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Unit outline_

CRIT5012: Mechanical Ventilation

Semester 1, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Mechanical ventilation is a common supportive therapy in the critical care environment. Students in this unit of study will become familiar with mechanical ventilator design and function, learn to interpret ventilator waveforms and measured data, and develop an understanding of the physiological consequences of mechanical ventilation. Commonly used models of mechanical ventilators are discussed and students will have the opportunity to become acquainted with their performance characteristics. Case-based discussions will be used to explore common strategies for ventilation in different clinical scenarios, including the operating theatre, the emergency department, and in the ICU.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Critical Care
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alexei Yartsev, alex.yartsev@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Online MCQ and short answer
40% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small test Module quizzes
Online MCQ
30% Multiple weeks 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small test Clinical case discussions
Online discussion
30% Multiple weeks 3 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO7 LO8

Assessment summary

  • Module quizzes: Each of the 4 modules in this unit of study is assessed with a graded quiz. Students are allowed one attempt only to complete the graded quizzes. Each graded quiz consists of 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The MCQs require students to select either the single most correct response or to select multiple correct responses.
  • Clinical case discussions: The case discussions are designed to help you understand and apply the concepts being taught in this unit. In these discussions, you will be presented with a case and asked to respond to the questions posed. There are 3 case discussions throughout the semester, and you are required to post a response to every case discussion. 
  • Final exam: The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. The exam will contain 40 multiple-choice questions (single best answer) and 2 short answer questions.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

Please note, for this unit of study (CRIT5012) the late submission penalty will be 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date for 10 calendar days only. This is to ensure that timely feedback is provided to students. If the assessment is submitted more than 10 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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 Module 1: therapeutic use of medical gases Online class (10 hr)  
Week 02 Module 1: therapeutic use of medical gases Online class (10 hr)  
Week 03 Module 1: therapeutic use of medical gases Online class (10 hr)  
Week 04 Module 2: basics of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 05 Module 2: basics of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 06 Module 2: basics of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 07 Module 3: practical use of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 08 Module 3: practical use of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 09 Module 3: practical use of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 10 Module 3: practical use of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 11 Module 4: specific applications of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 12 Module 4: specific applications of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 hr)  
Week 13 Module 4: specific applications of mechanical ventilation Online class (10 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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Tobin, Martin J. (2013). Principles and practice of mechanical ventilation. New York: McGraw-Hill. (https://accessmedicine mhmedical-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/book.aspx bookid=520) 
  • Cairo, J. (2016). Pilbeam’s mechanical ventilation : physiological and clinical applications (Sixth edition.). Saint Louis, Missouri: Elsevier. (https://www-clinicalkey-com-au.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/nursing/#!/browse/book/3-s2.0 C2013004707X) 
  • Ehrenwerth, J., Eisenkraft, J., & Berry, J. (2013). Anesthesia equipment principles and applications (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders. (https://www-clinicalkey-com-au.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/#!/browse/book/3-s2.0-C20110071636)

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. Explain the rationale for oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, including its effects on human physiology
  • LO2. Appropriately initiate, monitor and escalate respiratory support consisting of oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation
  • LO3. Describe medical gas supply systems, common ventilator systems, respiratory circuits and humidifier equipment, including their safety features and limitations
  • LO4. Manipulate user-controlled variables on a mechanical ventilator and predict the physiological consequences of the resulting changes
  • LO5. Interpret ventilator data, including ventilator waveforms
  • LO6. Analyse common ventilator problems
  • LO7. Apply evidence-based solutions to routine and complex patient care scenarios, including those requiring advanced mechanical ventilation strategies such as ARDS, bronchospasm and one-lung ventilation
  • LO8. Correctly modify ventilator therapies and apply non-ventilator strategies to minimise complications and maximise effectiveness from mechanical ventilation.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

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.