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; Quantitative Life Science
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Najla Nasr, najla.nasr@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Tutorial quiz	WHS Multiple choice Questions	5%	Week 03 Due date: 31 Jul 2023 at 13:00 Closing date: 31 Jul 2023	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Human and Animal Ethics Multiple Choice Questions	5%	Week 03 Due date: 03 Aug 2023 at 13:00 Closing date: 03 Aug 2023	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Introduction to Biostatistics Multiple Choice Questions	10%	Week 04 Due date: 06 Aug 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Aug 2023	60 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research Integrity Short Answer Questions	5%	Week 04 Due date: 06 Aug 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Aug 2023	1h
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Week 4: In Class Assessment MCQ, long and short answers for each module chosen in Weeks 4, 5 and 6	30%	Week 07 Due date: 29 Aug 2023 at 14:00 Closing date: 29 Aug 2023	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	3x Reports or Case Studies for the selected modules in weeks 4, 5 and 6. 3 Reports/case studies for modules in weeks 4-6. Worth 15% each. Total 45%.	45%	Week 10 Due date: 10 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Sep 2023	2-3 pages/reports 5-10 LAQ/case studies
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 02	Introduction to SOMS4101	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	1. WHS	Online class (3 hr)
	2. Research Integrity	Workshop (2 hr)
	3. Introduction to Biostatistics	Workshop (2 hr)
	3. Introduction to Biostatistics	Lecture (4 hr)
	4. Human and Animal Ethics	Online class (2 hr)
	4. Human and animal Ethis	Online class (2 hr)
Week 04	1. PCR and Genomics	Lecture (6 hr)
	1. PCR	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	1. PCR analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	1. PCR and Next Generation Genomic Seminar	Seminar (2 hr)
	1. PCR case study discussions	Block teaching (2.5 hr)
	2. Qualitative Research	Workshop (5 hr)
	2. Qualitative Research	Lecture (5 hr)
	3. Histology	Workshop (2 hr)
	3. Histology	Science laboratory (8 hr)
	4. Data Analysis and Visualisation	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 05	1. Flow Cytometry	Lecture (6 hr)
	1. Flow Cytometry	Science laboratory (6 hr)
	1. Flow Cytometry analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	1. Flow Cytometry Case study discussions	Block teaching (2.5 hr)
	2. Cell Culture	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Cell culture	Tutorial (1 hr)
	2. Cell culture	Science laboratory (9 hr)
	3. Mass Spec and HPLC	Workshop (11 hr)
	3. Mass Spec and HPLC	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 06	1. Western Blot	Lecture (4 hr)
	1. Western Blot	Workshop (4 hr)
	1. Western Blot	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	2. Molecular and Chemical Probes in Research	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Molecular and Chemical Probes in Research	Seminar (2 hr)
	2. Molecular and Chemical Probes in Research	Tutorial (6 hr)
	3. Advanced Immuno-staining	Workshop (6 hr)
	3. Advanced Immuno-staining	Science laboratory (7.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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.

Required readings

As outlined in 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. 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. Communicate effectively using a range of modes to a variety of audiences.
LO10. Evaluate key biostatistic tools, apply analysis and visual representation of large and complex datasets and how to report statistical analyses
LO11. Apply the tools required to extract and manage research studies from published literature and learn about powerful software platforms, guidelines and registries

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 - 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 -

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.

We noted the positive response received on the: •satisfaction with the quality of teaching (95%) •intellectual rewards of the work (91%) •development of relevant critical and analytical thinking skills (81%) •good access to valuable learning resources (75%) •how the assessment tasks challenged you to learn (93%) •actively engaged in learning during class (100%) •ability to think independently about problems (91%) •developed my capacity to respond constructively to challenge (86%). We will continue with the current approach in the above areas. We will explore different ways to address the matters raised in what aspects of this unit of study most need improvement. In general, we will ensure to remember our future students about working on their assessments earlier and as each module is delivered rather than later when all the three assessments are due on the same date. Regarding some specific issues our approach will be as follows: 1.The final reports for each module were inconsistent as the 3 pages were not equal and had different requirements in terms of what needed to be written and how detailed it had: Given the broad range of modules on offer it is not possible to have the reports following the same rubrics due to the different learning outcomes of each module. Different report styles are a good opportunity to practice writing according to different rubrics and requirements. If you continue a career in research, you will notice that when you submit papers for publications you need to follow different guidelines set by each journal. 2.Response to questions posted on the Discussion Board were not always attended to: At the beginning of semester each module co-ordinator will let students know their preferred method for communication to attend to queries: discussion board, Canvas inbox or direct emails. Due to different preferences, these forms of communication will be subtly different between each module. 3.We will incorporate more hands-on work during the Western Blot lab practical. 4.We will explore running the Data analysis module face-to-face rather than via zoom. 5.How to write a good lab report should be provided: guidance on what to include/what not to include was provided during the face-to-face laboratory sessions and other specific sessions such as data analysis. Attendance at all these sessions would have provided all the required information and enabled completion of a report that addressed criteria in the rubric to a high standard.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must bring their own goggles, gowns and masks 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

Required readings

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 July - August, 2023 [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

Required readings

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