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Unit of study_

ORHL1104: Life Sciences I

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

This unit of study occupies as a significant portion of learning in Year 1 and is gradually replaced by clinically focused units of study as the course progresses. As a foundational unit of study, students are introduced to the head and neck anatomy and the biochemical and biological processes which are fundamental to life, cells and tissues.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ORHL1104
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
ORHL1101 and ORHL1102
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ramin Mostofi Zadeh Farahani, ramin.mostofizadehfarahani@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hilary Lloyd, hilary.lloyd@sydney.edu.au
Helen Ritchie, helen.ritchie@sydney.edu.au
Babak Sarrafpour, babak.sarrafpour@sydney.edu.au
Belal Chami, belal.chami@sydney.edu.au
Ramin Mostofi Zadeh Farahani, ramin.mostofizadehfarahani@sydney.edu.au
Christina Adler, christina.adler@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Summative final examination (ORHL1104)
80 Question (MCQ) 2 h exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task early feedback task
Online quiz in fulfilment of #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO1 LO2
Tutorial quiz Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Small Wonders'
Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Small Wonders'
5% Week 05 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Tutorial quiz Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Life is Live'
Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Life is Live'
5% Week 07 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Tutorial quiz Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Scaffolding the Human Body'
Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Scaffolding the Human Body'
5% Week 11 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Presentation group assignment Summative oral presentation (ORHL1104)
In-class assessment
20% Week 12 5 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Assignment group assignment Summative written report (ORHL1104)
Written report
20% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2024 at 23:59
800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Tutorial quiz Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Offense Vs Defence'
Online quiz (MCQ) - 'Offense Vs Defence'
5% Week 13 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
group assignment = 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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found 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

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Life sciences orientation; Introduction to Wilson Anatomy Museum (Anatomy); CPEBLS orientation (Oral pathology) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 02 Building blocks of life: amino acids and proteins (Biochemistry) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
The code of life: DNA and RNA (Molecular biology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 03 Assignment introduction Tutorial (1 hr) LO5
Introduction to microbes (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Week 04 Bacteria morphology and nomenclature (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Structure of eukaryotic cell (Cell biology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 05 Biological fuel: carbohydrates (Biochemistry) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 06 Cell membranes, transport and communication (Physiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Cell communication - receptor and signal (Physiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Introduction to applied pharmacology pharmacokinetics (Pharmacotherapeutics) Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Week 07 Pharmacodynamics: main principles (Pharmacotherapeutics) Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Bacterial metabolism (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Drug formulations and routes of administration (Pharmacotherapeutics) Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Week 08 Introduction to dental development and histology (Histology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction, anatomical terminology, surface anatomy (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Oral cavity landmarks and features (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Introduction to human embryology (Embryology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Blood (Histology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Epithelial tissue (Histology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Connective tissues and extracellular matrix (Histology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Cranial bones and vertebrae (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 10 Dental development and histology (Histology) Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
Synapses and neurotransmission (Physiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Facial bones (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Tutorial on cranial facial bones (Anatomy) Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
Facial expression muscles (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 11 Autonomic nervous system medications (Pharmacotherapeutics) Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Autonomic nervous system (Physiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Host microbe interaction (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Muscles of mastication, the tongue and neck (Anatomy) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 13 Innate immunity (Immunology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Acquired immunity and antibodies (Immunology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Pathogens (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Acquisition of oral flora (Microbiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Tutorial on muscles (Anatomy) Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO2
H and N anatomy review (Anatomy) Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO2
Life sciences review Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.

  • Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

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 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. understand the biological principles of molecular, cellular, tissue and organ system processes that provide the intellectual basis for oral health
  • LO2. understand the head and neck anatomy, histology and embryology knowledge related to oral health practice
  • LO3. understand the microbiological principles of infection prevention and control
  • LO4. understand the principles of pharmacology in using therapeutic agents relevant to oral health practice
  • LO5. locate and apply scientific evidence in a critical manner to support oral health care.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
3.1. locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.3. understand the scientific principles and application of infection prevention and control
5.4. understand the scientific basis, application and risks of using ionising radiation
LO2
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
6.1.2. perform an examination for health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures
LO3
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
5.3. understand the scientific principles and application of infection prevention and control
LO4
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.6. understand the principles of pharmacology and the risks in using therapeutic agents
LO5
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) - ADC
3.1. locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
3.3. understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
4.4. understand the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based health promotion
5.1. understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist (2016) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.5 T A recognise the importance of continuing professional development for all members of the dental team
2.3 T A P communicate effectively and clearly with other health professionals involved in patients’ care
2.5 T A recognise the importance of their own and others health and wellbeing on the ability to practise
2.6 T P A understand the importance of intra and interprofessional approaches to health care
2.9 T P A communicate responsibly and professionally when using media
3.1 T P A locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
3.2 T P A apply clinical reasoning and judgement in a reflective approach to oral health care
3.3 T P A understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
4.1 T A understand the determinants of health, risk factors and behaviours that influence health
5.1 T P A understand the biological, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.3 T P A understand the scientific principles and application of infection prevention and control
5.4 T A understand the scientific basis, application and risks of using ionising radiation
5.6 T A understand the principles of pharmacology and the risks in using therapeutic agents
6.1.1 T A obtain and record a relevant history of the patient’s medical, social and oral health status
6.1.2 T perform an examination for health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures
6.1.3 T P A select necessary clinical, pathology and other diagnostic procedures and interpret results
6.2.1 T P A recognise health as it relates to the individual
6.2.3 T A determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
6.2.4 T A formulate and record a patient-centred evidence-based oral health treatment plan
6.2.5 T A determine when and how to refer patients to the appropriate health professional
6.3.9 T A manage medical emergencies

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

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.