SOMS4102: Semester 1, 2026

Units SOMS4102 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

SOMS4102: Communicating Ideas in Biomedical Science

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The capacity to interpret a biological concept and communicate scientific findings is a fundamental skill underlying all facets of medical and health sciences. In this unit of study, you will develop the skills to present your research data in a variety of mediums. This will involve writing an introductory essay about your research project, presenting a research paper to your research group (journal club), giving an oral and poster presentation of your research and regular attendance of research seminars.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	SOMS4101
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A major in one of the following areas: Applied Medical Science; Immunology and Pathology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology; Microbiology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Infectious Diseases; Pharmacology; Medicinal Chemistry; Neuroscience; Physiology; Anatomy and Histology; Genetics and Genomics; Quantitative Life Science
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrew Harman, andrew.harman@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
Research analysis	Introductory Essay Write a draft of the introduction to Honours thesis	0%	Week -03 Due date: 02 Feb 2026 at 23:59	5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Oral Presentation 15 minute oral presentation and 5 mins questions	50%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2026 at 23:59	20 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Poster Presentation Present a poster summering research findings	45%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2026 at 18:07	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Seminar Logbook Logbook outlining seminars attended over Honours year	5%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 18:07	400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Research project showcase: Assessed by both thesis examiners and average mark awarded.

Oral presentation: Assessed by 2 or 3 SOMS academics and average mark awarded.

Poster presentation: Assessed by 1 SOMS academic

Assessment criteria

As per rubrics

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:

Research project showcase: 5% per day up to 10 days Oral presentation: If you do not give an oral presentation you will recieve zero marks for that assignment Poster presentation: If you do not give a poster presentation you will receive zero marks for that assignment.

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	Learning outcomes

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. Integrate medical science and health information from many sources to coherently and critically appraise available knowledge and resolve contemporary problems.
LO2. Acquire, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate techniques
LO3. Describe and present research findings, their interpretation, and the conclusions drawn from data.
LO4. Critically analyse research literature and research findings for reliability, significance and relevance of information.
LO5. Communicate effectively using a range of modes (written, oral, visual etc.) for a variety of purposes and audiences.
LO6. Be accountable for your own learning by being an independent, self-directed learner and demonstrate effective teamwork skills through collaborative learning.
LO7. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and professionalism in a research context
LO8. Demonstrate skills required to work in a complex learning environment, e.g. time management, persistence, managing challenges and learning from failure

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.

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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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

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