Outline

Overview

This unit of study will focus on the complex integration of key physiological processes important for basic body functions and for maintaining homeostasis. The approach to learning involves lectures, online activities, practicals and assessments designed to help you practice, solidify and integrate key concepts. Assessments are designed for you to practice skills for entering graduate/postgraduate vocations including 1. Stakeholder engagement, 2. Research and 3. Clinical applications. The Unit is divided into three modules: 1. Muscle and Nerve: Explore a top down approach of the function and cellular makeup of the nervous system and muscle and their interaction in addition to nervous system control of organs in order to undertake activities of daily living. Practical classes have a focus on clinical application of theory in this module. 2. Cardiovascular Physiology: Explore important cellular and mechanical forces which play a role in physiological organ function and provide insight into the links between tissue structure and function focusing on the cardiovascular system. Practical classes will focus on applications of these principles in a wet lab setting. 3. Developmental Biology: This module will provide an introduction to developmental biology and regenerative medicine. The learning activities aim to equip you with a foundation of key concepts to understand classical approaches used in modern developmental biology and regenerative medicine and, begin building skills to enhance your critical thinking to interrogate diverse aspects of modern biology. Assessments and practicals are designed to help you build these inquisitory skills and begin formulating scientific investigations to test your hypotheses.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A WAM of 70 and a mark of 70 or above in {6cp from (PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001) or 12cp from [(PHSI2X05 and PHSI2X06) or (BCMB2X02 or BIOL2X29 or GEGE2X01) or (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2406)]}
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHSI3010
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Waterhouse, anna.waterhouse@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Munira Xaymardan, munira.xaymardan@sydney.edu.au
	Mathias Francois, mathias.francois@sydney.edu.au
	Elizabeth Clarke, elizabeth.clarke@sydney.edu.au
	Anna Waterhouse, anna.waterhouse@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Module 3: Developmental Biology - research proposal Interpret existing data and use this to design a research proposal	15%	Formal exam period Due date: 07 Jun 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Jun 2024	Max 1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Module 1 Quiz Online quiz for Module 1	15%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 16:00 Closing date: 22 Mar 2024	35 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 1: Grand Rounds Presentation Grand rounds submission	20%	Week 06 Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Mar 2024	Max 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 2: Cardiovascular Community Engagement Group presentation/podcast stakeholder engagement & ethics	20%	Week 08 Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 May 2024	Max 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Module 2 Quiz Quiz for Module 2	15%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Apr 2024 at 16:00 Closing date: 26 Apr 2024	35 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Module 3 Quiz Quiz for Module 3	15%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 16:00 Closing date: 24 May 2024	35 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessments in this unit are designed to help you receive feedback on your progress as the semester unfolds. They include 1 module test per module (x 3), 2 hand in assessmnts and 1 group assignment.

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.

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. 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.

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Muscle and Nerve: 1.Overview 2 and 3. Motor Control	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Muscle and Nerve: 4. Motor learning, 5. Locomotion, 6 Postural Control	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Muscle and Nerve: 7. PD and Basal Ganglia Circuitry, 8. ANS and Organ Control, 9. Control of Digestion	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Muscle and Nerve: Tutorial	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Muscle and Nerve: 10. Defecation and Urination, 11 and 12. Diseases that affect the ANS	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Muscle and Motor: Clinical Testing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Cardiovascular Physiology: 1. Cell environments & structure/function, 2. Heart structure/function 3. The role of Endothelial Cells	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Cardiovascular Physiology: 4. The role of Smooth Muscle Cells, 5. Tissue Specific Vasculature, 6. Heart/Vessel Contraction	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Cardiovascular Physiology: 7. Cardiovascular Diseases, 8. Atherosclerosis, 9. Atherothrombosis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Cardiovascular Physiology/Disease: Tutorial	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Cardiovascular Physiology: 10. Devices 11. Heart Failure 12. Revision	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Cardiovascular Physiology: myocardium contraction (wet lab)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Developmental Biology: 1. Germ layers and organogenesis, 2. Heart development	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Developmental Biology: 3. Heart development & abnormalities, 4. Pharyngeal arches, 6. Cranial development	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Developmental Biology: 6. Bone development, 7. Techniques overview, 8. Vasculogenesis, angiogensis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Developmental Biology: Tutorial	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Developmental Biology: 9 and 10. Lymphangiogenesis, 11. Imaging vascular processes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Developmental Biology: Data analysis, interpretation and designing an investigation	Practical (3 hr)

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

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. Understand and communicate effectively key physiological principles relating to musculoskeletal/nervous system, the cardiovascular system and/or reproduction/development
LO2. Compare and contrast pathological data to data taken from a healthy population
LO3. Apply physiology knowledge to understand diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system and/or in reproduction/development
LO4. Collaborate with peers to understand and communicate with stakeholders (community, clinical populations and researchers) about physiological principles pertaining to musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular physiology and/or in reproduction/development
LO5. Acquire and interpret research data and develop research communication skills in relation to systems physiology
LO6. Investigate and formulate ethical and regulatory frameworks relevant to systems physiology research and academic integrity

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.

Changes made to the structure of lectures based on student feedback to simplify the Developmental module.

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

PHSI3910: Systems Physiology (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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