Outline

Overview

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

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)	Nicholas Cheng, nche7043@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Shekeeb Mohammad, shekeeb.mohammad@sydney.edu.au
	Fenton O'Leary, fenton.oleary@sydney.edu.au
	Minna Koo, minna.koo@sydney.edu.au
	Zondiwe Mwanza, zondiwe.mwanza@sydney.edu.au
	Dermot McDowell, dermot.mcdowell@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
Contribution	Discussions Online discussion	50%	Multiple weeks	5 discussions, 600 words each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 - Resuscitation Online quiz	10%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 - Neurology Online quiz	10%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59	30 Minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written assignment Essay	20%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3: Surgical Online quiz	10%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	20 minutes	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 2021 (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.

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:

Assessment tasks that are submitted late and have not been granted an approved extension or special consideration application will attract a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date for 10 calendar days. If the assessment is submitted more than 10 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: Resuscitation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Resuscitation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 1: Resuscitation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 1: Resuscitation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Trauma	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 3: Neurology	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 4: Cardiorespiratory	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 4: Cardiorespiratory	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 5: Surgical	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 5: Surgical	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 6: Metabolic	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 6: Metabolic	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 7: Sepsis in immunocompromised patients	Self-directed learning (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Fully 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. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

UoS coordinator considered feedback and made appropriate changes/improvements. Feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student is highly valued. To ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and ask you especially to complete the mid-semester evaluation and the Unit of Study Survey (USS) towards the end of the semester. Your participation in the USS permits de-identified information about your learning experience to be used for the purpose of improving future student learning experiences.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PAED5007: Paediatric Emergencies

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Westmead, 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