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 medical sciences 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 and medical sciences. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills for further studies in the medical sciences.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Craig Campbell, c.campbell@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam on lecture content; multiple-choice questions	40%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Post-module quizzes Multiple-choice quizzes to be completed in own time following each block.	10%	Multiple weeks	8 minutes x 4 quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task Online, multiple-choice quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59	8 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Reflection Individual audio/ video within Gallery	5%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 23:59	Equivalent 300 words/student
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Character build Design presentation	5%	Week 05 Due date: 17 Mar 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Mar 2024	See Canvas for more details
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Pathology visit assessment In-class quiz due after practical	2.5%	Week 08	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Pharmacology assessment Quiz to be completed after practical	2.5%	Week 10	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Data Detectives: Scientific Report Written report	15%	Week 10 Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Virtual Exhibition 3D objects, text and video included in a group exhibition	20%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

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

Individual Reflection: Individual: Each student should present the equivalent of 300 words reflection upon the nature of medical science and why it is important for them to study.

Character Build: Individual. Each student will build a character using Inworld AI.

Practice Quiz: Individual. Formative. Online multiple-choice quiz. Early Feedback task.

Post-module Quizzes 1-4: Individual: Online multiple-choice quizzes will be made available for a limited time at various times throughout the semester. Each quiz will assess lecture content delivered since the previous quiz.

Data Detectives: Individual: A brief (1000 words) scientific report relating to your analysis and interpretation of provided data sets.

Pharmacology Assessment: Individual: Complete a series of questions relating to the Pharmacology Practical.

Pathology Assessment: Individual: Complete a series of questions relating to the Pathology Practical.

Virtual Exhibition: Group: Create your own gallery exhibition in Spatial.io. The Gallery will include objects that reflect topics and concepts that you have learned in MEDS1001. Assessment will include a brief description of the artifacts and a participation component.

Final exam: Individual: You will provide written answers to questions relating to topics addressed in 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.

More detailed descriptions of assessments will be provided 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	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

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.

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:

Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

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
Multiple weeks	Anatomy, Histology, Pathology, Pharmacology	Practical (12 hr)
Multiple weeks	Workshops	Practical (36 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Organisation and complexity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The Cell	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Ion regulation and cell signaling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Feedback Loops and Endocrine regulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Kidney and Liver	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Nervous System	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Bone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Muscle	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Circulation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Gastrointestinal tract and digestion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Gut Microbiome	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Cellular respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Immune system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Reproduction and development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Chromosomes, genes, and genetic disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Weekly	Masterclass	Lecture (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes to meet the minimum requirements of this course. Students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

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

Silverthorn, DU. (2018) Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th ed.), Pearson Higher Ed USA

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. 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.

Assessments have been modified to address recommendations from 2023 USS.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

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 and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
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

MEDS1001: Human Biology

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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Media

Student links

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