Ophthalmic Science
Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science
(GradDipOphthSc) KF063
Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)
(MMed(OphthSc)) KC047
Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)
(MScMed(OphthSc)) KC048
| Course | Credit points for award |
Duration full-time | Duration part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GradDipOphthSc | 36 | 1 year | 1.5 to 3 years |
| MMed(OphthSc) | 48 | 1 year | 1.5 to 6 years |
| MScMed(OphthSc) | 48 | 1 year | 1.5 to 6 years |
Overview
Ophthalmic science aims to prevent blindness, promote eye health and rehabilitate those with a visual disability. The courses provide graduates with the core knowledge and understanding of basic ophthalmic science and thus enable them to practise ophthalmology at the highest possible standard.
The degree teaches ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, genetics, pathology, practical ophthalmic science and is completed with a treatise in the field of ophthalmology.
Units of study are delivered online, with the exception of the 'Practical Ophthalmic Science' unit, which is delivered face-to-face in block mode.
The Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) are essentially the same program but with different admission requirements, and the same applies to the Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) and the Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science).
Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine/Graduate Diploma in Medicine, while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine/Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine.
Students enrolled in the Master of Medicine and Master of Science in Medicine follow the same program of study, with the only difference being the title of the degree they are awarded on completion.
Course Outcomes
The courses provide graduates with the core knowledge and understanding of basic ophthalmic science and thus enable them to practice ophthalmology at the highest possible standard.
Further Information
The majority of the degree is in the form of distance learning. Practical Ophthalmic Science is a 3-week block/intensive mode (3x5 days) to be taken at either the Save Sight Institute, Sydney, NSW or at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. The unit of study will be held during the inter-semester break.
Degree Resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of Faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at November 2010. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/medicine.shtml.
See the Policy Online website: http://sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KF063 |
Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science |
| KC047 | Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) |
| KC048 | Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degrees in these resolutions are professional master's courses, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor's degree or pass a preliminary examinations/s as prescribed by the Faculty.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
0.0
a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor's degree or pass a preliminary examinations/s as prescribed by the Faculty.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Ophthalmic Science.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science a candidate must successfully complete 36 credit points of core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) or Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points of core units of study.
7 Transitional provisions
Table of Units of Study: Ophthalmic Science
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy |
9 | A Undergraduate knowledge of basic human anatomy |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5002 Ophthalmic Physiology |
9 | A Undergraduate knowledge of basic human cell and organ physiology C OPSC5001 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 | A Undergraduate knowledge of physics relating to light and optics |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5004 Practical Ophthalmic Science |
9 | A Undergraduate knowlegde of physics relating to light and optics P OPSC5001 and (OPSC5002 or OPSC5003 or OPSC5013) |
S2 Late Int |
Additional Core Unit for Master's degree students |
|||
| Master’s degree students must enrol in OPSC5005. A student must be enrolled in order to submit the treatise. If a student is not able to submit his/her treatise after enrolling in OPSC5005 for one semester, he/she must enrol in OPSC5005, with the concomitant financial liability, every semester until he/she submits. | |||
| OPSC5005 Treatise |
12 | P OPSC5001 and OPSC5002 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Alternative Core Units |
|||
| These units of study are only available to candidates with an exemption for a core unit of study. | |||
| OPSC5011 Ocular Genetics |
9 | P OPSC5001 C OPSC5002 N OPSC5012 Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5012 Ocular Pathology |
9 | P OPSC5001 C OPSC5002 N OPSC5011 Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Further enquiries
Rebecca Stoop
Phone: +61 2 9382 7284
Fax: +61 2 9382 7318
Email:
Website: http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/eye
Units of Study Descriptions for 2011
OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Yves Kerdeaon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered via CDROM (3 hrs/wk) online tutorials (1hr/wk) self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk) wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is suggested that also 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3 hour examination at the end of the semester. Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowledge of basic human anatomy Assessment: 1x3000word assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%) and 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of anatomy of relevance to the practice of ophthalmology, in particular the eye, the visual pathways, the orbit and its contents including peri-orbital structures. They are also expected to have an understanding of the embryology, maturation and normal ageing changes of the human eye. They should also be familiar with the anatomy of the head and neck including neuro-anatomy, histology and the use of diagnostic imaging as it pertains to the visual system. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the normal anatomical organisation of the human eye, orbit and contents and head and neck in terms of cells, tissues, organs and systems, (2) describe the principal components of the human visual system and their function in detail and (3) describe how diagnostic imaging may be used in ophthalmic practice.
