Outline

Overview

Breakthroughs in Medical Science explores how current medical knowledge informs the development of future treatments and promotes healthier lifestyle choices. You will examine medical challenges where existing treatments are either inadequate or entirely absent, and consider innovative approaches to address these gaps. Through collaborative inquiry, you will contribute your skills and expertise to evaluating both the short-term and long-term impacts of emerging therapies. In doing so, you will critically analyse the societal and ethical implications of these advancements, contributing to a deeper understanding of medicine’s evolving role in human health.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	18 credit points of MEDS2XXX units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Morris, m.morris@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alexandra Sharland, alexandra.sharland@sydney.edu.au
	Giselle Yeo, giselle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
	Jan-Willem Alffenaar, johannes.alffenaar@sydney.edu.au
	Kellie Charles, kellie.charles@sydney.edu.au
	Anthony Cutrupi, anthony.cutrupi@sydney.edu.au
	Pegah Varamini, pegah.varamini@sydney.edu.au
	Simmie Chung, simmie.chung@sydney.edu.au
	Lipin Loo, lipin.loo@sydney.edu.au
	Mathias Francois, mathias.francois@sydney.edu.au
	Jenny Wang, jenny.wang@sydney.edu.au
	Nikki Lee, nikki.lee@sydney.edu.au
	Rebecca San Gil, rebecca.sangil@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 Exam 2 h + 10 min reading time. 1 h MCQs. 1 h SAQs.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 2 Workshop Quiz MCQ Quiz: Covers lecturette and seminar material from Week 1 and Workshop material from Week 2.	2.5%	Week 02	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 3 Workshop Quiz MCQ Quiz: Covers lecturette and seminar material from Week 2 and Workshop material from Week 3.	2.5%	Week 03	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester exam 1 h MCQs.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 14:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 7 Workshop Quiz MCQ Quiz: Covers Workshop material from Week 7.	2.5%	Week 07	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Practical report and model building Labelled normal and pathophysiological cancer built models + written molecular mechanisms of action underlying physiology and pharmacology.	15%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1200 words + built models	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 11 Workshop Quiz MCQ Quiz: Covers lecturette and seminar material from Week 10 and Workshop material from Week 11.	2.5%	Week 11	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical report on cell culture practical Short- and long-answer responses to questions, data generation, graphing, data analysis, and understanding of molecular, physiological and pharmacological concepts related to the wet-lab practical.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary


Assessment	Quizzes	Prac report 1 (Group)	Mid-semester quiz	Prac report 2 (Individual)	Final Exam
Week(s) due	2, 3, 7, 11	8	7	13	Exam week
Weighting	4 x 2.5%	15%	20%	15%	40%
LO1: Explain with examples how medical research is based on prevention and informed by healthy living
LO2: Explain, with examples, the pipeline from disease discovery to modern treatments
LO3: Synthesise the multiple ways that areas of medical science are studied and characterised and how this shapes approaches for treatment
LO4: Integrate medical science knowledge of health and disease from diverse scientific approaches
LO5: Collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate medical science data and information from a range of sources.
LO6: Evaluate and apply evidence-based information from different sources to given medical science problems.
LO7: Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in the field of medical science research by working effectively, responsibly, respectfully and safely in individual and collaborative contexts.

Assessment criteria

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	Work of exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Work of a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Work of an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you do not 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:

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 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	Module 1 online lecturettes: Medical Science Foundations	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
	Module 2 online lecturettes: Cancer biology, therapeutic, and treatment plans	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
	Module 3 online lecturettes: Immunology and precision medicine	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
	Module 1: Medical Science Foundations	Seminar (6 hr)
	Module 2: Cancer biology, therapeutic, and treatment plans	Seminar (6 hr)
	Module 3: Immunology and precision medicine	Seminar (6 hr)
	Module 1: Medical Science Foundations	Workshop (6 hr)
	Module 2: Cancer biology, therapeutic, and treatment plans	Workshop (3 hr)
	Module 3: Immunology and precision medicine	Workshop (3 hr)
	Dry-lab prac: Histology, Ainsworth path museum, model building	Practical (9 hr)
	XLab prac: Tissue culture, cell differentiation, and drug effects on cell growth	Practical (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecturettes, seminars and workshops/practicals represent a collective and interconnected learning experience and any material presented, worked-on or discussed is potentially examinable in the various assessments.

Attendance at all workshops and practical sessions is compulsory.

Unless you have timetable clashes, attendance at seminars is also compulsory.

All assessments are compulsory and must be attempted.

Failure to attend compulsory sessions and/or undertake assessments may result in an Absent Fail.

You must attend your timetabled workshop/prac session. Swapping sessions is NOT permitted without permission from the Unit of Study Coordinators.

Lecturettes for a particular week must be reviewed before attending the Friday seminar of the same week.

Seminars will be recorded but will be highly interactive and because of this we can't guarantee the quality of any recording of these sessions.

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

Refer to Canvas.

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. Explain, with examples, how medical research is based on prevention and informed by healthy living.
LO2. Explain, with examples, the pipeline from disease discovery to modern treatments.
LO3. Synthesise the multiple ways that areas of medical science are studied and characterised and how this shapes approaches for treatment.
LO4. Integrate medical science knowledge of human health and disease from diverse scientific approaches.
LO5. Collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate medical science data and information from a range of sources.
LO6. Evaluate and apply evidence-based information from different sources to given medical science problems.
LO7. Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in the field of medical science research by working effectively, responsibly, respectfully and safely in individual and collaborative contexts.

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.

This is the first time this unit of study has been run. We welcome any and all constructive feedback on what worked well and what could be improved.

Additional information

Refer to Canvas.

Work, health and safety

NO food or drink is allowed into CPC XLab.

NO food or drink is to be consumed in CPC dry lab spaces.

Entry to the XLab requires you bring your own labcoat, safety glasses, and enclosed shoes, and long hair must be tied back.

Failure to meet these criteria means entry will be denied.

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MEDS3002: Breakthroughs in Medical Science

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links