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	Anthony Don, anthony.don@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	Final exam A written exam testing the application of knowledge acquired throughout the semester. Questions based on lectures, workshops and prac classes through the entire semester.	50%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Weekly quiz Multiple choice quiz on Canvas during each scheduled weekly workshop or practical class.	20%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Oral presentation: nanoparticles in modern therapeutics Students will work in groups of 4 to research a therapeutic use of nanoparticles for 1 hour and then deliver a 3-minute presentation, followed by 2 minutes of response to questions on their research.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 17:00	5 minute presentation in 3 hour workshop	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Practical skills exam A series of laboratory and data analysis tasks will be performed by every student. Tests will be based on skills and knowledge acquired during the practical classes.	20%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2026 at 17:00	2.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final Exam: A written exam during the exam period testing the application of knowledge acquired throughout the semester. A mixture of multiple choice and short-answer questions will be based on lectures, workshops and prac classes through the entire semester.
Practical Skills Exam: Every students will carry out a series of laboratory and data analysis tasks under exam conditions in the week 12 practical class. Tests will be based on skills and knowledge acquired during the practical classes.
Oral Presentation: During the week 6 workshop, students will work in groups to research a therapeutic use of nanoparticles and deliver a 5 minute presentation on their research.
Weekly Quiz: A multiple choice quiz on Canvas during each scheduled weekly workshop or practical class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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:

Late penalties are not relevant since all assessments are taken either in-class or during the exam period. Students are expected to be present for their assessments during their weekly scheduled classes. Unexplained absence will result in a mark of 0.

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
Week 01	Inborn errors of metabolism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to gene therapy and refresher on liver physiology.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Mass spectrometry in the clinic: newborn screening	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	Transthyretin amyloidosis as a gene therapy target	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Gene therapy for rare genetic disorders	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	How to design nanoparticle delivery systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	siRNA therapy for transthyretin amyloidosis I	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Integrating gene therapy into cochlear implants to treat hearing loss	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	siRNA therapy for transthyretin amyloidosis II	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Biosensors	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Nanoparticles for gene delivery	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Uses of biomaterials	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Biosensors	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Modelling neurodegenerative diseases with induced pluripotent stem cells	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Biomaterials for drug and cell delivery	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Uses of bioprinting	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Induced pluripotent stem cells for neurodegenerative diseases	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	CAR T-cell therapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Bioprinting	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Imaging cell interactions with their microenvironment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Genetically engineered cell therapies	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Artificial intelligence and medical imaging in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Summary and revision	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend every lecture, workshop, and prac class in person. The attendance requirement will be one 2 h lecture session and one 3 h workshop or practical session each week. Attendance is required to obtain the mark for the in-class quiz each week.

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 the background and explain the promise of new treatments for human diseases.
LO2. Integrate, apply and explore the boundaries and challenges of medical science knowledge in the development of novel therapies and interventions across a range of diseases.
LO3. Describe what is on the horizon for the future of medical science including the boundaries of bioengineering and the ethics involved.
LO4. Synthesise and critically analyse medical science literature to discover future challenges in medical science.
LO5. Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as critical thinking and research writing skills.
LO6. Collaborate effectively, responsibly, respectfully, professionally, ethically and safely through teamwork.

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 has been offered.

Additional information

Students will use KuraCloud for workshops and practical classes.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MEDS3003: Horizons in Medical Sciences

Semester 2, 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links