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Unit of study_

AVBS2001: Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The overarching theme for this unit of study is the concept of the interaction between the host (or the animal), the agent of disease (genetics, physical, chemical and infectious agents) and environmental factors. In disease states, the host responds to the aetiological agent of disease and the environment through one of the basic five pathological processes that occur in tissues. These include inflammation and repair, degeneration and necrosis, circulatory disturbances, tissue deposits and pigments, and disorders of growth. A case based approach will be used whenever possible to illustrate these principles and enable the student to develop a problem solving approach and the skills of critical thinking.

Unit details and rules

Unit code AVBS2001
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) and (BIOL1XX1 or BIOL1XX2 or BIOL1XX6 or AVBS1XXX)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

The basic structure, morphology, metabolism and behaviour of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Fundamental histological structure and function of cells and key tissues, including blood vessels, skin, liver, lung, kidneys, intestine, and organs and cells of the immune system (lymph node, spleen, white blood cells)

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Caroline Marschner, caroline.marschner@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) David Emery, david.emery@sydney.edu.au
Gary Muscatello, gary.muscatello@sydney.edu.au
Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au
Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
Marina Gimeno, marina.gimeno@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final exam- theory
Written and MCQ.
50% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-semester test (Take-home short release) Type D in-semester exam Mid-semester exam
Take home short release - submit via Turnitin. 5-10 min questions
25% Week 07
Due date: 16 Sep 2022 at 14:00
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment group assignment Histopathology assignment
Describe and interpret a histopathology section
15% Week 10 500-800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Assignment Learning portfolio
MCQ and review
10% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2022 at 23:59
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type D in-semester exam = Type D in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Mid-semester exam: This will be a take home short release examining the four pathological processes- cell injury, circulatory disturbances, disorders of growth and immunology/inflammation.
  • Learning portfolio: – see Canvas
  • Final exam- theory: This will be in the final exam period and will cover all aspects of the unit. As it has already been partially examined by MCQ in mid semester, the component on pathological processes will particularly focus on higher order topics, such as interactions between pathological processes in disease. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
  • Histopathology assignment: This will be done in pairs and will involve description and interpretation of an abnormal histological section. Detained information will be provided during semester

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.

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

 

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:

5% per day

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks 1. Immunology inflammation and repair innate x2; 2. Immunology inflammation and repair adaptive x2, 3. Immunology inflammation and repair modulation; 4. Immunology inflammation and repair hypersensitivity and tolerance; 5. Immunology inflammation and repair - recap, Immunology inflammation and repair 6- repair Lecture (8 hr) LO1 LO3
Microscopy practicals Practical (8 hr) LO3 LO5
Introduction to HPE , HPE 2, HPE3, Epidemiology Lecture (5 hr) LO1 LO2
Non-infectious agents of disease: 1. The role of nutrition in disease; 2. The role of toxins in disease; 3. Disorders of growth- congenital disease 1. 4. The role of genetics in disease Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO4
1. Parasitology- nematodes; 2. Parasitology- trematodes and flukes; 3. Parasitology- ectoparasites; 4. Parasitology protozoa Lecture (6 hr) LO2 LO4
1. Fungal structure and morphology; 2. Bacterial structure and morphology 1; 3. Viral structure, morphology, replic.; 4. Viral-cell interactions; 5. Mechanisms of viral entry and spread; 6. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis; 7. Bacterial metabolism; 8. Bacterial variation; 9. Bacteria- host interactions; 10. The role of anaerobic bacteria in disease 11. Clinical correlations- sore feet and smelly mouths; Lecture (11 hr) LO1 LO4
Diagnostic microbiology (lab tests- virology); Immunity and the basis of immunological tests Lecture (2 hr) LO5
Week 01 1. Introduction to IVP; 2. Cell injury 1; 3. Cell injury 2; 4. Microscopy/histopathology Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 1. Disorders of growth 1; 2. Disorders of growth 2; 3. Disorders of growth 3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 1. Circulatory 1; 2. Circulatory 2; 3. Discussion and integration Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 09 Microscopy/histopathology Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 10 Parasitology practical Practical (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 12 Summation Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 13 Microbiology practical Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5

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 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. describe the pathogenesis of disease in terms of the basic interactions between the host, agents of disease and the environment
  • LO2. apply an understanding of the host-pathogen-environment interaction to propose potential ways that environmental changes (natural or in husbandry) might increase or decrease the susceptibility of the host to disease
  • LO3. explain the concept that the basic pathological processes of immunity, inflammation and repair, circulatory disturbances, disorders of growth and tissue deposits and pigments are host responses that manifest as disease. You should be able to describe what each of these processes involves, relate them to the changes that take place in tissues, and, on an elementary level, recognize and methodically describe and interpret these changes in histological sections
  • LO4. describe the range of agents of disease (such as genetics, physical (e.g. heat, trauma) and chemical agents (e.g. nutrients, toxins and drugs) and infectious agents; describe the basic structure, morphology and behaviour of infectious agents of disease (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and metazoa), and explain the general mechanisms by which they cause disease
  • LO5. evaluate the usefulness of cytology, histopathology, practical microbiological and parasitological techniques and immunology- based tests in disease investigations in both diagnostic work and research and be able to select appropriate specimens for these techniques

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Histopathology assignment: moved earlier in semester to take off load at end of semester, changed from individual to group (pairs) to facilitate learning though assessment.

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

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.