Outline

Overview

This unit examines the pathophysiology presentation and diagnosis of a range of endocrine disorders affecting infants, children and adolescents. There will be a focus on normal growth and development and its variants, thyroid disease at different ages, adrenal disease, bone health and diabetes diagnosis and management using case based scenarios. Recent evidence and latest guidelines for management will be investigated and discussed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Paediatrics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Patrina Caldwell, patrina.caldwell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jeffrey Yeung, jeffrey.yeung@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Myra Sui Yen Poon, mpoo1946@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Joel Vanderniet, joel.vanderniet@sydney.edu.au
	Ashley Alexander, ashley.alexander@sydney.edu.au
	Stephanie French, stephanie.french@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Discussion board Online discussions	40%	Multiple weeks	7 discussion topics	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 1 Prepare a discussion paper and respond to a set of questions	15%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 Online quiz	15%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 Online quiz	15%	Week 12 Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 Prepare a discussion paper and respond to a set of questions	15%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
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.

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:

Late assignments that have not been granted extensions and are of a standard to receive a pass or higher mark will attract a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark per day late including weekend days. Assignments submitted more than 10 days late without prior approval from the unit of study coordinator will not be accepted and will be given a zero (0) mark.

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: Growth and puberty	Independent study (30 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Growth and puberty	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 1: Growth and puberty	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 2: Childhood diabetes	Individual study (10 hr)
Week 04	Online webinar (optional)	Online class (1 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Childhood diabetes	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 2: Childhood diabetes	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 3: Thyroid disorders	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 3: Thyroid disorders	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 3: Thyroid disorders	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 4: Adrenal and Pituitary	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 4: Adrenal and Pituitary	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 4: Adrenal and Pituitary	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 5: Calcium and bones	Independent study (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Complete online unit of study.

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 Canvas

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. Discuss the causes and pathophysiology of short and tall stature
LO2. Discuss the causes of pathophysiology precocious and delayed puberty
LO3. Demonstrate steps in investigating childhood short stature, pubertal problems and menstrual problems in adolescence
LO4. Outline the types and stages of diabetes in children and adolescents
LO5. Delineate the clinical manifestations and management at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
LO6. Appraise and summarise management options including types of insulins, common injection regimens, insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring and new technology
LO7. Recognise the spectrum of long-term complications of diabetes
LO8. Outline disorders of the thyroid in newborns and infants- congenital hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, congenital hyperthyroidism
LO9. Outline disorders of the thyroid in older children and adolescents- hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
LO10. Demonstrate steps to manage an infant with a positive newborn screening test result for congenital hypothyroidism
LO11. Outline investigation of older children and adolescents with abnormal thyroid function tests
LO12. Describe disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands in the newborn period and in older children and adolescents.
LO13. Outline steps in managing an unwell child with an underlying adrenal or pituitary gland disorder
LO14. Demonstrate approach to investigating older children and adolescents with abnormal adrenal or pituitary function tests.
LO15. Discuss clinical and biochemical assessment of bone health in neonates and children.
LO16. Outline steps in management of a child with hypocalcaemia.
LO17. Outline steps in investigating children and adolescents with recurrent fractures
LO18. Outline steps in assessment the bone health of children and know when referral to a Paediatric Endocrinologist is necessary

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

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.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PAED5006: Paediatric Endocrinology

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links