Outline

Overview

The Cardiology syllabus is designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who are either trainee physicians or have a special interest in the practice of cardiology. The content is focussed on diagnosis and investigation of common cardiologic conditions and the essentials of management of these conditions. The module learning materials are linked to a library of clinical cases representing common and important cardiologic conditions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Internal Medicine
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	This unit of study assumes theoretical and practical knowledge at least at the level of a registered medical practitioner
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Preeti Choudhary, preeti.choudhary@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Katharine Bate, katharine.bate@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Multiple Choice Questions	40%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Graded quizzes Multiple Choice Questions	10%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Case Discussion Case Study	15%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1 primary response and 2 peer replies	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Case Presentation Online	15%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	5-7 minutes + peer review	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Case report Report	20%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Graded quizzes: There are graded multiple choice quizzes from weeks 1-13 that address learning outcomes in material that you have covered. The quizzes are taken at a time of the student’s choosing within an allotted time-frame. Reference materials may be used to help.
Case Discussion: Students are to detail what they see as the main priorities for the initial assessment and management for the case provided.
Case Presentation: Students will select a provided clinical case, then utilise a generative AI tool to assist with analysis/summarisation of the case, and critically evaluate the AI's role in their clinical reasoning. They will deliver a 5–7 minute PowerPoint presentation summarising the case, discussing their diagnostic approach, management plan, and the AI's contribution, with emphasis on its benefits, limitations, and implications for practice. Students will also submit a peer review as part of this assessment.
Case report: Students should aim to produce a report, not including references. In general, about a third of the report should be allocated to the case report and two thirds to discussion of the case. The report should be based on a patient the student has cared for, or seen, in the course of their clinical work. The case report can be formatted as a narrative or, arranged with headings of; history of the presenting illness, previous medical history, social history, examination, investigations, and diagnosis.
Final exam: The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. This is known as "Live+ (Type A)" exam. You will be required to schedule your exam later in the semester. The exam will contain multiple-choice questions (single best answer). The exam is "closed book", you are not permitted any materials with you for this exam.

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.

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: cardiovascular risk and primary prevention	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1.2: stable coronary artery disease	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 1.3: unstable coronary artery disease	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 2.1: systolic murmurs	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2.2: diastolic murmurs and infective endocarditis	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 2.3: cardiomyopathy and systolic heart failure - chronic heart failure	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 2.4: cardiomyopathy and heart failure - acute heart failure and mycocarditis	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 3.1: palpitations and atrial arrhythmias	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 3.2: syncope, bradyarrhythmias	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 3.3: ventricular arrhythmias	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 4.1: pericardial diseases and introduction to pulmonary hypertension	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 4.2: aortic diseases	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 4.3: introduction to congenital heart disease	Self-directed learning (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 are available on Canvas.

Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine

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. outline the important pathophysiology that contributes to atherogenesis
LO2. describe the risk factors and clinical management of coronary artery disease including investigation of chest pain, primary prevention, secondary prevention, intervention, and medical management in stable and unstable disease
LO3. understand the aetiology and medical management/device management principles in acute and chronic heart failure
LO4. explain the causes, appropriate medical management, and indications or intervention in valvular heart disease
LO5. identify the common atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and describe the acute and chronic management plans for these arrhythmias
LO6. describe the common presentations, causes investigation and management of syncope
LO7. understand the basic indications for implantable pacemakers and defibrillators
LO8. outline the basic pathophysiology, investigation and management of channelopathies and cardiomyopathies which may manifest in sudden cardiac death
LO9. describe the presentation, investigation, and management principles in the myocarditis and pericardial diseases
LO10. outline the common Aortopathies and the management and intervention strategies for these
LO11. describe the classification, investigation, and management options in pulmonary hypertension
LO12. outline basic conditions and management principles of the congenital heart disease.

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. 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. No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INTM5014: Cardiology

Semester 1, 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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links