Outline

Overview

What will it mean to be human in 2100? How will we be able to control our complex bodily mechanisms to maintain health and fight disease? Advances in the human biology suggest we will age more slowly and new technologies will enhance many bodily structures and functions. This unit of study will explore maintenance of health through nutritional balance, aerobic health, defence mechanisms and human diversity. You will learn key structural features from the subcellular level to the whole organ and body, and learn about essential functional pathways that determine how the body regulates its internal environment and responds to external stimuli and disease. Together we will investigate nutrition, digestion and absorption, cardiovascular and lung function, reproduction, development, epigenetics, and regulation of function through various interventions. You will receive lectures from experts in the field of human biology and medical sciences, supported by practical classes, workshops and on-line resources that leverage off state-of-the-art technologies to develop your practical, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, problem solving, and enquiry-based skills in human biology. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills for further studies in majors in medical sciences. The advanced unit has the same overall concepts as the mainstream unit but material is discussed in a manner that offers a greater level of challenge and academic rigour. Students enrolled in the advanced stream will participate in alternative components which may for example include guest lecturers from medical science industries. The nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	BIOL1908
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1003 or BIOL1903 or BIOL1993 or MEDS1001 or MEDS1901 or BIOL1008 or BIOL1998
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	85 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hong Dao Nguyen, hongdao.nguyen@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rachael Ireland, rachael.ireland@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Holmes, andrew.holmes@sydney.edu.au
	Denise Donlon, denise.donlon@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Austin, paul.austin@sydney.edu.au
	Melissa Cameron, melissa.cameron@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Thorn (Physiology), peter.thorn@sydney.edu.au
	Hong Dao Nguyen, hongdao.nguyen@sydney.edu.au
	Timothy Lee, t.lee@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Mcdonald, michelle.mcdonald@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Supervised Exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Workshop participation Participation in group work and class discussions	5%	Multiple weeks	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Micro-credentialing Completion of tasks to build laboratory skills	5%	Multiple weeks	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task Online quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module Quiz 1 Online quiz	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Mar 2024 at 23:59	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Scientific report Written task	25%	Week 06 Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module Quiz 2 Online quiz	2.5%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module Quiz 3 Online quiz	2.5%	Week 10 Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Skills test Computer-based in-class assessment of practical content and skills	15%	Week 11	Up to 90 min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module Quiz 4 Online quiz	2.5%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	10 min
Outcomes assessed:

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

Early feedback task: This will be an online quiz due in week 3 to assist in familarising yourself with the format of the post-module quizzes.
Post-module quizzes: There will be 4 online quizzes throughout the semester, due in weeks 4, 7, 10 and 13. The quizzes consist of 8 multiple-choice questions, with a 10 min time limit and 1 attempt. Each quiz covers the content from a few weeks of lecture content (please see Canvas for more details).
Micro-credentiallng: Working safely and competently in a laboratory is is critical for biologists. Each practical class is designed to support your development with fundamental laboratory practices related to hazard recogniction, pipetting, spectrophotometry, dissections and microscopy. A small individual task is associated with each practical to evaluate and provide feedback on your engagement with these skills.
Workshop participation: Using case studies and real-world scenarios, each workshop will revisit knowledge and concepts previously introduced in lectures. You will be guided to apply your understanding of biology to explain human biology phenomena. Every workshop class is associated with participation in group and class discussion.
Scientific Report: Most scientific research is communicated through scientific papers, which are formal, peer-reviewed reports describing the results of research. Scientists increasingly analyse ‘big data’- large datasets that require special analytical techniques to process. This 1000 word written task is in the style of a scientific paper, communicating findings from your analysis of ‘big data’ collected from yourself and your peers.
Skills test: This will be a computer-based assessment of practical content and skills to be completed during a practical class towards the end of the semester.
Final exam: The exam will cover material from the lectures. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, 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.

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 an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate 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 units 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 units 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 material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory 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.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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	Course introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Organisation and complexity, and cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab orientation, experimental design and data collection	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 02	Cells and feedback loops	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to anatomy and organ systems	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Glucose homeostasis and endocrine regulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Cell diversity and pipetting	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 04	Kidney and liver	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Glucose homeostasis and diabetes case study	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Nervous system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Dialysis	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 06	Bone and muscle	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Draft scientific report feedback sessions	One-to-one tuition (0.25 hr)
Week 07	Circulatory and respiratory systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Dissections	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 08	Digestive system and cellular respiration	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Neurology case study	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Fuels and gut microbiome	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Immunity and microscopy	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 10	Immune system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Metabolic poisoning case study	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Reproduction and development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Skills test	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 12	Genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Immunity case study	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Exam revision	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Comparative Anatomy	Science laboratory (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Study load: You are expected to dedicate at least 5-6 hours per week to scheduled activities for 13 weeks of this unit, and at least another 5-6 hours per week to self-directed learning such as lecture revision and engagement with assessment.
Attendance: Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled practicals/workshops combined for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean. The Associate Dean may determine that a student has failed a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

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

There is no recommended textbook for this unit; any undergradute Human Anatomy and Physiology text may be a useful supplement if you would like alternative explanations of concepts that appear in this unit of study.

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 structure and function of body systems that interrelate for normal human activity
LO2. explain how the integration of complex cellular and whole body mechanisms underpin homeostasis
LO3. explain the current challenges and emerging solutions facing human biology research
LO4. communicate key concepts in human biology to diverse audiences through a variety of media
LO5. work independently and in groups to analyse and evaluate important questions in human biology
LO6. work collaboratively with academic integrity with others in the processes of learning, experimentation, problem solving and assessment
LO7. demonstrate competence in core laboratory and related skills
LO8. collect and analyse data related to human biology/medical sciences
LO9. appreciate the role that the science of human biology plays in contributing to the betterment of society as a whole
LO10. apply knowledge and skills to real world problems and articulate the relevance of human biology investigations and their findings to the local and global community
LO11. develop the skills for self-managing and successful learning at university
LO12. work ethically, responsibly, autonomously and reflectively as a learner and as a scientist.

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.

The unit has been revised to optimise face-to-face learning and place further emphasis on developing critical laboratory skills. Regular practicals and workshop classes are offered to help connect you with teaching staff and your peers. Workshop activities have been designed to foster collaborative learning whilst applying lecture content to real-world scenarios and case studies. Dedicated support from instructors will also be available online throughout the semester via our online discussion board and through consultation and feedback sessions.

Additional information

Additional costs

Face-to face practical classes require closed footwear, safety glasses and lab coat. It is also highly recommended that you bring a disposable or N95 mask to in-person classes.

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, safety goggles and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
A surgical or N95 face mask is recommended for laboratory classes
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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL1908: Human Biology (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect