Outline

Overview

Our ever-changing world requires knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. The ability to identify and explore interdisciplinary links is a crucial skill for emerging professionals and researchers alike. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in Physiology and apply them to a real-world problem. You will specifically work collaboratively with students from chemistry (CHEM3888) to identify novel targets for drug development to treat diseases such as cancer, metabolic, allergic and autoimmune diseases. In this unit, you will continue to understand and explore disciplinary knowledge, while also meeting and collaborating with chemistry students through project-based learning; identifying and solving problems, collecting and analyzing data and communicating your findings to a diverse audience. All of these skills are highly valued by employers. This unit will foster the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and this is essential for both professional and research pathways in the future.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 cp from (PHSI2X05 or PHSI2X06 or PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001 or PHSI2X08 or BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2404 or BMED2406)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHSI3007 or PHSI3008 or PHSI3907 or PHSI3908
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Craig Campbell, c.campbell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Hoy, andrew.hoy@sydney.edu.au
	John Bartholomew, john.bartholomew@sydney.edu.au
	Khoon Lim, khoon.lim@sydney.edu.au
	Robert Vandenberg, robert.vandenberg@sydney.edu.au
	Steven Wise, steven.wise@sydney.edu.au
	Claire Goldsbury, claire.goldsbury@sydney.edu.au
	Craig Campbell, c.campbell@sydney.edu.au
	Ivan Kassal, ivan.kassal@sydney.edu.au
	Laurence Macia, laurence.macia@sydney.edu.au
	Martin Brown, martin.brown@sydney.edu.au
	Melkam Kebede, melkam.kebede@sydney.edu.au
	Laura Piccio, laura.piccio@sydney.edu.au
	Richard Payne, richard.payne@sydney.edu.au
	Sumit Sahni, sumit.sahni@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Brendan Kennedy, brendan.kennedy@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Elizabeth New, elizabeth.new@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Pitch Outline your group project	5%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Aug 2023 at 10:00	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	quiz multiple choice questions	15%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Sep 2023 at 11:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflection on meeting with mentor Written reflection	5%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2023 at 23:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	peer assessment assess their peers	2.5%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2023	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	self assessment reflection on their own ability to work in a team	2.5%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2023	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	News and Views Discussion about the findings of a scientific article. Broad audience style	15%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2023 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final report Grant application	30%	Week 12 Due date: 25 Oct 2023 at 23:59	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral presentation Presentation of the project to a lay audience	15%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2023 at 09:00	5 minutes + 5 minutes of questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	peer assessment peer assessment	2.5%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2023	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	self assessment assessement of their peers in their team	2.5%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2023	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Participation participation	0%	Weekly	tutorial participation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Minutes Weekly submission of meeting minutes	5%	Weekly	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The Role of Groups

You will be allocated to a group to work together for your Capstone Project. You are expected to meet weekly with your group to progress your Capstone Project. These meetings may be on Zoom if you cannot meet face-2-face. Activities of the Group will be led by a Group Leader who will be responsible for organising and running group meetings, keeping and submitting meeting minutes and oversee the Group’s progress during the week. The Group Leadership will rotate around the group from week to week to give you all an opportunity to engage with this important role.

Final Report and Presentation

Your Capstone project will involve a collaborative activity with CHEM3888 students in which you will propose a drug therapy for a disease. Your final report for this project will be in the form of a funding application in which you will justify the experimental procedures that you would undertake to assess the drug that you have proposed.

This will be accompanied by a short presentation of your project.

There will also be an opportunity to present a proposal of your project (Week 5) and get feedback.

Peer-and-Self Assessment

Each student will be expected to complete an assessment of their own and their peers’ contributions to group activities.

Disciplinary Content Assessment

The lectures will be assessed by a multiple-choice quiz.

News-and-Views style short summary articles of a paper are increasingly common in the academic literature. You will be creating an article in this style to summarise a paper that will be provided.

More detail about these assessments will be available 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	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. All due dates for assessments refer to Sydney time. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

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
Week 01	Inflammation and disease models	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Cancer metabolism	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Groupwork and collective decision-making	Workshop (2 hr)
	Diabetes management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Breast Cancer	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Cultural competency	Workshop (2 hr)
	Immune system disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular diseases and devices	Lecture (1 hr)
	Writing science for the public	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Alzheimers' Disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pancreatic cancer	Lecture (1 hr)
	Multiple sclerosis	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Drug development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Scientific writing	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Scientific communication	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Project oral presentation	Presentation (4 hr)
Weekly	Project framework discussion	Workshop (13 hr)
Weekly	Project consultations	Workshop (26 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Monday morning project meetings are compulsory

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

All readings for this unit can be found on Canvas.

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.

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

LO1. Apply disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in an interdisciplinary context.
LO2. Create an investigation strategy, explore solutions, discuss approaches and predict outcomes.
LO3. Find, define and delimit authentic problems in order to address them.
LO4. Analyse data using modern information technology and digital skills.
LO5. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in teams.
LO6. Collaborate with diverse groups and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to develop solution(s) to the project problems.
LO7. Communicate project outcomes effectively to a broad audience.
LO8. Accept, act on and deliver constructive criticism.
LO9. Collaboratively develop and adhere to appropriate rules for group conduct of collaborations and assignments.
LO10. Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of experimental measurements.
LO11. Demonstrate effective time management to achieve learning outcomes.

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.

We have added weight to the initial pitch presentation in response to feedback, and introduced a reflection on meeting with a topical expert.

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

The Role of Groups

Final Report and Presentation

Peer-and-Self Assessment

Disciplinary Content Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHSI3888: Physiology Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

The Role of Groups

Final Report and Presentation

Peer-and-Self Assessment

Disciplinary Content Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect