MEDS2012: Semester 2, 2026

Units MEDS2012 Semester 2 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

MEDS2012: Humans and our Environment

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The ever-changing environment impacts human health and the fate of human evolution. This unit will explore how current advances in medical science are providing solutions to the environmental impacts on human health with a focus on eating, breathing, and sleeping. Environmental impacts include climate change, new and emerging diseases, toxins, which affect diet, exercise, and cues that influence healthy patterns such as sleep. This unit will take on interdisciplinary approaches to explore these impacts and completion of this unit will ensure you understand successful strategies and approaches to addressing these important challenges in the medical sciences into the future.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points of (MEDS1001) and 6 credit points of (MEDS1002 or BIOL1XX7)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Megan Steain, megan.steain@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Exam Exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback task MCQ Quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 14 Aug 2026 at 17:00	20 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 1 Quiz MCQs and SAQ	10%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2026 at 17:00	30 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 2 quiz MCQs	10%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 17:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	PrimeView poster Using histological and pathological images taken during workshop 6 students will create a PrimeView infographic based on their respiratory disease of choice. The assessment taks is due at 11.59 PM on the day of your groups timetabled workshop.	20%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59	4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 3 Quiz MCQs and SAQ	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 17:00	30 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas (e.g. assessment rubrics) and submission instructions are published 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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when work is submitted after 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 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
Multiple weeks	Weekly workshop prework	Self-directed learning (13 hr)
Week 01	Week 1 Workshop: Working in a group- The microbiome	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 01	Module 1 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 Workshop: The Gastrointestinal system	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Practical Class. Microbe Adaptation to the Host Environment and to Medical Interventions.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 Workshop: Data analysis	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: Practical Class. Respiratory Anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Week 6 Workshop: Respiratory System Histology and Pathology	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 Workshop: Environmental changes and infectious diseases	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 Workshop: Revise and compare and constrast the GIT and Respiratory tract	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Module 2 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 Workshop: Sleep	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Module 3 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Week 10 Workshop: Circadian Rhythm	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: Practical Class. Chronopharamcology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Module 3 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 Workshop: Data analysis	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Module 3 Online Lecturettes	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 Workshop: Revision	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and class requirements for units of study in Science majors and Programs

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2024 states:

68 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as:

(a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and

(b) participation in practical work.

(3) A program director may specify the circumstances under which a student who does not satisfy attendance and participation requirements may be deemed not to have completed a unit of study or award course.

The Faculty of Science Resolutions states:

9(2) Attendance and participation in a minimum number of assessment items or learning activities may be a requirement in any unit of study.

(4) Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline.

(5) Failure to meet unit of study requirements may result in a fail grade.

Thus, attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is required for successful completion of this unit of study. Attendance will be recorded.

Skills and content taught in lecturettes, practicals and workshops will be directly assessed in Module Quizzes as well as the Final Exam.

If students are unable to attend their timetabled workshop or practical class, please contact the MEDS2012 coordinator via email (MEDS2012.coordinator@sydney.edu.au).

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Describe how humans can create healthy lives.
LO2. Describe the impacts of the environment on human health including pollution, toxins, climate change.
LO3. Propose defences to the challenges of a changing environment on human health including physiological responses to stress and mental wellbeing.
LO4. Collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate medical science data and information from a range of sources.
LO5. Apply rational, independent and critical thought to the challenges the environment poses to the human body.
LO6. Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in medical science research by working effectively, responsibly, respectfully and safely in individual and collaborative contexts.
LO7. Communicate your knowledge of the environmental impacts to medical science using oral, visual and written formats.

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.

Lecturette content has been refined in response to student feedback. The MEDS2012 Coordination Team welcome student feedback about this Unit.

Additional information

More information relating to this unit will be communicated via the MEDS2012 Canvas website.

Additional costs

PPE for the practical classes, including a laboratory coat and safety glasses.

Work, health and safety

There are specific Work, Health and Safety requirements for MEDS2012 in relation to the on-campus practical classes in the Charles Perkins Centre Laboratory and Anderson Stuart Anatomy Laboratory spaces on the Camperdown campus of The University of Sydney. Please see the MEDS2012 Canvas site for further information about how to complete these requirements.

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

Early feedback task

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links