±¬ÁÏÍõ

Unit outline_

IMPA3888: Immunopathology Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit expands on your disciplinary knowledge in Immunology and Pathology by viewing it in the context of real-world health problems. The major aim of the unit is to work with students from other areas of the University to understand that a disease is not purely a host versus pathogen paradigm but integrates human behaviour, culture, economics, and geography. Depending on the disease, these factors may be as important as the pathogen itself in defining our approach to treatments. These interactions have been vividly demonstrated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or complex disorders such as depression, societal factors can the major or sole aetiological agent. Solving these non-communicable diseases are 'wicked' problems that require biomedical scientists to look outside their usual armamentarium. This unit will introduce to you, using a series of expert discussions and workshops, to other perspectives of disease management including science, policy, and commercial considerations. Once empowered with this wider understanding of the disease landscape we will challenge you individually, and as part of a interdisciplinary team to define and solve a complex health problem important to Australia. Your group will produce a consultancy report that directs research, policy and investment towards the area(s) that you consider most likely to reduce the burden of this disease. Additional assessment tasks will include reflective statements considering the relative strengths of biomedical science versus other disciplinary approaches and oral/video presentations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02 or IMMU2101 or IMMU2X11
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Fundamental cellular and molecular immunology and pathology as taught in IMMU3102 and CPAT3201

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Greg Sutherland, g.sutherland@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz Online Quiz on interdisciplinary work
Online Quiz on Basics of interdisciplinary work
5% Week 04
Due date: 30 Aug 2026 at 23:59
30 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Creative work Disciplinary Project Proposal
Individual
15% Week 06
Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59
Infographic poster (A2 Powerpoint) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Written work Disciplinary project report
Individual
30% Week 09
Due date: 11 Oct 2026 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Presentation group assignment Project presentation (Pitch)
Group
10% Week 12
Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 17:00
15 minutes powerpoint-type presentation AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Written work group assignment Final project output
Group
30% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59
3000 words+ 500 word reflection (indiv) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Evaluation group assignment Peer evaluation
Peer evaluation task
10% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59
1 hour online survey AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Ìý

  • Discipline proposal: Individual - outline ofÌýreport (literature review) as an infographic (poster).
  • Discipline written report: IndividualÌý - report (literature review) on disease susceptibility issue of your choice - 1500 word report.Ìý
  • Interdisciplinary presentation: GroupÌý - oral presentation.
  • Interdisciplinary group written report: Group 3000 word (consultancy)Ìýreport on a zoonotic health problem that showcases contributions from all group members.
  • Teamwork participation and evaluation:ÌýIndividual 2x Peerwise evaluation of self and group members.
  • Reflective online Quizzes: Reflect on how you have developed certain graduate qualities (6 –Ìý9).

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (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.

For more information see .

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 theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails 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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date. 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. 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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our websiteÌýprovides 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 theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich 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 theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

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 aÌýsimple 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 forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes 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 PolicyÌýreflects 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Interdisciplinary Panel Discussion and student Q&A - "Welcome & Unit overview, principles of engagement activity" Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Introduction to scientific writing Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 The importance of interdisciplinary approaches- examples involving drivers of disease Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Reviewing the literature Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 Introduction to disease susceptibility and resistance (includes chronic disease) Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Disease resistance Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Disease Resistance and surveillance Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Digital health in Remote Communities Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 05 Closing the Gap Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Discovery and the rise of big data Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Climate change and (vector-borne) disease Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Public Health and Policy (Report Writing) Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Strengthening One Health genomic surveillance Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
The Health Gap – An Australian Priority! Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 08 Revisit interdisciplinary and in-session participation Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
The essentials of persuasive presentations Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Optional Drop-In Group tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 09 Evaluating risk Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Student presentations- framing the issue- background, host and pathogen, issues, stakeholders Workshop (3 hr) LO5 LO6
Optional online group tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 10 Surveillance- key questions and surveillance approaches to match Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Student presentations- critical evaluation of risk Workshop (3 hr) LO5 LO6
Optional Online Group Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 11 Broader approaches Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Student presentations- Surveillance- key questions and surveillance approaches to match Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Optional Online Group Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 12 Wrapping up - challenges/opportunities/realities of working at the nexus of science, business, and governance Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Student presentations- broader approaches- pros and cons Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Optional Online Group Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 13 Wrap up Tutorial (1 hr)  
Optional Online Group Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Optional drop In group session Tutorial (1 hr)  

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. Apply immunology and pathology knowledge to solve health problems in an interdisciplinary context
  • LO2. Design an investigation strategy, explore solutions, discuss approaches and predict outcomes
  • LO3. Find, evaluate, and analyse data using modern information technology and digital skills
  • LO4. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in teams
  • LO5. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different areas of specialisation and across cultural boundaries
  • LO6. Communicate in a professional manner to a range of audiences using a variety of media

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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

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

This Unit will run for the first time in S2, 2020

Disclaimer

Important: the ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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 .