Unit Outline

This unit provides students with an understanding of how systems-based approaches are being used to address problems in human health and wellbeing. Students will plan and undertake experiments investigating disease mechanism using systems-based tools and approaches to data collection and analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Discuss contemporary systems-based approaches used to address issues related to health and disease
2	Design and apply strategies to investigate disease mechanisms using systems-based approaches
3	Plan and conduct experiments to solve research problems using contemporary systems-based approaches to data collection and analysis
4	Critically evaluate, interpret and communicate experimental data and medical research literature

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CBA265

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As a result of student feedback from 2023, the number of assessment tasks has been reduced. Previously each of the four modules had been assessed through a 5% in-class test for each module, for a total of 20%. For 2024, modules 1 and 2 will be assessed through a mid-semester test worth 20%, with the final exam more heavily weighted to modules 3 and 4. Minor wording changes have also been made to the ILOs to better align with the content and assessment tasks in this unit. All other assessment and delivery of the unit remain the same.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Laboratory Report	Week 7	30 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Midsemester Test	Week 8	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Workshop Worksheet(s)	Week 11	10 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory Report

Task Description:

The practical component of this unit will run over four weeks and involve one large proteomics experiment, which will include the preparation of samples, running of samples, and a basic bioinformatic analysis. This assessment task will require the student to prepare a written report based on the work conducted over the four weeks of practicals. The report will be written in the style of a journal article.

Task Length:

1500-2000 words

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design and apply strategies to investigate disease mechanisms using systems-based approaches	LO2
2	Plan and conduct experiments to solve research problems using contemporary systems-based approaches to data collection and analysis	LO3
3	Critically evaluate, interpret and communicate experimental data and medical research literature in the form of a journal article	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Midsemester Test

Task Description:

The unit comprises four modules related to systems biology and integrated knowledge, proteomics, analysis of large datasets and models, and imaging technologies. The mid-semester test will assess knowledge and understanding of the concepts covered in Module 1 and Module 2 and the associated tutorials/workshops. The test will comprise short answer questions (SAQs) and will be in class, closed-book, and invigilated.

Task Length:

60 mins

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss contemporary systems-based approaches used to address issues related to health and disease	LO1
2	Design strategies to investigate disease mechanisms and solve research problems using contemporary systems-based approaches	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Workshop Worksheet(s)

Task Description:

Module 3 involves content related to approaches to the analysis of large datasets. The content is also explored during three weeks of workshops. During each workshop, students will complete a worksheet answering questions related to the content covered. While groups of students may discuss answers to questions, each student will submit the relevant worksheet detailing their own answers. This assessment is open book.

Task Length:

Up to 750 words

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design and apply strategies to investigate disease mechanisms using systems-based approaches	LO2
2	Plan and conduct experiments to solve research problems using contemporary systems-based approaches to data collection and analysis	LO3
3	Critically evaluate, interpret and communicate experimental data	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Exam

Task Description:

The final exam will assess knowledge and understanding of concepts covered in the unit. Questions may be based on any material delivered online and/or in tutorials/workshops, and/or in practicals, and/or from required reading material. The final exam comprises essays and problem-solving questions. The content covered in the exam will be weighted towards Modules 3 and 4 (some of the content covered in Modules 1 and 2 was assessed in the Mid-semester test). The final exam will be closed-book and invigilated.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss contemporary systems-based approaches to address issues related to health and disease	LO1
2	Design strategies to investigate disease mechanisms and solve research problems using contemporary systems-based approaches	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.