Textbooks
Prescribed: Wolff's Anatomy of the Eye and Orbit (8th ed). AJ Bron et al (eds) HK Lewis, London 1997; Clinical Anatomy of the Eye, R.S. Snell, M.A. Lemp, Blackwell Science (2nd ed.). Recommended: Histology of the Human Eye, M. Hogan, J. Alvarado, J. Wedell, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1971; Gray's Anatomy (38th ed.), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1989; Clinical Anatomy of the Eye, R.S. Snell, M.A. Lemp, Blackwell Science (2nd ed.),The Eye Basic Sciences in Practice (Chapters 1 and 2), J. Forrester et al, Saunders Co. Ltd., London 1996; The Human Nervous System, An Anatomical Viewpoint (5th ed.), M.L. Barr & J.A. Kiernan, Harper and Row, Philadelphia 1988.
OPSC5002 Ophthalmic Physiology
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Grigg Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered via CDROM (3 hrs/wk) online tutorials (1hr/wk) self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk) wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is suggested that also 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3 hour examination at the end of the semester. Corequisites: OPSC5001 Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowledge of basic human cell and organ physiology Assessment: 1x3000wd assignment every 3wks (45%) online interaction (10%) 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of physiology of relevance to the practice of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the organisation, function, mechanism of action, regulation and adaptation of relevant structures and their component parts. They are also expected to have an understanding of the maturation and normal ageing changes of the human eye. Candidates must have a thorough understanding of the methods used to measure the activity of relevant physiological processes e.g. intraocular pressure, retinal electrical activity, visual acuity etc On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the normal physiological functioning of the human eye and nervous system, (2) describe the principal physiological laws and phenomena that apply to these systems and (3) describe how these physiological processes are measured and the limitations of such tests.
Textbooks
Prescribed: Adler's Physiology of the Eye (10th Ed), Kaufman ed, CV Mosby and Co. St Louis 2000; Review of Medical Physiology (21st Ed) WF Ganong, McGraw Hill 2003 Recommended:Biochemistry of the Eye RE Anderson (ed), American Academy of Ophthalmology Manuals Program, 1983, Physics for Ophthalmologists DJ Coster (ed) Churchill Livingstone, Sydney 1997.
OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Con Petsoglou Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered via CDROM (3 hrs/wk), online tutorials (1hr/wk), self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk), wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is suggested that also 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3hour examination at the end of the semester. Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowledge of physics relating to light and optics Assessment: 1x3000word assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%), and 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of optics of relevance to the practice of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the topics of Physical, Geometrical, Physiological and Instrument Optics. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the physical properties of light and lasers, (2) describe the geometrical principles of light and the laws governing lights interaction with materials and (3) describe the physiological optics of the human eye and how to test this.
Textbooks
Prescribed: Clinical Optics, AR Elkington & HJ Frank, Blackwell Science, 3rd Ed, 2000; Optics, Refraction and Contact Lenses, Basic and Clinical Science Course, American Academy Ophthalmology, 2003. Recommended: Optics MH Freeman, Butterworths-Heinemann Medical; 10th Ed, 1990, Optics for Clinicians M Rubin, Triad Publishing, 3rd Ed, 1993.
OPSC5004 Practical Ophthalmic Science
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Con Petsoglou Session: S2 Late Int Classes: Face-to-face. The unit of study will be offered as a 3wk block/intensive mode (3x5days) to be taken at either the Save Sight Institute or at the University of Dunedin. The unit of study will be held during the inter semester break. Each week will cover practical aspects of the distance learning units. Week 1: Practical Ophthalmic Anatomy Week 2: Practical Ophthalmic Physiology Week 3: Practical Ophthalmic Optics. Each week consists of a series of lectures and practicum. Lectures will be held at the Claffy lecture theatre at the Sydney Hospital/Sydney Eye Hospital campus. These will be followed by a practicum to be held at the Save Sight Institute, Anatomy Museum University of Sydney, tutorial rooms of the Discipline of Anatomy and Histology and Outpatient Department of the Sydney Eye Hospital. Prerequisites: OPSC5001 and (OPSC5002 or OPSC5003 or OPSC5013) Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowlegde of physics relating to light and optics Assessment: 3x1hour observed structured practical exams (100%). The format will include a combination of multiple choice questions, short answers, essay style questions and naming parts of anatomical prosections, performing simple experiments, use of ophthalmic equipment and clinical application of the basic sciences. Each practical exam will be worth 1/3 of the total mark for the unit of study. A score of over 50% is required for each of the viva exams for candidates to be passed. Supplementary viva exams may be offered for those candidates who are borderline pass or have failed one section of the unit of study. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the practical aspects of ophthalmic sciences. Particular emphasis will be placed on the topics of Anatomy, Physiology and Optics. Learning outcomes: On completion of this Unit of Study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the anatomy of the human eye, orbit, nervous system and head and neck, (2) correctly identify structures of the above on prosections, radiographic and magnetic resonance images, (3) describe the physiologic functioning of the human eye and nervous system, (4) correctly investigate, interpret results, recognise limitations and evaluate physiologic processes of the human eye and nervous system, (5) describe the physical, physiological and geometric optics of light and its application to the human eye and (6) correctly use ophthalmic instruments and describe their optical properties.
