Outline

Overview

Developing the next drug for one of our global health challenges requires teams of diverse scientists with inter-disciplinary knowledge and skills. In this unit of study you will work together in teams under the supervision of expert academics and industry partners to address the unmet needs and questions of real-world projects in the pharmacological treatment of disease. You will explore ethical, societal and clinical aspects of developing and regulating new treatments for chronic diseases. You will expand your skills in evaluation of evidence from scientific, economic and industry sources. In this capstone unit you will extend your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communicating with lay and expert audiences, cultural competence and collaboration – all highly valued by employers. This unit will foster your ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, which is essential for professional and research pathways in future. This unit of study is highly recommended for students who are interested in careers in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industry, commercialisation and start-ups, health professions (e.g. medicine, pharmacy), government policy and regulatory agencies.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PCOL3888
Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	{(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 12cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406)]} and (PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2922)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarasa Mohammadi, sarasa.mohammadi@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au
	Jonathon Arnold, jonathon.arnold@sydney.edu.au
	Slade Matthews, slade.matthews@sydney.edu.au
	Joanna Elizabeth Harnett, joanna.harnett@sydney.edu.au
	Kellie Charles, kellie.charles@sydney.edu.au
	Alexander Shadie, alexander.shadie@sydney.edu.au
	Sarasa Mohammadi, sarasa.mohammadi@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Reflective task 3 Reflective task 3 - Project review	15%	STUVAC Due date: 11 Nov 2022 at 17:00	750-1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project management plan + team charter Project management plan + team charter	5%	Week 03	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective task 1 Reflective task 1 - Critical study review	10%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2022 at 17:00	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project progress presentation Presentation of project progress	10%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Sep 2022 at 11:00	10 min presentation + 5 min questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective task 2 Reflective task 2 - Ethical considerations	10%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2022 at 17:00	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project lay video Video of final group summary and recommendations for lay audience	15%	Week 11 Due date: 21 Oct 2022 at 17:00	3 min video
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project final report Final report and recommendations for project	30%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2022 at 17:00	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Peer evaluation Peer evaluation of self and group members	5%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2022 at 11:00	50 - 100 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The assessment for PCOL3888 is in two components;

individual reflective tasks that require you to articulate your opinions at 3 stages of your learning journey and
a set of group project tasks containing 4 group tasks related to an inter-disciplinary project + an individual peer evaluation

Individual learning tasks:

Reflective task 1 – Critical study review: This involves a 500 word reflection (written piece) on the critical review of 1 piece of primary literature associated with your group project research areas. The reflective task is worth 10% of your final mark in the Unit.

Reflective task 2 – Ethical condierations: This involves a 500 word reflection (written piece) on the ethical considerations associated with your group project research areas. The reflective task is worth 10% of your final mark in the Unit.

Reflective task 3 – Project review: This involves a 750-1000 word reflection (written piece) on your semester of learning and involvement in the group project based on your own and peer’s evaluation of your teamwork skills. The reflective task is worth 15% of your final mark in the Unit.

Project group tasks:

Project management plan including team charter – This involves the completion of a 5 page project management plan that sets out the milestones, deadlines, schedule of tasks, risks and roles and responsibilities of each member of the group to enable the completion of the group project. This plan is worth 5% of your final mark in the Unit.

Project progress presentation + mock peer evaluation: This involves a 10 minute presentation of the project progress in the first half of semester. This presentation is worth 10% of your final mark in the Unit. The mock peer evaluation is not marked but will prepare you for the assessed version later in the semester; it will help to identify the strengths and weaknesses in your group dynamic that you can tailor for optimum performance throughout the rest of semester.

Project video for lay audiences: This involves the creation of a 3 minute video summarising the project outcomes and recommendations for members of the public. This video is worth 15% of your final mark in the Unit.

Project final group report – This involves a 2000 word group report summarising the literature and providing a recommendation of your project question. This report is worth 30% of your final mark in the Unit.

Project peer evaluation: This involves writing a 50-100 word evaluation of your own and each team members performance and capacity to work in the team to complete the project. The completion of peer evaluation is worth 5% of your final mark in the Unit. This is an individual assessment.

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. 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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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 seminars based on topical areas in pharmacology and toxicology will be delivered on Monday 10:00-12:00 delivered in real time in person.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Weekly	Weekly workshops or group project workshop will be delivered weekly on Monday 14:00-16:00 delivered in real time in person.	Workshop (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 information 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 was first run in 2020 and has had positive feedback each year, particularly around the variety of seminars, the value of teamwork and building depth of knowledge in the group projects, and as of 2021, the removal of the final exam. Based on feedback from 2021, the following changes have been made: Fewer reflective tasks (from 5 to 3) with increased weighting for each task to better recognise the time and effort students put into each piece. Video worth 15% instead of 10%, again to better reflect the effort students put into the production of their high-quality submissions.

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, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

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