Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) and (BIOL1XX1 or BIOL1XX2 or BIOL1XX6 or AVBS1XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	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
Lecturer(s)	Gary Muscatello, gary.muscatello@sydney.edu.au
	Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au
	Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
	Emily Francis, emily.francis@sydney.edu.au
	Kate Worthing, kate.worthing@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 ?	Final exam- theory Written and MCQ.	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Prep portfolio 1 5 canvas exercises	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	5 quizzes, 6-10 questions ea	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid-semester exam Onsite pen and paper. Selected response and short answer.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 14:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Histopathology assignment Describe and interpret histopathology sections in a Canvas based exercise	15%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59	15- 30 questions approximately	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Prep Portfolio 2 5 Canvas Exercises	5%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59	5 Quizzes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Mid-semester exam: This will be an onsite, pen and paper exam comprising MCQ and short answer questions covering the four pathological processes- cell injury, circulatory disturbances, disorders of growth and immunology/inflammation. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, atttempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. 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.
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. The final exam assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, atttempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. 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 involve description and interpretation of abnormal histological sections in a canvas-based exercise. Detailed information will be provided on Canvas and 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 2021 (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	This work shows excellent understanding of the topic and clear evidence of independent critical thought. It may contain blemishes, but these are compensated for by signs of high intellectual quality, especially clear, well-organised and forceful argument; reading and understanding beyond the set literature; and originality of approach.
Distinction	75 - 84	This work shows a very good understanding of the relevant content; the essay reflects independent thought; significantly it attempts to develop evaluative and critical arguments. Such arguments may be second-hand and/or they may be flawed, but a serious and sustained attempt at criticism has been made.
Credit	65 - 74	This work shows a clear understanding of the relevant material; it contains only small gaps or minor errors; reading has obviously gone beyond lecture material; there are signs of independent thought, and some attempt is made to evaluate arguments or develop critical arguments.
Pass	50 - 64	This work shows evidence of a satisfactory level of understanding of the relevant material; it may contain gaps, errors or other kinds of blemishes, but it is obvious that the student has read and digested material from lectures and/or set literature. The essay, however, is largely derivative – it simply reports the views of others - and little or no criticism or evaluation of arguments is attempted.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. There may be a significant amount of ‘parroting’ of material from lectures or tutorials or set reading, but this work shows little or no evidence of satisfactory understanding of the relevant content; it may contain either serious errors or major gaps in what is considered essential information.

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:

Penalties of 5% per day will apply for late submissions as per 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
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	Independent study (8 hr)
	Introduction to HPE , HPE 2, HPE3, Epidemiology	Independent study (4 hr)
	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	Independent study (4 hr)
	1. Parasitology- nematodes; 2. Parasitology- trematodes and flukes; 3. Parasitology- ectoparasites; 4. Parasitology protozoa	Independent study (6 hr)
	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;	Independent study (11 hr)
	Diagnostic microbiology (lab tests- virology); Immunity and the basis of immunological tests	Independent study (2 hr)
	Microscopy practicals	Practical (6 hr)
	Case based discussion, application and integration of the week's content	Tutorial (12 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction to IVP; 2. Cell injury 1; 3. Cell injury 2; 4. Microscopy/histopathology	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 02	1. Disorders of growth 1; 2. Disorders of growth 2; 3. Disorders of growth 3	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 03	1. Circulatory 1; 2. Circulatory 2; Congenital disease, Intro to HPE	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 10	Parasitology practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Summation	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 13	Microbiology practical	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit consists of online preparatory lectures and quizzes, and face to face whole class tutorials and practical classes. All live sessions will be recorded and made available under "Recorded lectures" in the navigation bar for future revision.

Face to face attendance is a 2 hour tutorial or prac class in most weeks. Lecture material is online (there are no face to face lectures) and these, as well as prep quizzes, should be completed before the associated tutorial or prac session. Attendance for all tutorials and practicals will be monitored by QR code scanning. Please ensure you:

Arrive on time to scan the QR code displayed at the venue
Use your device (phone or tablet) to scan the code
Report any issues to your instructor promptly if you are unable to scan

Students are expected to attend at least 9 of these 11 sessions but you should aim to attend 100% if you wish to be successful in this unit. Failing to meet these attendance requirements may result in you being awarded an absent fail grade in this unit. If you have a legitimate reason for your absence, you must submit a special consideration application so that your absence can be officially note and taking into consideration in the event you fail to meet the above attendance requirement. When submitting an application for absence noting to special consideration you MUST submit a screenshot of this units’ attendance requirement along with other justification documentation to enable your absence to be noted. Note: placements and work shifts are NOT considered valid reason for missing classes.

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. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

To increase value and efficiency of face to face attendance and encourage deeper learning, we have changed the design of learning activities to a flipped classroom, replacing face to face lectures with a combination of online lecture recordings and preparatory exercises, and weekly face to face interactive whole class tutorials to apply and integrate the new knowledge an develop peer interaction and collegiality among students.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

The Zoonosis Awareness module is compulsory. See details on Canvas.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

AVBS2001: Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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