Outline

Overview

Clinical toxicology is concerned with the risk assessment and management of drugs, chemicals and venoms in humans. This unit introduces students to common poisonings and envenomations in Australia and provides a framework for the initial resuscitation and risk assessment of the affected patient. Principles of supportive care, decontamination, enhanced elimination and specific antidotes will also be explored.

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	Khanh Nguyen, khanh.nguyen1@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Paris Ramrakha, paris.ramrakha@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam MCQs, EMQs & SAQs	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Performance	Drug in a Hurry Recording	10%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59	90 seconds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Mental Health Act Discussion Case discussion	10%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2026 at 23:59	500 words plus 2 replies to peers	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	SAQ 1 Short answer questions	10%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 23:59	5 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pecha Kucha Pecha Kucha	20%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2026 at 23:59	6 minutes 40 seconds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	SAQ 2 Short answer questions	10%	Week 11 Due date: 25 Oct 2026 at 23:59	9 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Drug in a Hurry - 90 Second Video

Students will be allocated a commonly prescribed drug, and are to film themselves explaining, in 90 seconds or less, its important pharmacology and toxicology.

Mental Health Act Discussion

This task asks you to briefly describe a case you have seen, or a potential case, of a patient who has taken a toxic ingestion, and did refuse, or is refusing treatment. Describe the details of the case presentation, the risk assessment, and what treatment is proposed.

2 x Short Answer Questions

Students must respond to a set of questions per SAQ in response to a scenario that is presented to them.

Pecha Kucha

A Pecha Kucha (PK) is a Japanese story-telling format where a speaker presents 20 slides and discusses each slide for 20 seconds each. Each student is to prepare a PK about a rare drug or poison - topics will be allocated.

Final Graded Exam (Online)

The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. The exam will contain multiple choice questions (single best answer) and short answer questions. The exam will be timed for 120 minutes. Please note that the final mark for your exam will not be released.

Points are awarded for correct answers. No points are deducted for incorrect answers so all questions should be attempted.

This exam also contains short answer questions. Points available for each question are clearly marked. The use of brief statements and dot points is encouraged rather than a composed essay. You are not required to produce diagrams or graphs.

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.

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.

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
Week 01	Module 1.1: Resuscitation, Risk Assessment and Supportive Care	Placement (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1.2: Decontamination Techniques; Hepatotoxins	Placement (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 1.3: Enhanced Elimination; Renal Toxicity	Placement (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 1.4: Enhanced Elimination cont'd: Anticoagulants	Placement (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 1.5: Cardiotoxic Agents: Sodium Channel Blockade	Placement (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 1.6: Cardiotoxins cont'd: Beta Blockade, Calcium Channel Blockade and the QT Interval	Placement (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 2.1: Antipsychotic Drugs and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome	Placement (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 2.2: Cholinergic Toxidrome and Agents of Chemical Warfare	Placement (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 2.3: Stimulant Toxidrome, Serotonergic Toxicity, and Anticholinergic Toxic	Placement (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 2.4: Sedatives	Placement (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 2.5: Alcohol(s) and Withdrawal Syndromes	Placement (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 2.6: Paediatric Poisonings	Placement (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 2.7: Envenomation and Poisonous Plants	Placement (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Online only. It is expected you will spend about 10 hours per week completing the unit.

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. Explain the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of common poisons; To inform and create a robust risk assessment framework for every poisoned patient; To allow the rational application of appropriate decontamination and enhanced elimination techniques
LO2. Explain the impact of specific toxins on physiological systems;To formulate a rational resuscitation plan
LO3. Apply evidence-based principles and techniques to the management of common toxins
LO4. Apply and adapt resuscitation principles to the specific setting of poisoning
LO5. Critique the available literature and identify credible information sources for the management of critically unwell patients
LO6. Analyse the use of important antidotes.
LO7. Critique the use and indications of mechanical and extracorporeal techniques in toxicology
LO8. Demonstrate a holistic and sensitive approach to the poisoned patient, recognising the biopsychosocial aspects of self-harm and suicidal behaviour
LO9. Identify safety issues such as child protection and family violence and incorporate these risks into the management and disposition plan
LO10. Liaise with associated services, such as mental health and social work, in addition to critical care and single-organ support teams

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.

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.

Additional information

Students should be advised that this course on Clinical Toxicology discusses poisoning in our contemporary context, and as such makes reference to people who have experienced self-harm behaviour, non-accidental injury, and violence. If this raises concerns or triggers for you, please know that you can reach out at any time to Dr. Paris Ramrakha, the course co-ordinator. All discussions will be completely confidential.

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CRIT5017: Introduction to Clinical Toxicology

Semester 2, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links