Outline

Overview

This unit investigates indepth the epidemiology diagnosis and management of paediatric infectious diseases Modules of study within this unit will include worldwide patterns of infectious disease including assessment of scope of problem and burden of disease common paediatric infectious diseases current evidence based practice for diagnosis and treatment of common childhood infectious diseases infectious diseases in special populations such as immunocompromised malnourished and indigenous populations issues of policy and public health and emerging infectious diseases in paediatric settings

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	Philip Britton, philip.britton@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Philip Britton, philip.britton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Self-test quiz Students test their knowledge using these quizzes	5%	Multiple weeks	Untimed quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 1: Febrile infant Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	3%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2025 at 23:59	300 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 2: Jamie’s arthritis Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	3%	Week 05 Due date: 26 Mar 2025 at 23:59	300 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 3: Tuberculosis (TB) Case Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	8%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 23:59	400 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Refer to Canvas	22.5%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	2000 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 4: Returning Traveller Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	8%	Week 08 Due date: 16 Apr 2025 at 23:59	400 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 5: Congenital infections Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	12%	Week 10 Due date: 07 May 2025 at 23:59	600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion topic 6: Persistent fever Discussion board - Post and reply required. Refer to Canvas.	12%	Week 11 Due date: 14 May 2025 at 23:59	600 words not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Refer to Canvas	22.5%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	10 minute video presentation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	AMR Webinar and Quiz Attend AMR webinar and complete a quiz	4%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	na
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Discussion topics:

You will be assessed according to the quality of the initial posting for each topic, as well as the quality of your contributions each week to ongoing discussion, both with the module facilitators and your fellow students. Late postings will attract a penalty in grading.

For each discussion topic, in your first response (first posting to the discussion board) you should respond to all the questions and issues outlined in that discussion topic task by the due date. In your subsequent responses, you should respond to any questions asked by the clinicians, and you may choose to respond to questions or issues raised by other students.

NOTE: You must create a thread and submit your first response in order to view other threads in a forum.

You are encouraged to read all the current discussion threads (messages), particularly before you make responses to discussions raised by students.

Your initial posting answer to each discussion topic is to be submitted by Wednesday (due date) of the relevant week, so that you and your peers have time to read and comment on one another's discussion postings. Each discussion topic closes ten days from the initial post due date for any posts that will be marked.

Discussion boards will be made available a week before the first post is due.

First post: Wednesday of each relevant week, at 23:59 (AEDT/AEST)

Final responses: Saturday of each relevant week, at 23:59 (AEDT/AEST).

Grading: This assessment will contribute 50% of your final grade for the unit. Please refer to the assessments section for more information.

Assignment 1 and 2

Grading:

Assignment 1 will contribute 22.5% of your final grade for this unit.
Assignment 2 will contribute 22.5% of your final grade for this unit.
Word limit: 2000 words, not including references, 10minute presentation, respectively.

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.

Your written assignments and discussion tasks will be marked according to the Grading Criteria and Assessment Policy. Please refer to Canvas for information.

Self-test quizzes

Self-test quizzes help prepare students for future assessments by providing the opportunity to test their knowledge and receive feedback.

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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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 (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.

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
Multiple weeks	Module 1: Introduction to infectious diseases (Weeks 1-3)	Online class (30 hr)
	Module 2: Clinical case studies (Weeks 4, 5 & 7)	Online class (30 hr)
	Module 3 : Infectious diseases in special populations (Weeks 8-10)	Online class (30 hr)
	Module 4: Infectious disease mimics (Weeks 11 & 12)	Online class (20 hr)
	Module 5: Policy and public health aspects (Week 13)	Online class (20 hr)

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.

Study commitment

Required readings

All readings will be available on unit Canvas site.

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 epidemiology of infectious diseases of global significant in children
LO2. Understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of common infectious diseases in children.
LO3. Analyze mechanisms of susceptibility to infectious diseases in infants and children
LO4. Differentiate the clinical features of infectious diseases and non-infectious differential diagnoses
LO5. Apply best evidence to the management of paediatric infectious disease including selection of antimicrobial therapy
LO6. Evaluate different approaches to the management of paediatric infectious disease including selection of antimicrobial therapy
LO7. Generate brief management plans for common paediatric infectious diseases with clear rationale
LO8. Analyze prevention and control strategies used for infectious diseases in childhood
LO9. Analyze trends in and underlying factors influencing emergencce of infectious diseases including antimicrobial resistance
LO10. Classify mechanisms of antimicrobial action and pathogen resistance to antimicrobials

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. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time especially during the unit of study evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. Please note that your participation in this unit of study survey 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

Discussion topics:

Assignment 1 and 2

Self-test quizzes

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

PMED5100: Paediatric Infectious Diseases

Semester 1, 2025 [Online] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Discussion topics:

Assignment 1 and 2

Self-test quizzes

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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