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Unit outline_

SEXH5200: Advanced STIs

Semester 1, 2023 [Block mode] - Westmead, Sydney

This unit aims to describe the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostics, and management strategies for the common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). On completion of this unit, students will be able to: (i) Discuss the microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of the common STIs; (ii) Demonstrate an understanding of the clinical spectrum of STIs, including asymptomatic infection, genital manifestations and complications; and (iii) Understand the principles of infection control, methods used in diagnostic microbiology including specimen collection, storage and transport, and principal methods of detection for common STIs; (iv) Describe principles of STI prevention and management of common STIs. HIV infection will only be covered in the context of its interactions with other STIs. Course content includes epidemiology, STIs in key populations, microbiology, diagnostics, and clinical aspects of the following conditions: vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, anorectal discharge, genital ulceration, upper genital tract infections including pelvic inflammatory disease, syphilis, anogenital warts and cancer, genital infestations, and genital dermatology. Challenges faced in resource-poor settings and syndromic management will also be covered.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sexual Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Shailendra Sawleshwarkar, shailendra.sawleshwarkar@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Iryna Zablotska-Manos, iryna.zablotska@sydney.edu.au
Hans Ramlochun, hans.ramlochun@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Final invigilated exam. Date to be confirmed by Exams Office
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2 LO3 LO5
Presentation Journal club
Oral presentation
10% Ongoing 20 - 25 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Participation Group exercises
Case studies
10% Ongoing 60 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Short note 1: formative
Short essay
0% Week 04
Due date: 15 Mar 2023 at 23:59
750 - 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Small test Multiple Choice Quiz (MCQ)
Multiple choice quiz on learning content from Modules 1-6
10% Week 07
Due date: 05 Apr 2023 at 12:00
20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Short note 2: summative
Short essay
10% Week 08
Due date: 19 Apr 2023 at 23:59
750 - 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Small test Mock exam (modules 1 - 6)
Online exam
0% Week 13
Due date: 14 May 2023 at 23:59
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

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 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.

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 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 (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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative 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 acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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
Week 01 Module 1: Introduction to STIs, laboratory basics and infection control Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 02 Module 2: Anatomy and physiology Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 03 Module 3: Clinical orientation investigations, specimen collection, processing Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 04 Module 4: Introduction to STI diagnostic test types, sensitivity and specificity Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 05 Module 5: STI syndromes - female Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 06 Module 6: STI syndromes - male Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 07 Module 7: STI syndromes - other Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 08 Module 8: Bacterial infections Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 09 Module 9: HPV, warts and anogenital neoplasia Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 10 Module 10: HSV and miscellaneous infections Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 11 Module 11: Key populations and special issues Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 12 Module 12: Management of STIs Independent study (10 hr)  
Week 13 Intensive face-to-face teaching block (3 days) Block teaching (24 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Normal Day (ND): Weekly face-to-face lectures and sessions as well as Intensive face-to-face teaching block – attendance is compulsory. Failure to attend may result in an absent fail for the unit of study.

Block Mode (BM): Intensive face-to-face teaching block – attendance is compulsory. Failure to attend may result in an absent fail for the 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 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. describe the microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of STIs
  • LO2. describe the clinical spectrum of STIs, such as asymptomatic infection, genital manifestations and complications
  • LO3. demonstrate an understanding of approaches to diagnosis and management of STI syndromes and individual STIs
  • LO4. appreciate the impact of STIs at individual and public health levels
  • LO5. analyse issues related to STIs through critical reflection and evidence-based practice.

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.

UoS coordinator considered feedback and made appropriate changes/improvements

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.