in relation to oral health
2.3 T P A communicate effectively and clearly with other health professionals involved in patients’ care
2.5 T recognise the importance of their own and others health and wellbeing on the ability to practise
2.6 T P A understand the importance of intra and interprofessional approaches to health care
2.7 T P A understand effective information management
2.9 T P A communicate responsibly and professionally when using media
3.1 T P A locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
3.3 T P A understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
4.1 T P A understand the determinants of health, risk factors and behaviours that influence health
5.1 T P A understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.6 T P A understand the principles of pharmacology and the risks in using therapeutic agents
6.1.1 T P A obtain and record a relevant history of the patient’s medical, social and oral health status
6.1.2 T P A perform an examination for health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures
6.1.3 T P A select necessary clinical, pathology and other diagnostic procedures and interpret results
6.1.5 T P A evaluate individual patient risk factors for oral disease
6.2.1 T P A recognise health as it relates to the individual
6.2.2 T P A diagnose disease or abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures and identify conditions which require management
6.2.3 T P A determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
6.2.4 T formulate and record a patient-centred evidence-based oral health treatment plan
6.2.5 T P A determine when and how to refer patients to the appropriate health professional
6.3.9 T P A manage medical emergencies

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Site visit guidelines

Students must comply with Work, Health and Safety, Infection Control and Dress Standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts.

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

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.