Outline

Overview

Cardiovascular Resuscitation teaches, applies and showcases all the critical care skills and knowledge needed to diagnose, manage and resuscitate the common critical care emergencies. This unit introduces students to all the major adult life support guidelines and associated procedures, offering pathways to ALS2 certification. Content contains modules alongside supportive webinars showcasing and applying real critical care cases including skills in ECGs, blood gases, xrays and focussed ultrasound. Principles of crisis resource management and post resuscitation care are also 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)	Mark Russell, m.russell@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 Details on Canvas	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Ungraded MCQs x 4 4 x Graded MCQs	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded SAQ 1 1 x Case Based Scenario SAQ	10%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pecha Kucha Pecha Kucha with response to peers. PK worth 20% and response worth 10%	30%	Week 09 Due date: 11 Oct 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded SAQ 2 1 x Case Based Scenario SAQ	10%	Week 11 Due date: 25 Oct 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test	Live Presentation 10 minute live zoom presentation	20%	Week 13	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Ungraded MCQs: 4 x Multiple Choice Questions based on content of specific weeks
SAQ: Students are required to answer a set of short answer questions based on a case scenario which will be provided on Canvas.
Pecha Kucha + Response to peers: A Pecha Kucha is a Japanese story-telling format where a speaker presents 20 slides and discusses each slide for 20 seconds each. Each student will be allocated a resuscitation topic, to be presented in a PechaKucha style. Students are then required to comment on two other students’ Pecha Kucha submission.
Final Exam: Students will be required to sit a 120-minute exam during the formal exam period. More details will be provided via the Canvas Site.

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	Week 1: Principles of Advanced Life Support & Crisis Resource Management	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Week 2: Airway & Ventilation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Advanced Life Support (ALS)	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 04	Week 4: Arrhythmias & Pacing	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) & Aortic Dissection	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 07	Week 7: Point of Care Ultrasound	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 08	Week 8: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 09	Week 9: Vascular Support	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	Week 10: Environment	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: Special Populations	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 12	Week 12: Post Resuscitation Care	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 13	Week 13: Post Resuscitation Care pt.2	Self-directed learning (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please note that there are 6 x teaching webinars (and a introductory and pre-exam webinar) running this semester. It is compulsory to attend 3/6 webinars. More details on dates will be provided on the Canvas site.

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. Recognise the features of a deteriorating patient and apply standardised methods of resuscitation using a structured ABCDE approach.
LO2. Understand the management principals within the Australian Resuscitation Council cardiac arrest algorithm.
LO3. Utilise a structured approach to identification and management of reversible causes of the arrested patient.
LO4. Appropriately initiate, monitor and escalate resuscitation techniques, including but not limited to, CPR, airway management, manual defibrillation and pacing, vascular access techniques, and post resuscitation care.
LO5. Care for the deteriorating patient or patient in cardiac and/or respiratory arrest and in special circumstances, lead a team, work as a team member, and use structured communication skills including giving an effective handover.
LO6. Interpretation of common electrocardiogram and blood gas results, including evaluating aetiologies
LO7. Apply bedside echocardiography into an advanced diagnostic and management resuscitation framework.

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.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CRIT5020: Cardiovascular Resuscitation

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links