OPSC5005 Treatise
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Grigg Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to meet with their supervisor at least every 3 weeks to discuss the progress and implementation of their project. Prerequisites: OPSC5001 and OPSC5002 Assessment: Review by 2 independent assessors. Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of one area in the basic sciences or clinical ophthalmology. The treatise may take one of two forms, either a written output on work performed during the candidature from a supervised student project that contains between 10,000-20,000 words or a scientific paper that arises from a supervised student's project and has been accepted by a peer review journal for publication. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The format of the project may be of a systematic review of the literature, a case series, short clinical trial, survey or other project acceptable to the course supervisor. It is essential where there is the use of patient information or patient enrolment onto the study that appropriate ethics approval is gained from the governing body where the project will take place. Students need to be mindful of the time ethics approval takes and incorporate it into the project time allocation. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) undertake a medical/scientific project and follow it to its completion, (2) work constructively under the supervision of a supervisor, (3) display scientific thinking and apply this to ophthalmology and (4) attempt to publish their treatise or learn how to publish their work.
Textbooks
SUPRA booklet, Practical aspects of producing a thesis at the University of Sydney.
OPSC5011 Ocular Genetics
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Con Petsoglou Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered via CDROM (3 hrs/wk), online tutorials (1hr/wk), self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk), wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is also suggested that 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3 hour examination at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: OPSC5001 Corequisites: OPSC5002 Prohibitions: OPSC5012 Assessment: 1x3000word assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%), 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
Ocular genetics is becoming better understood as advances are made in the field. Areas of diagnosis, prognosis and possible gene therapy are becoming much more relevant and deserve to be included in the formal training of ophthalmologists.
Successful candidates will gain an understanding of genetics and molecular tools used in current medical genetics and disease gene discovery, understand the application of these concepts in ophthalmology, gain an overview of the current knowledge of genes associated with eye disease and the patho-physiological mechanisms, be aware of the broader ethical considerations when applying genetic knowledge to patients, become familiar with internet based bioinformatics - reference tools to aid clinical practice, research and self learning and be aware of the future therapeutic opportunities.
Successful candidates will gain an understanding of genetics and molecular tools used in current medical genetics and disease gene discovery, understand the application of these concepts in ophthalmology, gain an overview of the current knowledge of genes associated with eye disease and the patho-physiological mechanisms, be aware of the broader ethical considerations when applying genetic knowledge to patients, become familiar with internet based bioinformatics - reference tools to aid clinical practice, research and self learning and be aware of the future therapeutic opportunities.
OPSC5012 Ocular Pathology
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Weng Sehu Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered via CDROM (3 hrs/wk) online tutorials (1hr/wk) self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk) wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is also suggested that 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3 hour examination at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: OPSC5001 Corequisites: OPSC5002 Prohibitions: OPSC5011 Assessment: 1x3000wd assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%), 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
Ocular pathology is a specialty area within the study of ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists and pathologists require specific teaching to gain insights into this field. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists requires trainees to study ocular pathology as part of their training. This course aims to equip and train prospective candidates in this exciting field. Successful candidates will gain an understanding of pathology and it basic techniques, gain an understanding of the advanced techniques currently available for the investigation of ocular diseases, understand the application of these concepts in ophthalmology, identify, analyse, understand and further investigate pathologic processes in the eye and adenexae, become familiar with internet based bioinformatics - reference tools to aid clinical practice, research and self learning and be aware of the future therapeutic opportunities in pathologic processes.
Textbooks
Ophthalmic Pathology: An Illustrated Guide for Clinicians, Sehu K.W. & Lee W.R., Blackwell Pub/BMJ Books 2005.