Outline

Overview

Advances in genomics are impacting on many aspects of the diagnosis and management of cancer. This unit provides understanding of molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, with particular reference to familial cancer conditions. It provides contemporary knowledge of familial cancer syndromes including their characteristic patterns of presentation, epidemiology, underlying causative genetic pathology and preventative management approaches. Case - based approaches will be used for the development of in-depth knowledge of familial breast, ovarian, bowel and endocrine malignancies. Other familial cancer syndromes explored will include the neurofibromatoses, and conditions such as Li-Fraumeni and Von Hippel Lindau syndromes. Review of other genetic conditions in which cancer risk is increased will be undertaken. Ethical issues in cancer genomics will be considered as well as advances in precision medicine applicable to familial cancer.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Genomic Medicine
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alan Ma, alan.ma@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Christina Girgis, christina.girgis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Shweta Srinivasa, shweta.srinivasa@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Graded Exam Final Graded Exam	40%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Graded Discussion Board 1 Graded discussion board with reply to peers	10%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59	500 words plus replies	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 1.1 Self Assessment Questions See Canvas for details	0%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	4x Short answer Questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded Quiz 1 Graded Quizzes consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59	30 minute quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Graded Discussion Board 2 Graded discussion board with reply to peers	10%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	500 word with replies	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded Quiz 2 Graded Quizzes consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	30 minute quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Graded Discussion Board 3 Graded discussion board with reply to peers	10%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	500 words with response to peers	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded Quiz 3 Graded Quizzes consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.	10%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:59	30 minute quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Quizzes: Students are to complete 3 graded quizzes
Discussion Boards: Each discussion board will have a clinical scenario followed by some questions. Students must provide answers with references.
Final Exam: The exam will contain a mixture of MCQs and SAQs

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
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)

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:

Please note, for this unit of study (GMED5004) the late submission penalty will be 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date for 10 calendar days only. This is to ensure that timely feedback is provided to students. If the assessment is submitted more than 10 calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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	Module 1 - Introduction to Cancer and Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 - Introduction to Cancer and Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 - Introduction to Cancer and Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 - Introduction to Cancer and Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer - Genomic and precision approaches	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 2: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer - Genomic and precision approaches	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 3: Renal, Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 3: Renal, Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 4: Precision medicine approaches in paediatric cancer genomics and research	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 4: Precision medicine approaches in paediatric cancer genomics and research	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 4: Precision medicine approaches in paediatric cancer genomics and research	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 5: Haematological and other cancers and precision approaches	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 5: Haematological and other cancers and precision approaches	Self-directed learning (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit is run completely online.

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

Specific readings will be listed on Canvas. The main text book for this unit of study is:

Strachan, T., & Read, A. (2019). Human molecular genetics (Fifth edition.). CRC Press

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 molecular mechanisms of cancer, integrating cancer diagnostics, oncogenesis, and cancer management
LO2. Distinguish the key differences between germline and somatic cancer genetics, and the implications of this for genomic testing and management
LO3. Evaluate the role of genomics in cancer diagnostics and management, and how to order, interpret and explain cancer genomic testing in the clinical setting
LO4. Assess the complex counselling, ethical and legal aspects of cancer genomics, including the role of genetic counsellors, and the perspectives of patients and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
LO5. Categorise the key familial cancer syndromes and genes in a wide variety of clinical settings including breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, renal, haematological, endocrine, neurofibromatosis, and retinoblastoma
LO6. Assess how genomics is paving the way to precision medicine approaches in cancer and somatic testing, with genotype-specific therapies

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.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Additional information

N/A

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

N/A

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GMED5004: Cancer Genomics

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links