Outline

Overview

Our ever-changing world requires knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. The ability to identify and explore interdisciplinary links is a crucial skill for emerging professionals and researchers alike. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in your discipline and apply them to a real-world problem. For example, you will work on a project dealing with the big complexities and controversies in pharmacology. In this unit, you will continue to understand and explore disciplinary knowledge, while also meeting and collaborating with students from across the University through project-based learning; identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data and communicating your findings to a diverse audience. All of these skills are highly valued by employers. This unit will foster the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and this is essential for both professional and research pathways in future.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PCOL3888
Academic unit
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	{(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 12cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406)]} and PCOL2022
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Jonathon Arnold, jonathon.arnold@sydney.edu.au
	Ian Johnston, i.johnston@sydney.edu.au
	Slade Matthews, slade.matthews@sydney.edu.au
	Michael Murray, michael.murray@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Carroll, peter.carroll@sydney.edu.au
	Sarasa Mohammadi, sarasa.mohammadi@sydney.edu.au
	Haryana Dhillon, haryana.dhillon@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release)	Take-home examination Take-home examination	40%	Formal exam period	48 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project progress presentation Presentation on project progress	15%	Week 07	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final project report Final project output	20%	Week 13	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Debate stance Debate stance of 500 words	5%	Week 13	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Personal reflection Personal reflection on interdisciplinary project	10%	Week 13	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Peer evaluation Self and peer evaluation of project team	10%	Week 13	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

Project progress presentation

This involves a 10 minute oral presentation on your project progress, presented as a group, with 5 minutes of question time at the end. This presentation is worth 15% of your unit mark.

Project report

This involves a group report or similar medium of 2000 words in length relating to your group’s project. This report is worth 20% if your unit mark.

Personal reflection

This involves reflective practice resulting in a 500 word reflection on what and how you learnt in the course of this unit of study and how your perspective has changed as a result. This personal reflection is worth 10% of your unit mark.

Peer evaluation

This involves reflective practice on your own and your team members’ capacity to work as a team on your project. This peer evaluation is worth 10% of your unit mark.

Debate stance

This involves a short written piece outlining your stance on the debate question. This assignment is worth 5% of your unit mark.

End of semester take-home exam

This involves a take-home exam where you have 48 hours to answer essay questions based on the seminar series of the unit. This exam is worth 40% of your unit mark. Sample questions will be provided for you to familiarise yourself with the question types.

Assessment criteria

How Your Assesments will be Graded

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

The University uses standards-based criteria for assessment, such that marking standards and grade descriptors are used to assess your demonstration of learning outcomes on set assessments. 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.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85-100)	Work of exceptional standard	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)	Work of superior standard	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)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	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)	Work of acceptable standard	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 (<50)	Work not of acceptable standard	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

Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in marking guides provided on your LMS. All written submissions will be graded using the marking guides and rubrics provided on LMS. All quizzes and examinations will be graded similarly (excluding references). For more information, please refer to the University Assessment Procedures http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0.

Award of Final Marks and Grades

The process of assessing your achievement of the learning outcomes in this unit of study is based on the University’s Coursework Policy 2014 and Assessment Procedures 2011 available at:

http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2014/378&RendNum=0

http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

In order to successfully complete this unit of study you must demonstrate a threshold (pass) standard of attainment of the unit of study learning outcomes as measured by performance on the unit of study summative assessments. Students who do not reach a threshold standard of proficiency of the learning outcomes will receive a maximum mark of 49 FA. In addition, in order to pass the unit of study, you must participate in all assessment tasks and the end of semester theory examination: failure to participate in any one or more of these will result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

Award of final marks and grades is an academic decision that is made seriously and diligently for the entire cohort of students enrolled in a unit of study. If you are concerned about the mark awarded, you should first contact the unit coordinator and arrange a meeting to review your work.

If, after this process of receiving feedback and of discussion of the standards against which your work has been assessed, you still have concerns about the mark awarded, you can submit a formal appeal of the academic decision with any relevant supporting documentation to the Faculty.

The policies governing units of study, assessment and marking are:

· Coursework Policy 2014;

· Assessment Procedures 2011, and the

· Learning and Teaching Policy.

The process for lodging appeals is outlined in the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended): available at:

http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/253&RendNum=0. (Link per July 2018)

http://sydney.edu.au/science/cstudent/ug/forms.shtml#appeals

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100. Note that assignments that are not successfully submitted to Turnitin are subject to the usual late penalties. After Turnitin submission is complete, a digital receipt will display on screen and is sent to your University email address. If you do not receive a receipt THEN YOUR ASSIGNMENT HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED. Please log out and try again. If you still cannot upload your assignment, contact the helpdesk at http://sydney.edu.au/ict/forms/elearning/emailUs.php and email a copy of your assignment to the Education Support Team (soms.education@sydney.edu.au) BEFORE the final deadline. If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to arrange a simple extension. A simple extension is an informal arrangement between you and your unit of study coordinator. You may be able to receive an extension of up to two working days for non-examination tasks, as outlined in clause 66A of the Coursework Policy 2014. If you need an extension for a longer period, you may be eligible to apply for special consideration. sydney.edu.au/students/simple-extensions

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Weekly	Weekly workshops in which students undertake their project work and also some assessment work. Students are allocated to either Tuesday 10am-12pm or Wednesday 10am-12pm. See your personal timetable.	Workshop (2 hr)
Weekly	Weekly seminars based on topical areas in pharmacology and toxicology. Tuesday and Wednesday 2-3pm delivered in real time via Zoom.	Online class (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states:

55 (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.

The Faculty of Science resolutions states:

9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

Thus, attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is compulsory for successful completion of the course. Attendance will be recorded. If you do not show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course you may not be allowed to undertake the final examination. Absences from scheduled workshop sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation (also see Guidelines for Special Consideration/Arrangements for important information relating to absence from scheduled classes).

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. Apply disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in an interdisciplinary context.
LO2. Find, define and delimit authentic problems in order to address them.
LO3. Create an investigation strategy, explore solutions, discuss approaches and predict outcomes.
LO4. Analyse data using modern inform a on technology and digital skills.
LO5. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in teams.
LO6. Collaborate with diverse groups and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to develop solution(s) to the project problems.
LO7. Communicate project outcomes effectively to a broad audience.

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 unit is being run for the first time in semester 2, 2020. We value your feedback for this unit.

Additional information

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.

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PCOL3888: Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2020 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect