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Unit of study_

PAED5007: Paediatric Emergencies

Semester 1, 2022 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study is relevant to trainees in intensive care, paediatric and emergency medicine, and other clinicians providing frontline care to critically ill children. Medically and surgically based clinical scenarios are presented with a focus on the initial management of critically ill children in the emergency department and consideration of preparation for transport. Principles of ongoing management in the intensive care setting will be addressed.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PAED5007
Academic unit Paediatrics
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Shekeeb Mohammad, shekeeb.mohammad@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Fenton O'Leary, fenton.oleary@sydney.edu.au
Minna Koo, minna.koo@sydney.edu.au
Peter Procopis, peter.procopis@sydney.edu.au
Zondiwe Mwanza, zondiwe.mwanza@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment DISCUSSION TOPIC 5
Refer to the questions on Canvas
8% STUVAC 600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed: LO7
Assignment DISCUSSION TOPIC 1
Refer to the questions on Canvas
8% Week 03 600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed: LO1
In-semester test Online quiz 1
20 questions
10% Week 04 NA
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment DISCUSSION TOPIC 2
Refer to the case and questions on Canvas
8% Week 06 600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO8
In-semester test Online quiz 2
20 questions
10% Week 06 NA
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment Written Assignment
Address the case of the patient you are issued
30% Week 09 2000 words not including references.
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO8
In-semester test Online quiz 3
20 questions
10% Week 09 NA
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Assignment DISCUSSION TOPIC 3
Refer to the case and questions on Canvas
8% Week 11 600 words not including references.
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment DISCUSSION TOPIC 4
Refer to the case and questions on Canvas
8% Week 13 600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed: LO7

Assessment summary

Discussion topics:

In this unit of study, each discussion topic accounts for 8% of your assessment. Therefore, with five discussion topics, your discussion board contributions a total 40% of your grade for this unit.

You will be presented a case with questions for each discussion topic. You are expected to post, participate and respond in the discussion boards by the due dates.

Assignment

Grading: 30% of your final grade for the unit.

Word limit: 2000 words, not including references.

Referencing Style: References should be included at the end of your written paper. Cite them using the Vancouver Style and do not include them in the word count. You may locate the referencing guidelines via Unit of Study Outline > Unit of Study Information > Guidelines for Correct Referencing.

QUIZZES

There will be 3 Quizzes in this unit, each worth 10% each. See Assessment schedule in Canvas for exact due dates and times. Take care in considering your answer as you have only one attempt at completing each quiz.

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.

Grading criteria for initial posting

Grade  Range
(max. 10)
Criteria 
High Distinction 8.5-10 As for the criteria for Distinction, however the work also shows a high degree of originality, insight and probing analysis. There is evidence of the ability to extend and generalise the subject content to areas not covered in the set learning tasks. Demonstration of independent thinking, indicating potential for leadership in a topic or field.

The work is presented in compelling, coherent form.
Distinction 7.5-8.5 The work shows a good appreciation of the aim of the topic and coverage of all aspects of the topic. The work demonstrates a clear view of how the various aspects of the topic integrated to meet the aim. A rational approach to clinical reasoning is demonstrated throughout. There is good evidence of application of assignment content to a relevant context.

Knowledge of the literature and its appraisal is detailed and the work is well structured, logical, coherent and very clearly communicated.
Credit 6.5-7.5 The work is relevant, accurate and addresses the most important aspects of the topic. It shows a broad understanding of the topic and demonstrates consistently sound clinical reasoning. There is limited evidence of application of the assignment content to a relevant context.

Literature is well cited and critically appraised and the work is clearly and efficiently communicated.
Pass 5-6.5 The information in the work is relevant and generally accurate. The work is a superficial representation or analysis of the key concepts. It shows a limited understanding of the topic and basic clinical reasoning.
Fail 0-5 The information in the work is irrelevant, inaccurate or has missed the point. It includes numerous factual errors; flawed clinical reasoning and/or the conclusions are unsupported by data. The work is not submitted on the specified due date; shows evidence of plagiarism, cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty.

Grading criteria for discussion participation (maximum 10 marks)

  Outstanding
(8-10 marks
)
Average
(5-7 marks)
Weak
(0-4 marks)
Relevance and argument Critical thinking is evident in the postings; responses use novel observations to promote further discussions; strong cohesive argument is backed up with evidence. Postings are focused on the topic; responses agree or disagree with peers in a supportive manner; argument summarises the content. Postings do not address the question or topic; responses are short, irrelevant or do not offer any further insight into the topic; argument is weak or non-existent.
Integration of readings and resources Clear that readings and study resources were accessed and understood; issues and knowledge gained are coherently incorporated into responses. Some integration of the content of the readings and study resources; opinions and ideas stated clearly with occasional lack of connection to the topic. Not clear if readings and study resources were understood or used to construct a response.
Building a learning community Encourages and motivates peers by presenting creative approaches to the topic; responses value opinions of peers, and draw out or extend the other party’s thinking; accepts challenges to own view and takes up points raised in a constructive manner. Engages with a limited number of peers and occasionally directs the discussion; responses show that attention has been paid to those who have interesting and provocative things to say. Not actively involved in the online discussion; limited effort to make meaningful comments on the group’s efforts; needs constant encouragement from the tutor.
Number, regularity and frequency of postings Frequent and even distribution of responses during the semester; all postings are within the required timeframe and responses to peers are prompt; constant engagement with the discussion. Uneven distribution of postings and responses during the semester; most postings are within the required timeframe; contributes to the discussion but not always present in an ongoing way. Does not respond to most postings; postings are consistently late or at the end of the time set for the activity; rarely participates freely.

Grading Criteria - Assignments

Grade  Range  Criteria 
High Distinction 85-100% As for the criteria for Distinction, however the work also shows a high degree of originality, insight and probing analysis. There is evidence of the ability to extend and generalise the subject content to areas not covered in the set learning tasks. Demonstration of independent thinking, indicating potential for leadership in a topic or field.

The work is presented in compelling, coherent form.
Distinction 75-84% The work shows a good appreciation of the aim of the topic and coverage of all aspects of the topic. The work demonstrates a clear view of how the various aspects of the topic integrate to meet the aim. A rational approach to clinical reasoning is demonstrated throughout. There is good evidence of application of assignment content to a relevant context.

Knowledge of the literature and its appraisal is detailed and the work is well structured, logical, coherent and very clearly communicated.
Credit 65-74% The work is relevant, accurate and addresses the most important aspects of the topic. It shows a broad understanding of the topic and demonstrates consistently sound clinical reasoning. There is limited evidence of application of the assignment content to a relevant context.

Literature is well cited and critically appraised and the work is clearly and efficiently communicated.
Pass 50-64% The information in the work is relevant and generally accurate. The work is a superficial representation or analysis of the key concepts. It shows a limited understanding of the topic and basic clinical reasoning.  
 Fail 0-49% The information in the work is irrelevant, inaccurate or has missed the point. It includes numerous factual errors; flawed clinical reasoning and/or the conclusions are unsupported by data. The work is not submitted on the specified due date; shows evidence of plagiarism, cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty. 

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

 

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:

All assignments including discussion boards must be submitted by the due date. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur the following penalties: • 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 (or part thereof) late including weekend days (e.g. if the assignment is worth 40 marks, the penalty is 2 marks per day late) until the mark reaches 50% of the maximum mark (e.g. 20 marks if the maximum is 40 marks). • Assignments that are not of a pass standard will not have marks deducted and will fail regardless. • 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 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Module 1 - Resuscitation Online class (20 hr) LO2
Module 2 - Trauma and acute injury Online class (20 hr) LO1
Module 3 - Neurology Online class (10 hr) LO3
Module 4 - Cardiorespiratory Online class (20 hr) LO4 LO8
Module 5 - Surgical Online class (20 hr) LO5
Module 6 - Metabolic Online class (20 hr) LO6
Module 7 - Oncology/Infection Online class (20 hr) LO7

Attendance and class requirements

It is essential that you have regular internet access, as you will be required to engage in a number of online tasks.

You will be expected to:

  • Check your University mail electronically at least every week
  • Participate actively in online discussions. Active participation means that you are present and engage with others in discussion of ideas found in readings and/or grounded in practical experience
  • Carefully read the required course materials, including readings
  • Complete each assignment/assessment task on time
  • Write in an Academic Writing Style (if you need assistance with academic writing, see more information in the 'Referencing Written Work')

If any period of absence is completely unavoidable, we advise you to:

  • Manage your time so that you complete the readings and online tasks before you leave
  • Use the Discussion Board to advise your peers of your absence
  • Notify the Unit Coordinator

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

Throughout the modules we will provide references to support your learning. Usually, these references are to current journal articles and reviews. Required Readings are important references that you will need to read critically in order to fully meet the stated learning outcomes. Recommended readings are references for those wishing to further their knowledge in a particular area.

Many of these articles will be available to you online via the “Reading List” option in the unit’s Canvas site on the left side menu. This allows students, using the links in the Readings, to navigate directly (or near directly) to the article. You should view and read the full text of the article.

If an article is not provided via the Reading List, you will need to use the library catalogue to search for the Journal name. Then you need to access the online version of the Journal (in most instances, it will be available), then search for the article and view/download the full text.

Sometimes online access to the article is via a database subscription, e.g. Ovid, MD Consult. This means that only a certain number of users can simultaneously access the database. Consequently, this is a good practice to adopt: when you have finished accessing your article, you should check for a 'Logoff' or 'Exit' in the top right (or sometimes in the lower left) of the lowest open window. If you have a 'Logout' or 'Exit' option, use it.  If it's not there, continue working as usual.

Electronic Access to the Library

The University of Sydney Library will become an important asset for developing your own knowledge and completing the assessment requirements for this Unit of Study.

Passwords

The use of Electronic Reserve articles is restricted to current University of Sydney staff and students, therefore access to these items is password protected. When you are trying to access these electronic readings from a home or work computer, you may be prompted to login with your UniKey username and password.

How do I use the library catalogue to find references?

The University of Sydney Library has an online catalogue to help you find what is in the Library and what the Library can access electronically.

You can contact your faculty's librarian for further assistance by phone or email.

Medical Resources - via the University of Sydney Library

Database of Australian medicines: MIMS Online (please ensure that you Logoff the database after use), and the Medical Subject Guide. Compiled by librarians, is a guide to some of the available Medical resources.

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. Understand the approach to the child in a trauma setting.
  • LO2. Familiarise and understand contemporary resuscitation guidelines for different levels of paediatric life support.
  • LO3. Understand the etiological basis, pathophysiology, evaluation and initial management for children and adolescents with altered sensorium.
  • LO4. Understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of acute presentations with cardiorespiratory illness in infants and children and develop a clinical approach to evaluating and managing these children using contemporary guidelines.
  • LO5. Understand the clinical approach, initial evaluation and stabilisation for children with common surgical emergencies.
  • LO6. Understand the approach to the assessment, management and first line investigations for infants and children presenting with a wide spectrum of symptoms leading to a diagnosis of a metabolic disorder.
  • LO7. Understand the approach to assessment, evaluation and stabilisation of children with sepsis including oncology patients.
  • LO8. Understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of childhood presentations with various types of burns and a clinical approach to evaluating and managing these children using contemporary guidelines.

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. 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 Survey towards the end of the semester. 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.