Outline

Overview

This unit will cover embryological development of the head and neck, the effects of prematurity, assessment of developmental milestones in infancy and postnatal growth and development of the head and neck. The students will learn the basic processes of normal growth and development and how pertubations result in abnormalities, the mechanisms by which congenital abnormalities arise; concepts of dysmorphology and terminology and nomenclature used in syndromology; principles of Mendelian genetics in relation to patterns of inheritance, gene expression and penetrance and the tools used in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. The students will also understand the role and processes of genetic counselling and will be able to search for and retrieve information on dysmorphology via syndrome diagnostic tools such as POSSUM.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Orthodontic and Paediatric Dentistry
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DENT5031 and DENT5032
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Neeta Prabhu, neeta.prabhu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Theory exam Essay response and short answer	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Clinical viva voce Oral examination	25%	Formal exam period	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Didactic session participation Participation	20%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Clinical logbook Clinical logbook	0%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Continuous clinical assessment Continuous sessional assessment	25%	Ongoing	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Understand the improtanceof growth and development for treatment planing in clinical practice

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 2011: Late penalties

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.

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	Learning outcomes
-	Relevance of growth and development and age assessment	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.
Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the Principles of Mendelian genetics in relation to patterns of inheritance, gene expression, and penetrance
LO2. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the tools used in the diagnosis of genetic diseases, including the use of family pedigrees, karyotyping, banding, and gene probes
LO3. understand the mechanisms by which congenital abnormalities arise
LO4. understand the concepts of dysmorphology including malformations, deformations, and deformities
LO5. search for and retrieve information on dysmorphology via the internet, and other syndrome diagnostic tools such as POSSUM
LO6. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the embryological development of the head and neck, including teeth
LO7. understand the complications of birth and labour, and the implications for developmental anomalies
LO8. understand the effects of prematurity on metabolism, growth, and development
LO9. understand the postnatal growth and development of the head and neck
LO10. demonstrate proficiency in assessing developmental milestones in infancy

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Paediatric Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck
	Paediatric Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment
	Paediatric Dentistry - 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.b. aetiology and management of oral diseases and conditions both inherited and acquired
	Paediatric Dentistry - 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck
	Paediatric Dentistry - 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

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) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT5039: Growth and Development

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links