Pain Management
Graduate Certificate in Pain Management
(GradCertPainMgt) KG008
Graduate Diploma in Pain Management
(GradDipPainMgt) KF065
Master of Medicine (Pain Management)
(MMed(PainMgt)) KC057
Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management)
(MScMed(PainMgt)) KC058
| Course | Credit points for award | Duration * |
|---|---|---|
| GradCertPainMgt | 24 | 0.5 to 3 years |
| GradDipPainMgt | 36 | 1 to 3 years |
| MMed(PainMgt) | 48 | 1 to 6 years |
| MScMed(PainMgt) | 48 | 1 to 6 years |
* Students wishing to undertake full-time study should contact the course coordinator.
Overview
The Pain Management program explores the problem of pain within a multidisciplinary team framework to investigate the extent of the problem in the community. The courses aim to provide advanced education in pain management by providing clinically relevant teaching that helps students expand their knowledge of the basic sciences, concepts and procedures of pain assessment and management.
The Master of Medicine (Pain Management) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) are essentially the same program with different admission requirements.
Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students follow the same program of study, with the only difference being the title of the award they are granted on completion.
Master's degree students who complete their coursework units of study with a minimum average mark of 75 percent will be awarded pass with merit.
Students enrolled in a master’s degree prior to 2011 may be awarded at either a pass or honours grade. Honours is only available to students who obtain a weighted average mark of 70 percent in all 48 credit points of coursework and successfully complete an additional 12 credit point research dissertation (ie 60 credit points of units of study in total), in which students undertake a supervised individual project in an area of interest and report the outcomes in a dissertation.
Course outcomes
The specific teaching and learning outcomes of the Pain Management degree program are to:
- develop graduates with knowledge of the principles and practices which underpin the biopsychosocial approach to the management of pain
- develop graduates who can make a strong contribution towards improved outcomes for patients with pain problems
- develop graduates who adopt an evidence-based approach to practice in clinical and non-clinical contexts
- provide an avenue for graduates to focus on a specific discipline area or field of interest in pain management practice.
Further information
The program is offered in distance education mode. Enrolled students are provided with a username and password that allows them to access a protected course website. The website provides study guides with lecture notes and links to journal articles.
Interactive multimedia tutorials are also provided on CD-ROM. Computer conferencing allows students and staff to maintain regular contact. Some units provide additional support material on the website. Assessment is by essays, case studies and online activities. Marks are also given for the contribution students make to online discussion.
Students may also attend an optional two-week course held in February each year at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.
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 August 2011. 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:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management)
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 |
|---|---|
| KG008 | Graduate Certificate in Pain Management |
| KF065 |
Graduate Diploma in Pain Management |
| KC057 | Master of Medicine (Pain Management) |
| KC058 | Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, 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 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 and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline 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 examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor's degree or pass a preliminary examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor's degree or pass a preliminary examination(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: Pain Management.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Pain Management a candidate must successfully complete 24 credit points of core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Pain Management a candidate must successfully complete 36 credit points, including:
(4)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Pain Management) or Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, including:
7 Transitional provisions
Table of units of study: Pain Management
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| PAIN5001 Introduction to Pain Management |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5002 Pain Mechanisms and Contributors |
6 | Semester 1b Semester 2b |
|
| PAIN5003 Pain Treatment and Management Principles |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5004 Pain Conditions |
6 | Semester 1b Semester 2b |
|
Elective units |
|||
| PAIN5005 Orofacial Pain |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5006 Independent Studies in Pain |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5010 Clinical Aspects of Neurobiology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PAIN5011 Psychology of Pain |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PAIN5012 Concepts of Pain |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PAIN5013 Musculoskeletal Pain |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PAIN5014 Cancer Pain |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5015 Pharmacology of Pain Medicine |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 |
| PAIN5016 Psychological Approaches in Pain Mgmt |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5017 Disability and Pain Rehabilitation |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5018 Pain in Children |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5019 Pain in Older People |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PAIN5020 Complementary Therapies: Pain Management |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 |
Dissertation units of study |
|||
| The following units of study are only available to master's students who commenced their candidature prior to 2011. | |||
| PAIN5007 Dissertation A |
6 | P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| PAIN5008 Dissertation B |
