Outline

Overview

What does it mean when someone tells you: 'you have cancer'? Initially you're probably consumed with questions like: 'how did this happen?' and 'will this cancer kill me?'. In this unit, we will explore all aspects of the 'cancer problem' from the underlying biomedical and environmental causes, through to emerging approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment. You will integrate medical science knowledge from a diverse range of disciplines and apply this to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer both at the individual and community level. Together we will explore the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of cancer. You will be able to define problems and formulate solutions related to the study, prevention and treatment of cancer with consideration throughout for the economic, social and psychological costs of a disease that affects billions. Face-to-face and online learning activities will allow you to work effectively in individual and collaborative contexts. You will acquire the skills to interpret and communicate observations and experimental findings related to the 'cancer problem' to diverse audiences. Upon completion, you will have developed the foundations that will allow you to follow a career in cancer research, clinical and diagnostic cancer services and/or the corporate system that supports the health care system.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points from (IMMU2101 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2002 or MIMI2902 or PHSI2005 or PHSI2905 or PHSI2006 or PHSI2906 or PHSI2007 or PHSI2907 or MEDS2001 or PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or BCMB2001 or BCMB2901 or MEDS2003)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMED3901
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Naisana Seyedasli, naisana.seyedasli@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Final exam comprising of MCQs and short answer questions covering the contents from modules 1, 2 and 3.	50%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Module 1 practical report and assignment Students will complete the entries in the interactive PDF pathology document provided to them during the "Cancer Pathology" practical session plus 400 words summary of the pathology report following the instructions provided on Canvas.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Provided PDF document+ 400 words summary	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Mid-semester quiz MCQs covering the materials from Modules 1 and 2.	20%	Week 06	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Module 2 practical report and assignment Students will generate a poster presentation based on the contents of the Module practical and practical discussion sessions using the template and instructions provided on Canvas.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Poster, 1000 words max.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Personalised Cancer Therapy student pitch Groups of 4-5 students will be presenting a 3min pitch and will be assessed in class by an assessment panel.	4%	Week 12	3 min presentations.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Module 3 practical report and assignment Students will generate a flow chart based on teh experimental workflow for the practical session in Module 3, plus a complied figure with annotations and figure legend from the results.	6%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	A flow chart. 500 words max.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Module 1-3 practical reports (30% mark)

Mid-semester quiz (20% mark)

Final Exam (50% mark)

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	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	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	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	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	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 should be submitted by the due date unless an approved special consideration is in place. Late submissions will incur penalties. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late submissions.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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	Module 1 online lectures	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 workshops (Cancer facts and diagnosis)	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 workshops (Cancer facts and diagnosis)	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 Practical: Cancer Pathology	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 Practical: Cancer Biomarkers	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 online lectures	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 Practical: Cancer Biomarkers	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 workshops (Carcinogenesis)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 workshops (Carcinogenesis)	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 08	Module 2 workshops (Carcinogenesis)	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 Practical: DNA damage detection	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 online lectures	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Module 3 Practical: DNA damage detection	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Module 3 workshops (Cancer Treatment)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Module 3 workshops (Cancer Treatment)	Workshop (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and face-to-face modes will be offered in 2021. Where tutorials/workshops/laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Students should discuss any problems with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

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. identify, appraise and debate major questions of fundamental and translational importance in cancer
LO2. examine the ways in which multiple cellular and molecular pathways act together to allow tumour cells to overcome the constraints of normal cellular physiology, evade immune destruction and ultimately metastasise
LO3. investigate the ways in which you can therapeutically target various cells and molecules for the prevention and treatment of cancer
LO4. evaluate the tools used to tackle contemporary cancer research questions
LO5. apply analytical skills to evaluate evidence from multiple sources, including experimental data sets, as well as that published in the scientific literature
LO6. critically evaluate the key public health measures that are known to reduce cancer risk and design new approaches that could increase the success of these campaigns
LO7. examine the ethical and political issues related to equitable patient access to the next generation of cancer diagnostics and treatment options
LO8. demonstrate your ability to work effectively with colleagues from different areas of specialisation
LO9. formulate hypotheses and select translatable medical science approaches to improve cancer outcomes for patients, their families and the wider community.

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.

In response to USS feed backs, the entire unit has undergone a major revision.

Additional information

Students must bring their own electronic device. All course material and workshop activities are accessed via Canvas.

Science student portal

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AMED3001: Cancer

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links