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Unit outline_

PHSI3010: Reproduction, Development and Disease

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

The aim of this unit is to provide students with advanced knowledge of the physiological processes that regulate normal and how these may go awry leading to significant human conditions or even disease. Lectures will focus on; male and female reproductive physiology, endocrinology of reproduction, physiology of fertilisation, cell cycle control and apoptosis, mechanisms of differentiation, gastrulation, cardiovascular development, tissue formation and organogenesis, stem cell biology and the link between developmental processes and cancer. Problem-based learning will focus on reproductive physiology and re-activation of developmental processes in adult disease. Practical classes will examine the processes regulating reproductive physiology, sexual dimorphism and human pathophysiology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(PHSI2X05 and PHSI2X06) or (PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001) or [BMED2401 and an additional 12cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406)] or [12cp from (BCMB2X02 or BIOL2X29 or GEGE2X01)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PHSI3910
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tara Speranza, tara.speranza@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home short release) Type D final exam Final exam
Written exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Presentation group assignment PBL poster presentation
Group poster presentation via Zoom
20% Multiple weeks 3 hrs
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Practical Report
Practical report and analyses from data collected during practical
20% Multiple weeks ~1000 word in report proforma
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Online task Mid semester quiz
Online combination SAQ & MCQ Quiz
20% Week 05
Due date: 29 Mar 2021 at 11:00
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type D final exam = Type D final exam ?

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

Work of exceptional standard: 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

Work of superior standard: 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

Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study: 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

Work of acceptable standard: 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

Work not of acceptable standard: Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the 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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks The Fertility Crisis and Assisted Reproduction Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Sexual Dimorphism in Autoimmune Diseases Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Frontiers in Osteoporosis Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 01 1. Introduction; 2. Reproductive messengers 1 3. Reproductive messengers 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 1. Gonadal development 2. Male Reproduction 3. Female Reproduction Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 1. In vivo/in vitro Fertilisation 2. Pre-Implantation Embryogenesis 3. Physiology of Pregnancy Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 1. Reproduction Revision Lecture 2. Embryogenesis 3. The Germ Layers Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 06 1. Endoderm 2. Sexual Dimorphism and Immunity 1 3. Sexual Dimorphism and Immunity 2 (Gut Microbiota) Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 1. Lateral Plate Mesoderm/Limb Formation 2. The Rest of the Mesoderm 3. Ectoderm - Neural Development Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 08 1. Embryogenesis Revision Lecture 2. Sexual Dimorphism in Bone Development Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Sexual Dimorphism in Bone Development Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Computer Modelling - Breast Cancer Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Genetic Bone Diseases - Osteogenesis Imperfecta 2. Genetic Muscular Disease -Muscular Dystrophy 3. Cardiovascular Development Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 1. Genetic Cardiovascular Disease 1 2. Genetic Cardiovascular Disease 1 3. Mammary Gland Development Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 1. Mammary Gland Development 2 2. Development Revision Lecture 3. Cell Cycle Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 1. Cancer 2. Breast Cancer 3. Prostate Cancer Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 1. Bone Cancer 2. Cell Cycle and Revision Lecture 3. Unit Overview Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are expected to attend all lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and PBL activities. A variety of notes, handouts, datasheets, and information provided throughout the Unit of Study are intended to supplement the learning activities and not to substitute for them. Absences from all scheduled practical sessions, tutorials and PBLs must be explained and supported by appropriate documentation. Detailed information is provided on Canvas.

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. describe the processes regulating male and female reproductive systems
  • LO2. provide examples of how reproductive physiology can be altered by environmental and other agents
  • LO3. explain important steps in embryonic and foetal development with particular emphasis on the physiological processes regulating normal development
  • LO4. describe the similarities and differences between male and female development (sexual dimorphism) across the different body systems
  • LO5. describe some of the pathophysiology behind important human medical conditions involving reproductive or embryonic processes such as infertility, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diseases of developmental origin or adult onset.
  • LO6. understand the role of transcription factors in cell fate, division, and disease.
  • LO7. become familiar with physiological data acquisition and analysis

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.

No changes in response to student feedback have been necessary.

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.