6 | P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| PAIN5009 Dissertation C |
12 | P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 1a Semester 1b Semester 2 Semester 2a Semester 2b |
| Dissertation units of study are only undertaken by students in the honours stream. See the course coordinator for further information. Students must enrol in 12 credit points of dissertation in addition to the 48 credit points required for the Master's degree. The dissertation units of study should be done either in one semester (Dissertation C) or over two semesters (Dissertation A and Dissertation B). A student must be enrolled in order to submit the dissertation. If a student is not able to submit their dissertation after enrolling in 12 credit points of dissertation units of study, they must re-enrol in a minimum of 6 credit points of dissertation units of study, with the concomitant financial liability, every semester until they submit. | |||
Further enquiries
Mrs Ros Wyllie
Phone: +61 2 9926 7386
Fax: +61 2 9926 6780
Email:
Units of study descriptions for 2012
PAIN5001 Introduction to Pain Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Nicholas Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
To introduce participants to the problem of pain within a multidisciplinary team framework and the extent of the problem in the community. The unit provides an overview of historical and philosophical models of pain and its management methods over time. Current classifications of pain are examined and the interrelationship between various paradigms of health and illness are outlined. Participants also begin to consider the principles of research design and biostatistics, and explore professional and ethical issues.
PAIN5002 Pain Mechanisms and Contributors
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Nicholas and Professor Janet Keast Session: Semester 1b,Semester 2b Classes: Online, approximately 20 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
To introduce and develop participants understanding about the basic neuroscience of pain and the interrelationship between psychological, physiological and environmental processes in pain. Neuro-anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical mechanisms involved in nociception, including peripheral and central sensitisation are discussed. Theoretical bases are introduced and the ways in which psychological and environmental factors modify or maintain pain perception and behaviour are explored.
PAIN5003 Pain Treatment and Management Principles
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charles Brooker Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
To introduce participants to the core principles of pain assessment, treatment and management. Participants consider the biopsychosocial model and the scientific basis for assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They explore principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, together with routes of drug administration. The role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation management, and the use of procedures such as neural blockade, simulation techniques and surgery are also considered.
PAIN5004 Pain Conditions
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Philip Siddall Session: Semester 1b,Semester 2b Classes: On line, approximately 20 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
The unit provides an introduction to a range of pain conditions. Participants are encouraged to integrate and apply previous learning to specific pain problems, acute, chronic and cancer pain. Recent advances in pain relief techniques are introduced and specific issues in the management of pain in children and older people are considered.
PAIN5005 Orofacial Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Vickers Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%) 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Orofacial pain is frequently reported in the general population and is severe. It encompasses several conditions that involve medical, dental and psychological variables such as neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and temporomandibular disorder and related headache syndromes. The purpose of this unit is to explore the principles of orofacial pain mechanisms, symptomatology and treatments. Topics include orofacial pain assessment, diagnostic tests including local anaesthetic blocks, specific pharmacology for orofacial pain, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
PAIN5006 Independent Studies in Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Grace Tague Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: learning contract (10%), 5000 word written assignments (or equivalent) (90%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
In this unit participants undertake independent study in a specific area of interest within the field of pain management. The learning goals, methodology, resources and outcomes are negotiated with a supervisor via a learning contract. This negotiation process enables participants to tailor their learning to a specific need and/or area of interest around a clinical, scientific, educational, managerial or administrative topic.
PAIN5010 Clinical Aspects of Neurobiology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Philip Siddall Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit aims to build on information acquired from previous units and explore in more detail the assessment, mechanisms and management of several pain conditions. In addition, it aims to explore the concepts, neurobiology and clinical application of two approaches to pain management (lesioning and stimulation analgesia) as well as the placebo effects.
PAIN5011 Psychology of Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarah Overton Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit aims to provide a comprehensive study of current psychological perspectives and research on the experience and impact of pain. Theoretical models are introduced and the ways in which psychological processes might modify and/or maintain pain experience are explored. The processes explored include the roles of attention, learning, affect/mood, beliefs, self-talk, coping strategies, and interactions with environmental factors such as significant others, social contingencies and contexts (including culture, gender, workplace, etc.). Attention is given to incorporating psychosocial assessment within a biopsychosocial framework.
