Outline

Overview

This unit of study focuses on infectious diseases, integrating the science underpinning the cause and treatment of infectious diseases, with pharmacy practice-related aspects. The science component focuses on the biology and pathogenicity of microorganisms; the physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of infectious diseases; the antimicrobial agents used to treat infections, and the related issue of antimicrobial resistance; as well as cleanroom technology, sterile production, compounding, and infection control measures. All these underpin and provide context to the practice-related components of the unit, which includes extemporaneous preparations, dispensing, medicines and health services, and antimicrobial stewardship. Students reinforce learning through participating in hands-on practicals and applying their knowledge and skills in workshops and tutorials involving case-based scenarios of managing patients with infectious diseases.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1XX1) and (BIOL1009 or BIOL1X07) and PHAR1921
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lifeng Kang, lifeng.kang@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
Written exam ?	Final exam Final exam (written)	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	prework for pracs 2 and 3 prework for pracs 2 and 3	3%	Multiple weeks	5-10 minutes for each quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Oral presentation in weeks 12 and 13	20%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation participation in pracs and workshops.	3%	Multiple weeks	6 attendances in total	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	prework for Prac 1 prework quiz for Prac 1	1%	Week 03	5-10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid-semester exam In-semester test (written)	20%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2024 at 09:30	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Interprofessional Communication Education (ICE) Workshop Creation & evaluation of Transition of Care Plan during two (2) workshop sessions held on consecutive weeks.	0%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical report Individual prac report.	13%	Week 12 Due date: 25 Oct 2024 at 23:59	as shown in the report template.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Final exam: The final exam will consist of a series of multiple-choice questions. All aspects of the unit of study from the lectures will be examinable. Student must pass final exam to pass the unit.

Mid-semester exam: This is a closed-book, multiple-choice assessment. Questions of the mid-term exam come from materials from the first 7 weeks of semester. This includes all lectures and practical lab classes, including theoretical background of practical classes as well as the results of each exercise.

Oral presentation. This is a group work. The oral presentation should be carried out in groups of ~5 students, based on the scenario provided to each group. Peer assessment will be applied to marks. Student's must passthis assessment to pass the unit.

Practical report: A report template will be provided, for students to answer the questions based on the practicals. Both multiple-choice and short answer questions will be included. The deadline for submission will be specified in the report template.

Practical prework: Prior to each practical, students need to complete an online assessment (a series of multiple-choice questions) related to that practical. Students are required to answer questions without consulting other students.

Practical and workshop participation: Attendance at all practical and workshop sessions is compulsory. Students are always required to comply with the laboratory rules. Pre-lab tasks must be completed prior to coming to class. Student must paricipate to pass the unit.

Interprofessional Communication Education (ICE) Workshop: Students work in interprofessional groups to create and evaluate a Transition of Care Plan based on the provided case study. Students are required to attend two (2) 1.5 hour workshops held on consecutive weeks to successfully fulfil the mandatory requirements of the workshop.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

A fail in any hurdle task will result in a maximum mark of 45 FA for the unit of study.

AI allowed

You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment.  Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.

Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output.

If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.

 Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission, must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

 You are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

No use of AI (Mid semester and final exams)

 The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence is prohibited in this assessment. You are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software and other generative artificial intelligence tools.

 Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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
HD	Range from 85 to 100 inclusive	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
DI	Range from 75 to less than 85	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
CR	Range from 65 to less than 75	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
PS	Range from 50 to less than 65	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
FA	Range from 0 to less than 50	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty. This grade, with corresponding mark, should also be used in cases where a student fails to achieve a mandated standard in a compulsory assessment, thereby failing to demonstrate the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. In such cases the student will receive the mark awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.

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:

Group Work: Non submission of peer assessment will result in a factor of zero (0) being applied to the non-submitter’s groupwork 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
Mid-semester break	AMS	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Multiple weeks	Interprofessional learning workshops in Weeks 9 and 10	Workshop (3 hr)
	Pharmacy practice on antimicrobials in weeks 10 and 11	Workshop (4 hr)
	Self directed learning	Independent study (63 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medically Important Bacteria I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medically Important Bacteria II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Medically Important Viruses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medically Important Eukaryotes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Physical Sterilisation I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aseptic processing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Physical Sterilisation II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Chemical Antimicrobial Agents I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Chemical antimicrobial agents II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aseptic processing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Contamination Control and Cleanroom	Lecture (1 hr)
	GMP	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacy Sterile Production	Lecture (1 hr)
	Filtration, disinfection and preservation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Antibiotics I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antibiotics II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antibiotics III	Lecture (1 hr)
	Filtration, disinfection and preservation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Antibiotics IV	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antifungals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antivirals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sterile compounding	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Antivirals Hepatitis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antivirals HIV	Lecture (1 hr)
	AMS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sterile compounding	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Sterile production	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Vaginal thrush	Lecture (1 hr)
	STI	Lecture (1 hr)
	Travel medicine	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Practice points on antimicrobials I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Practice points on antimicrobials II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Practice points on antimicrobials III	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Antimicrobials in Indigenous people	Lecture (1 hr)
	PK consideration of antibiotics	Lecture (1 hr)
	GIT infections	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend a minimum of 85% of tutorials, workshops/and laboratory sessions to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study.

If a tutorial/lab/workshop is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the tutorial/laboratory/workshop/placement will be marked as unprofessional, which is a component of the class participation and professionalism assessment.

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. Describe a microorganism's structure, function, bio-relationships and pathological processes of infection in humans for each major microbial group (bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoas).
LO2. Explain the chemistry and pharmacology that underpin the mechanism of action and activity of antimicrobial medicines.
LO3. Describe the physiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of infectious diseases.
LO4. Describe the importance of managing microbial contamination in pharmaceutical products and demonstrate knowledge of good manufacturing practice and skills in sterile production.
LO5. Explain the cause and impact of antimicrobial resistance and list the main components of Australia's national antimicrobial resistance strategy.
LO6. Describe the pharmacist's role in infectious diseases management, including in antimicrobial stewardship.
LO7. Propose, and justify the rationale for, the most appropriate pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological treatment(s) tailored for a specific patient and their circumstances, using relevant evidence-based resources.
LO8. Dispense and/or prepare pharmaceutical products for a patient with an infectious condition in a legal, safe and ethical manner.
LO9. Communicate effectively and appropriately, in a culturally capable manner with patients, families, carers and other health professionals.
LO10. Demonstrate patient-centred care in interactions with patients, families and carers relating to antimicrobial medicines.
LO11. Provide appropriate tailored advice and counselling to a patient with an infectious condition to ensure the quality use of medicines.
LO12. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
LO13. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning team.
LO14. Contribute effectively as a pharmacist member of a multidisciplinary health care team to optimise patient outcomes.

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.

1) The number of lectures have been increased from 2 to 3 per week. 2) Interprofessional Communication Education (ICE) Workshop has been added to PHAR2921.

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

Early feedback task

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

PHAR2921: Infectious Diseases

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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