Outline

Overview

This unit examines the worldwide status and trends in child and adolescent allergic disease. It explores the determinants, clinical assessment, medical complications, management and prevention of these important public health problems. Our aim is to inspect the current clinical practice and principles that underlie the diagnosis and management of paediatric allergic disorders. There is a close integration of epidemiology, basic science and best available evidence in management that are revealed through clinically based scenarios. Important cutting edge and controversial concepts and treatments are explored.

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)	Peter Hsu, peter.hsu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Discussion topic 1: Atopy Online discussion	6.25%	Week 02 Due date: 12 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Aug 2026	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion topic 2: Food allergy - Investigations Online discussion	6.25%	Week 04 Due date: 26 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Sep 2026	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 1 Written assignment	20%	Week 05 Due date: 06 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion topic 3: Non-IgE mediated food allergy Online discussion	6.25%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Sep 2026	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion topic 4: Insect allergy Online discussion	6.25%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Sep 2026	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Multiple Choice Quiz 1: Overview and Innate immune system Online quiz	10%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Multiple Choice Quiz 2: Adaptive - Cellular/T-cell immunity Online quiz	10%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 Written assignment	25%	Week 12 Due date: 01 Nov 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Multiple Choice Quiz (MCQ) 3: Autoimmunity/autoinflammation Online quiz	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessmet 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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 assignemnts that have not been granted extensiosna nd 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 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: Epidemiology, basic science and prevention	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Epidemiology, basic science and prevention	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 2: Clinical paediatric allergy – Food allergy, atopic dermatitis and urticaria	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 2: Clinical paediatric allergy – Food allergy, atopic dermatitis and urticaria	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Clinical paediatric allergy – Food allergy, atopic dermatitis and urticaria	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 3: Paediatric rhinitis and insect allergy	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 3: Paediatric rhinitis and insect allergy	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 4: Overview and innate immune system	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 4: Overview and innate immune system	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 5: Adaptive - Cellular/T-cell immunity	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 5: Adaptive - Cellular/T-cell immunity	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 6: Adaptive - Humoural/B-cell immunity	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 7: Autoimmunity/Autoinflammation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit can be completed entirely via online 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 are available 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. Describe and discuss epidemiology and pathophysiology of allergic disorders in children.
LO2. Describe and appraise the evidence for primary prevention strategies, controversies, novel treatments and determinants of outcome in allergic disorders.
LO3. Describe and discuss the concepts relating to atopic march, IgE and non IgE mediated food allergy, atopic dermatitis and urticaria.
LO4. Demonstrate a high-level ability to recognise, diagnose and manage complex chronic allergic children who present with multiple system involvement and allergic disorders which are resistant to standard treatments.
LO5. Describe and discuss the typical clinical presentation and clinical features of Allergic rhinitis and Insect allergy.
LO6. Demonstrate ability to recognise, diagnose and manage allergic disorders including those with complex multiple system involvement and drug resistant scenarios.
LO7. Demonstrate a high-level ability to understand the mechanism by which immunotherapy may work in allergic rhinitis and insect allergy.
LO8. Review and recognise the components of the human innate immune system and adaptive immune response - cellular and humoral and their physiological roles.
LO9. Explain the role and importance of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) and recognize immune defects in this pathway.
LO10. Be able to understand and describe T lymphocyte subsets, their development and function in normal immune response and disease states.
LO11. Understand the pathophysiological basis of SCID and apply this understanding to interpret newborn screening for SCID, clinical presentations with SCID and treatment principles.
LO12. Be able to understand antibody diversity and explain B lymphocyte development and antibody production in normal immune response and disease states.
LO13. Discriminate various examples of immune deficiencies associated with antibody deficiency.
LO14. Develop an understanding of immunogenomics through examples of monogenic models of disease.
LO15. Understand and describe the pathophysiologic mechnsisms for autoimmunity and autoinflammation.
LO16. Integrate the understanding of pathophysiologic pathways in diseases of the immune system to recognise the use of selected biologic treatments.

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 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

PMED5101: Paediatric Allergy and Immunology

Semester 2, 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