PAIN5012 Concepts of Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Timothy Austin Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit provides an overview of different aspects of pain. These aspects include philosophical, narrative, placebo, evolutionary and biopyschosocial approaches to understanding pain. The aim is to deepen students' appreciation of the context in which pain management takes place.
PAIN5013 Musculoskeletal Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Damien Finniss Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit explores aspects of the assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain. Topics include anatomical/physiological mechanisms, medical and non-medical assessment and management, together with regional pain syndromes.
PAIN5014 Cancer Pain
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ghauri Aggarwal Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit addresses the biopsychosocial assessment and management of pain associated with cancer. Recent advances in pain relief techniques including delivery systems for patient control of pain are reviewed, together with appropriate assessment and treatment approaches for psychological factors such as depression, grief and stress.
PAIN5015 Pharmacology of Pain Medicine
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Beata Bajorek and Dr Christopher Vaughan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit introduces students to the preclinical pharmacology of analgesic drugs. The ethics in laboratory research, drug testing models, and some of the confounding factors in such research are also covered.
PAIN5016 Psychological Approaches in Pain Mgmt
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarah Overton Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit is primarily focused on the influence of psychological variables in the implementation of all treatments, both somatic and psychological. The bio-psychosocial model of chronic pain is revisited and the implications for interdisciplinary interventions are discussed. The evidence for interventions based on psychological principles is critically examined and implementation of these interventions in a range of clinical settings is explored.
PAIN5017 Disability and Pain Rehabilitation
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Matthew Forster Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
The interface between pain assessment and treatment and the system of compensation for workplace-related injury and disability is the focus of this subject. Accordingly the role of pain management in rehabilitation following occupational injury or illness is addressed, together with the medical, legal, insurer, employer, trade union and rehabilitation provider perspectives and roles in providing protection, advocacy, compensation and treatment. Legislative and attitudinal changes in the social environment relating to occupational injury and treatment are considered together with challenges for pain management arising from dysfunction in the system of rehabilitation following injury.
PAIN5018 Pain in Children
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jane Thomas Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit provides an opportunity for students to understand the developmental physiology and psychology of infants and children, together with the pharmacology (particularly with reference to dose and route of administration) of pain management in children. Particular attention is given to management of acute pain in children, both post-operative and procedure-related pain, to methods of pain assessment in children of various ages, to non-pharmacological pain management strategies and to chronic pain presentations in children.
PAIN5019 Pain in Older People
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Brad Wood Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Readings and case studies will highlight the unique difficulties of elderly people who suffer from degenerative, painful conditions, often exacerbated by multiple losses, role changes, limited mobility and mood disorder. The emphasis will be on assessment and management of pain when complicated by these conditions.
PAIN5020 Complementary Therapies: Pain Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Vickers Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignments or equivalent (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit explores complementary therapies that may accompany conventional medical approaches in the management of pain. The evidence base is discussed, as well as the implications, costs and side effects of these therapies. The historical basis of each therapy is considered, together with current knowledge about their application and potential interactions with conventional medicines and treatments. Topics include: acupuncture, herbalism, homeopathy, hypnosis and relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation, osteopathy and chiropractic.
The following Units of Study are only available to Master's students who commenced their candidature prior to 2011
PAIN5007 Dissertation A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, supervised research, minimum 6hr/week Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Assessment: PAIN5007 and PAIN5008 are assessed together through a dissertation up to 20,000 words Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The honours dissertation provides participants with an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation into a topic or issue relevant to their professional interests. Participants develop a proposal for independent research on a topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem or issue.
PAIN5008 Dissertation B
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, supervised research, minimum 6hr/week Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Assessment: PAIN5007 and PAIN5008 are assessed together through a dissertation up to 20,000 words Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The honours dissertation provides participants with an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation into a topic or issue relevant to their professional interests. Participants develop a proposal for independent research on a topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem or issue.
PAIN5009 Dissertation C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 1a,Semester 1b,Semester 2,Semester 2a,Semester 2b Classes: Online, supervised research, minimum 6hr/week Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Assessment: students write a dissertation up to 20,000 words Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The honours dissertation provides participants with an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation into a topic or issue relevant to their professional interests. Participants develop a proposal for independent research on a topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem or issue.