Outline

Overview

We face major health challenges in today's society that require new insights and approaches from bright minds. Tackling the big questions in medical sciences and health requires the research skills that will inform tomorrow's health outcomes for individuals and populations. Immersed in a multidisciplinary medical science and health research environment, you will develop the core skills required to undertake laboratory, clinical and population health research. You will learn to design, execute and evaluate studies, and to scrutinise data and research outcomes. You will work individually and collaboratively in small teams of students from different areas of specialisation to learn theoretical and practical aspects of specific research techniques, as well as the ethical and regulatory frameworks relevant to medical and health research. This unit of study will equip you with knowledge and skills that will enable you to play an active role in finding meaningful solutions to difficult problems in a technical or research setting.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A major in one of the following areas: Applied Medical Science; Immunology and Pathology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology; Microbiology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Infectious Diseases; Pharmacology; Medicinal Chemistry; Neuroscience; Physiology; Anatomy and Histology; Genetics and Genomics; Quantitaive Life Science
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paul Austin, paul.austin@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jonathon Arnold, jonathon.arnold@sydney.edu.au
	Adam Dunn, adam.dunn@sydney.edu.au
	Laura Lindsay, laura.lindsay@sydney.edu.au
	Matthew Naylor, matthew.naylor@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Austin, paul.austin@sydney.edu.au
	Najla Nasr, najla.nasr@sydney.edu.au
	Samson Dowland, sam.dowland@sydney.edu.au
	Daniel Johnstone, daniel.johnstone@sydney.edu.au
	Stephanie Partridge, stephanie.partridge@sydney.edu.au
	Sarasa Mohammadi, sarasa.mohammadi@sydney.edu.au
	Claire Goldsbury, claire.goldsbury@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Danastas, kevin.danastas@sydney.edu.au
	Katie Dixon, katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au
	Lenka Munoz, lenka.munoz@sydney.edu.au
	Michael Gotsbacher, michael.gotsbacher@sydney.edu.au
	Wayne Hawthorne, wayne.hawthorne@sydney.edu.au
	Margaret Sunde, margaret.sunde@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Tutorial quiz	Week -1: WHS Week -1: WHS MCQ	5%	Week 01	10 minutse
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -1: Human and Animal Ethics Week -1: Human and Animal Ethics MCQ	5%	Week 01	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week-1: Introduction to Biostatistics Case studies Week 1- Introduction to Biostatistics	10%	Week 01	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Week -1: Research Integrity Case Study for Week -1: Research Integrity	5%	Week 01	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -2: PCR or Qualitative Research or Histology or Cell culture Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 2	3%	Week 02	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -2: PCR or Qualitative Research or Histology or Cell culture Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 2	3%	Week 02	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -3: Flow Cytometry or Systematic Review or Data Visualisation or Mass spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 3	3%	Week 03	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -3: Flow Cytometry or Systematic Review or Data Visualisation or Mass spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 3	3%	Week 03	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -4: Western Blot or Molecular Probes used in Research or Advanced Immuno-Staining or Epidemiology or Animal Handling Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 4	3%	Week 04	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week -4: Western Blot or Molecular Probes used in Research or Advanced Immuno-Staining or Epidemiology or Animal Handling Written task with non-written elements for the chosen module in Week 4	3%	Week 04	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Scientific report for the selected modules in weeks 2, 3 and 4 Scientific report for the selected modules in Weeks 2, 3 and 4.	30%	Week 05	3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (On-campus supervised)	Final exam MCQ and SA for each module chosen in Weeks 2, 3 and 4	27%	Week 06 Due date: 09 Apr 2021 at 09:00	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:

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	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates 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 unit 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 unit 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 unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
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.

