This unit expands on your disciplinary knowledge in Immunology and Pathology by viewing it in the context of real-world health problems. The major aim of the unit is to work with students from other areas of science and medical science to understand that disease is not purely a host versus disease paradigm but integrates human behaviour, culture, economics, history and geography. Depending on the disease, these factors may be as important as the pathogen itself in defining our approach to treatments. Moreover, in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or complex disorders such as depression societal factors can be the sole or major aetiological agent in the absence of a pathogen altogether. This unit will introduce to you through a series of expert panel discussions and workshops knowledge of other perspectives of disease including perceived and inadvertent biases that can affect design and interpretation of experimental results. Once empowered with this wider understanding of disease we will challenge you individually, and as part of your interdisciplinary team to define and solve a complex health problem of your choice. Your group will produce consultation paper that directs policy and investment towards the area that you consider most likely to reduce the burden of your chosen disease. Your report will also be summarised in the form of a poster and oral presentation and be reviewed by Academics and your peers.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02 or IMMU2101 or BMED2404 or IMMU2X11 |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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None |
Assumed knowledge
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Fundamental cellular and molecular immunology and pathology as taught in IMMU3102 and CPAT3201 |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | No |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Greg Sutherland, g.sutherland@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au |
Tutor(s) | Greg Sutherland, g.sutherland@sydney.edu.au |
Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au |