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Unit of study_

HSTO3004: Cells and Development: Practical (Adv)

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This advanced unit of study complements HSTO3003 (Cells and Development: Theory) and is catered to provide students with laboratory research experience leading to Honours and higher degrees. It will primarily cover the design and application of experimental procedures involved in cell and developmental biology, using appropriate molecular and cellular techniques to answer developmental questions raised in HSTO3003. This unit of study will promote hands on experience, allowing students to observe and examine developing and differentiating tissues at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The main emphasis of this unit of study will concentrate on practical approaches to understanding the mechanisms that control animal development. Some projects may examine early developmental processes such as fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and the formation of the primary germ layers and tissues. The parts played by stem cells and inductive cell and tissue interactions in differentiation, morphogenesis and pattern formation can also be examined at cellular and molecular levels.

Unit details and rules

Unit code HSTO3004
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
An annual average mark of 70 or above in the previous year and 72cp of 1000 to 3000 level units
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

(ANAT2008 or BMED2401 or MEDS2005) and Human biology; BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1X01

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Katie Dixon, katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation The language of development
Upload photograph of class activity
5% Week 03 3 hour class activity
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4
Presentation The Good Egg
Image/report
5% Week 04 2 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4
Assignment Embryo ultrasonography
Class activity, take-home quiz
5% Week 04 3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4
Assignment Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Presentation slides and presentation
10% Week 06 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Human skeletal development
Poster
15% Week 08 Poster presentation - 10 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Modelling embryonic pathogenesis
Report and clay model
15% Week 08 Written task and clay models
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4
Presentation Skin Deep / Cell Migration
Presentation
25% Week 10 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation Epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Presentation
20% Week 13 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2

Assessment summary

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

 

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 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.

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
Week 01 Introduction and Science Communication Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Embryonic stem cell differentiation - 1 Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 The Good Egg Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Embryo Ulstrasonography Practical (3 hr) LO2
Week 03 The Language of Development Workshop (3 hr) LO4
Embryonic stem cell differentiation - 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Skin Deep - 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Skin Deep - 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Skin Deep - 3 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Modelling Embryonic Pathology - 1 Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 06 Embryonic stem cell differentiation - 3 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Skeletal development - 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Modelling Embryonic Pathology - 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 FAS - the great debate Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Skeletal development posters Presentation (3 hr) LO4
Week 09 Cell migration: the amazing race - 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Cell migration: the amazing race - 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Cell migration: the amazing race - 3 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Cell migration presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO4
Week 11 Cancer biology: epithelial to mesenchymal transition - 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Cancer biology: epithelial to mesenchymal transition - 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Cancer biology: epithelial to mesenchymal transition - 3 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 Cancer biology: epithelial to mesenchymal transition - presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are expected to attend all lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and case studies. A variety of notes, handouts, data sheets, and information provided throughout the Unit of Study are intended to supplement the lectures not to substitute for them. Absences from all scheduled practical sessions, tutorials and case studies must be explained and supported by appropriate documentation.

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. Develop the skills required to independently design an experiment in the field of developmental or cell biology. This includes developing knowledge regarding appropriate controls, repeats and some aspects of statistical analysis.
  • LO2. Master important concepts in developmental and cell biology by engaging in hands-on activities within these fields.
  • LO3. Develop an understanding of ethical considerations regarding museums with human samples and practical activities involving cadaveric animal material.
  • LO4. Master presentation skills and an understanding of the scientific language used in these fields.

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.

No changes were made based on positive feedback. Changes have been made to introduce a new topic.

Work, health and safety

As a new facility, the CPC is encouraging best practices in education and research. This includes best practices in Work, Health and Safety (WHS). These practices are designed with your personal safety in mind. To this end, you are required to complete a set of inductions. These are not complicated and do not take large periods of time to complete. However, you will need to complete these before you can engage in research in the CPC PC2 laboratory space. Please complete the induction programmes that will be linked to Canvas. To demonstrate your completion please print the last page of each programme, sign and date the page and give this to Dr. Stuart Fraser before entering the CPC PC2 laboratory space. This will confirm that you have completed the induction processes. Also note that enclosed, non-permeable shoes are required for working in the PC2 lab. Again, this is for your protection. A pdf has been uploaded to the Canvas site indicating appropriate and inappropriate shoes. If you arrive at the PC2 lab in inappropriate foot ware you will be refused entry.

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.