AMED3903: Semester 2, 2025

Units AMED3903 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

AMED3903: Diagnostics and Biomarkers (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Diagnostic sciences have evolved at a rapid pace and provide the cornerstone of our health care system. Effective diagnostic assays enable the identification of people who have, or are at risk of a disease, and guide their treatment. Research into the pathophysiology of disease underpins the discovery of novel biomarkers and in turn, the development of revolutionary diagnostic assays that make use of state-of-the-art molecular and cellular methods. In this unit you will explore a diverse range of diagnostic tests and gain valuable practical experience in a number of core diagnostic methodologies, many of which are currently used in hospital laboratories. Together we will also cover the regulatory, social, and ethical aspects of the use of biomarkers and diagnostic tests and explore the pathways to their translation into clinical practice. By undertaking this unit, you will develop an advanced understanding of diagnostic assays and biomarkers and acquire the skills needed to embark on a career in diagnostic sciences.

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 [12 credit points from (IMMU2101 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2002 or MIMI2902 or PHSI2007 or PHSI2907 or MEDS2001 or PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or BCMB2001 or BCMB2901 or MEDS2003)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMED3003
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kavitha Gowrishankar, kavitha.gowrishankar@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Exam SAQs, critical thinking, data analysis	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz and participation Short MCQ Quiz at most workshops and practicals	5%	Multiple weeks	Quiz: ~10 minutes after most workshops	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 2: Poster presentation Data analysis, graphing, interpretation & critical thinking and evaluation	25%	Week 05	~600 words poster presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 1: Oral presentation and lab report 1 oral presentation and QandA to evaluate critical thinking and submitted lab report	30%	Week 09	Oral presentation: 10min + QandA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial quizzes and participation – short quiz at the end of most workshops and practicals – individual assessment (5%)
Assignment 1: Oral presentation with Qand A and lab report – individual assessment (30%)
Assignment 2: Scientific Poster Presentation based on Practical: data analysis and graphing, data representation, interpretation and discussion; critical evaluation – individual assessment (25%)
Final Exam – SAQs, critical thinking, data analysis – individual assessment (40%)
Total assessment 100%

Further details can be found on the unit’s Canvas page.

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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

5% late penalty of total awardable marks per day being late as per standard University policy

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	Unit of study introduction; Basics of Biomarkers and Diagnostics	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 02	Pathogenesis of various diseases and biomarkes associated; group discussion	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 03	Imaging based diagnostics: conventional imaging	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 03	Laboratory Practical 1 - ELISA	Practical (5 hr)
Week 04	Imaging based diagnostics: Artificial Intelligence in neuroimaging	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 05	Genomics based diagnosis: Disease surveillance and pathogen variants:	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 05	Laboratory Practical 2 - Flow Cytometry	Practical (5 hr)
Week 06	Cell biology based diagnostics: Flow Cytometry	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 07	Cell biology based diagnostics: Western Blotting; Special focus: Diagnosing Allergy	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 07	qPCR based daignostics	Practical (5 hr)
Week 08	Genomics based diagnostics: SMA diagnosis and gene therapy	Presentation (2.5 hr)
Week 09	Oral presentation	Presentation (2.5 hr)
Week 10	Normal range distribution and case studies	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 11	Gold standard, Sensitivity and specificity	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 12	Method validation: from biomarker to diagnostic and regulatory framework	Workshop (2.5 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Workshop (2.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

AMED3903 UoS is not based on an “on-demand” learning. Workshops are interactive and high level of participation is needed to get the most of this kind of teaching. Many workshops include exercises and data analysis, and results are discussed with the class.

Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

For some units of study the minimum attendance requirement, as specified in the relevant table of units or the unit of study outline, may be greater than 80%.

The Associate Dean may determine that a student has failed a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Requirements:

An electronic BYO device that you can type on (e.g. laptop).

Access to Illustrator software: Adobe Creative Cloud is available on campus - Library or Learning Hubs (https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/study-spaces.html). You can

book pods or computers in our learning hubs . Bookings can be made for up to four hours, twice a day, 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday.

Adobe Creative Cloud is also available on laptops that can be rented in Building K on Westmead campus.

Adobe Creative Cloud is also available on desktops in the Westmead Hospital Library on Westmead campus.

Alternatively, Adobe Creative Cloud is available for $45 for 1 year license offer at https://sydney.edu.au/epay. Please allow several days to receive the license.

Access to Prism GraphPad software (free download via USYD ICT website). Free access will be based on student enrollment in AMED3003 and 3903. The access to the software will be given to students during Week 1-3.

Access to EndNote software (free download via USYD ICT).

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. investigate the biological processes underlying the discovery of viable biomarkers that lead to the diagnosis of disease
LO2. evaluate the characteristics of biomarkers that make them suitable for use as diagnostic tools
LO3. compare and contrast the key tests that are used to diagnose and track the course of disease
LO4. demonstrate competence in a variety of clinical diagnostic techniques
LO5. assess data from key technologies and design strategies to improve outcomes
LO6. analyse the development of advanced diagnostic technologies and critique the scientific basis for their application
LO7. create a translational pathway for a biomarker or a diagnostic assay
LO8. apply quality assurance and audit tools as well as national regulatory and ethical standards in the application of medical sciences to the clinical environment.

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.

This unit is taught along with AMED3003. The content has been updated from the previous year based on USS feedback. New modules introduced last year and well received have been retained and include imaging based diagnostics, use of emerging AI diagnostics in neurology, flow cytometry etc. A specific workshop on utilising qPCR data/analysis for diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atophy, where the genomics based diagnostics with a real world application was introduced last year, however it was confusing for the students. hence, an additional practicals has been included this year on this topic. The biggest improvement based on feedback for the 3903 advanced cohort is providing the students opportunity to carry out some independent experiment and mini project under supervision of the coordinator or academics. The oral presentation will be based on this project. In addition, a small lab report based on the presentation slide deck will also be expected. These align better with the advanced cohort. This is directly based on USS feedback and suggestion from the students and discussed and approved by the AMED review committe. Focus will be on content, information and not artistic representation for marking asignments and scoring rubrics will be refined accordingly, to test the learning outcomes more accurately. The timing of assessment submission has also been altered, based on student feedback which indicated too much time was provided for Assessment 2, which is based on practical 1. Taking the feedback on board, ELISA practical has been scheduled for week 3 itself and the poster assessment based on that is now due on week 5, giving students sufficient time to prepare and submit. For assignment 1,the topic will be given to the students on week1, giving them 8 weeks preparation time and the presentation and submission due on week 9 (after the mid-sem break). The changes have been discussed with and approved by AMED review leads (Profs Don and Munoz) and DAE A/Prof Mel White.

Additional information

Additional costs

No textbook is required. Adobe Creative Cloud is available for $45 for 1 year license offer at https://sydney.edu.au/epay. Please allow several days to receive the license.

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

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links