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	1. WHS	Workshop (2 hr)
	2. Research Integrity	Workshop (2 hr)
	3. Introduction to Biostatistics	Workshop (4 hr)
	4. Human and animal Ethis	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 02	1. PCR and Genomics	Lecture (6 hr)
	1. PCR	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	1. PCR analysis	Workshop (3 hr)
	1. PCR and Next Generation Genomic Seminar	Seminar (2 hr)
	1. PCR and Genomics drop in session	Online class (1 hr)
	2. Qualitative Research	Workshop (10 hr)
	3. Histology	Workshop (2 hr)
	3. Histology	Science laboratory (8 hr)
	4. Cell culture	Workshop (2 hr)
	4. Cell culture	Science laboratory (9 hr)
Week 03	1. Flow Cytometry	Lecture (6 hr)
	1. Flow Cytometry	Science laboratory (6.5 hr)
	1. Flow Cytometry analysis	Workshop (2 hr)
	2. Systematic Review	Workshop (10 hr)
	3. Data Analysis and Visualisation	Workshop (10 hr)
	4. Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography	Workshop (6 hr)
	4. Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography	Science laboratory (6 hr)
Week 04	1. Western Blot	Lecture (4 hr)
	1. Western Blot	Workshop (2 hr)
	1. Western Blot	Science laboratory (8 hr)
	2. Molecular and Chemical Probes in Research	Seminar (3 hr)
	2. Molecular and Chemical Probes in Research	Science laboratory (6 hr)
	3. Advanced Immuno-staining	Workshop (6 hr)
	3. Advanced Immuno-staining	Science laboratory (7 hr)
	4. Epidemiology	Workshop (10 hr)
	5. Animal Handling	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	5. Animal Handling	Workshop (7 hr)
Week 05	5. Animal Handling drop in session	Online class (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance

Compulsory
More than 1 absence without approval will incur 2% loss of the 12.5% per each absence
Deemed absent if you arrive 15 min after the starting time

Students must have their own computers for this unit.

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.

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

LO1. Evaluate the methodological bases of core research techniques
LO2. Dissect complex medical science and health problems through careful design and evaluation of a research plan
LO3. Execute research methods competently and safely in various research environments
LO4. Compare and contrast the approaches taken to solve research questions
LO5. Identify common problems encountered in a research environment and develop solutions to overcome these challenges
LO6. Demonstrate accountability for your own learning by being an independent, self-directed learner and demonstrate effective teamwork skills through collaborative learning
LO7. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and professionalism in a research context
LO8. Apply appropriate risk assessment, research integrity and ethical processes in research
LO9. Demonstrate skills required to work in a complex learning environment, e.g. time management, persistence, and learning from failure
LO10. Communicate effectively using a range of modes to a variety of audiences.
LO11. Evaluate key biostatistic tools, apply analysis and visual representation of large and complex datasets and how to report statistical analyses
LO12. Apply the tools required to extract and manage research studies from published literature and learn about powerful software platforms, guidelines and registries
LO13. Evaluate epidemiological inquiries and the spectrum of study designs
LO14. Develop an understanding of an epidemiological inquiry and evaluate the spectrum of epidemiological study designs
LO15. Apply the foundational principles of experimental design in executing in vivo experiments using rodents

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 3.2. Formulating hypotheses, proposals and predictions and designing and undertaking experiments in a safe and responsible manner 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3. Inquiry and problem solving - investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3. Inquiry and problem solving - investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by: 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3. Inquiry and problem solving - investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by: 4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning 5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3. Inquiry and problem solving - investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 3.2. Formulating hypotheses, proposals and predictions and designing and undertaking experiments in a safe and responsible manner 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning 5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
	Science Threshold Standards - 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 4. Communication - communicate chemical knowledge by: 4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
	Science Threshold Standards - 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments 4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by:
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments 4. Communication - communicate chemical knowledge by: 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments 4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by:
	Science Threshold Standards - 1. Understanding science - understand ways of scientific thinking by: 3.1. Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 3.4. Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments 4.1. Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes 4.2. Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
	Science Threshold Standards - 3.3. Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary 5. Personal and professional responsibility - take personal, professional and social responsibility by: 5.1. Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning 5.2. Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely

Science Threshold Standards -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
3.1		Synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
3.2		Formulating hypotheses, proposals and predictions and designing and undertaking experiments in a safe and responsible manner
3.3		Applying recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools, and being able to adapt these techniques when necessary
3.4		Collecting, recording and interpreting data and incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
4.1		Presenting information, articulating arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
4.2		Appropriately documenting the essential details of procedures undertaken, key observations, results and conclusions
5.1		Demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
5.2		Demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely

Responding to student feedback

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

UoS has been extended from 7 modules to 17 modules so students can chose the relevant modules to their Honours Projects.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must bring their own goggles and gowns to all laboratory-based activities.

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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

SOMS4101: Research Skills for Medical Sciences

Intensive February - March, 2021 [Block mode] - 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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect