For information about the Master of Surgery (by research) see the Postgraduate Research section.
Overview
Sydney Medical School is home to the largest academic surgical discipline in Australasia. Its courses aim to provide an understanding of the principle of applying the best available research evidence to patient care, as well as the skills required for clinical research.
The Master of Surgery combines research and coursework. Students enrol in one of the following streams:
breast surgery – MASURGER1BSU
cardiothoracic surgery – MASURGER1CTS
colorectal surgery – MASURGER1CLT
endocrine surgery – MASURGER1EDS
hand surgery – MASURGER1HSU
head and neck – MASURGER1HNE
neurosurgery – MASURGER1NEU
orthopaedic – MASURGER1ORP
otorhinolaryngology – MASURGER1OTO
paediatric surgery – MASURGER1PAS
plastic/reconstructive surgery – MASURGER1PRS
surgical anatomy – MASURGER1SUN
surgical oncology – MASURGER1SUO
surgical outcomes – MASURGER1SOU
surgical sciences – MASURGER1SUS
surgical skills – not available in 2013
transplant surgery – MASURGER1TRS
trauma surgery – MASURGER1TSU
upper gastrointestinal surgery – MASURGER1UGS
urology – MASURGER1URO
vascular surgery and endovascular surgery – MASURGER1VES.
Course outcomes
The knowledge that graduates obtain will complement the practical experience that advanced trainees receive in teaching hospitals through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons training program.
Master's students must additionally complete the required credit point value of dissertation or stream specific core units of study.
The Surgical Anatomy and the Surgical Skills streams require students to complete 24 credit points of stream-specific core units of study.
The Surgical Sciences stream can be studied in either a online/distance or face-to-face mode. Students must complete 24 credit points of stream specific core units of study. If enrolling in the online mode, students must select electives from the online elective selection.
Core units of study
Core Units of Study
Credit point
All students must complete 6 credit points of core units of study
Graduate Diploma students must complete 30 credit points of core units of study. Master students completing a stream through Dissertation must complete 24 credit points of elective units of study. Masters students completing a stream with stream specific core units of study must complete 18 credit points of elective units of study.
Surgical Sciences - online only elective units of study
Online Elective Units of Study
Credit point
Masters students taking the Surgical Sciences stream in an online mode must complete 18 credit points of online elective units of study from the list below.
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 2012. 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.
Graduate Diploma in Surgery
Master of Surgery (by coursework)
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 title
KF039
Graduate Diploma in Surgery
KC049
Master of Surgery
2 Attendance pattern
2.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.
3 Master's type
3.
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
(1)
The embedded courses in this sequence are:
(a)
the Graduate Diploma in Surgery
(b)
the Master of Surgery.
(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, evidence of experience and achievement, deemed to be equivalent.
(2)
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Surgery requires:
(a)
a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification; and
(b)
a traineeship with the relevant surgical training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons or equivalent qualification;
(b)
or
(b)
employment as a resident medical officer in an Australian public hospital, satisfactory interview, satisfactory references and approval by Head of Discipline
(b)
or
(b)
a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
(3)
Admission to the Master of Surgery requires:
(a)
a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b)
a traineeship with the relevant surgical training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons or equivalent;
(b)
or
(c)
employment as resident medical officer, satisfactory interview, satisfactory references, and approval by Head of Discipline;
(c)
or
(d)
a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the courses are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Surgery.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Surgery a candidate must successfully complete 36 credit points, including:
(a)
6 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
30 credit points of elective units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Surgery a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, including:
(a)
6 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
18 credit points of dissertation units of study or 24 credit points of stream specific core units of study; and
(c)
a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 credit points of elective units of study.
7 Stream
(1)
The Master of Surgery is available in the following streams:
(a)
Breast Surgery
(b)
Cardiothoracic Surgery
(c)
Colorectal
(d)
Endocrine Surgery
(e)
Hand Surgery
(f)
Head and Neck
(g)
Neurosurgery
(h)
Orthopaedic
(i)
Otorhinolaryngology
(j)
Paediatric Surgery
(k)
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
(l)
Surgical Anatomy
(m)
Surgical Oncology
(n)
Surgical Outcomes
(o)
Surgical Sciences
(p)
Surgical Skills
(q)
Transplant Surgery
(r)
Trauma Surgery
(s)
Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
(t)
Urology
(u)
Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Surgery.
(2)
Candidates may transfer between streams with approval from Head of Discipline.
(3)
The degree of Master of Surgery shall be awarded in the stream in which the candidate enrols. The testamur for the degree shall specify the stream.
8 Credit for previous study
0.
Credit from prior studies (other than from embedded courses) towards the Graduate Diploma in Surgery or Master of Surgery is limited to eight credit points.
9 Transitional provisions
(1)
These resolutions apply to persons who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012 and persons who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2012 who formally elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 and elect not to proceed under these resolutions complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.
Students pursuing a research path must enrol in 18 credit points of dissertation units, which may be in one semester or split over two semesters. Students must be enrolled in order to submit their dissertation. If a student is not able to submit his/her dissertation after enrolling in 18 credit points of dissertation units of study, he/she must re-enrol in a minimum of 9 credit points of dissertation units of study, with the concomitant financial liability, every semester until he/she submits.
SURG5007 Dissertation A
9
Semester 1 Semester 2
SURG5008 Dissertation B
9
Semester 1 Semester 2
Stream-specific core units
Surgical Anatomy Stream
SURG5027 Whole Body Dissection 1
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5028 and SURG5029 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5028 Whole Body Dissection 2
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5029 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5029 Whole Body Dissection 3
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5030 Whole Body Dissection 4
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5029
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
Surgical Sciences Stream
SURG5021 Transplantation Immunobiology
6
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 1
SURG5022 Principles & Practice of Transplantation
6
P SURG5021
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 2
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism
6
Semester 2
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology
6
Semester 1 Semester 2
Elective units
SURG5001 Devel & Meas of Surgical Hlth Outcomes 1
6
Semester 1
SURG5003 Devel & Meas of Surgical Hlth Outcomes 2
6
Semester 2
SURG5011 Imaging Surgical Patients
6
Semester 2
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism
6
Semester 2
SURG5013 Safety in Surgery
6
Semester 1
SURG5015 Surgical Anatomy: Based on Prosection
6
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students request permission from the postgraduate coordinator to enrol in this unit. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol
Semester 1
SURG5016 Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
6
Semester 2
SURG5017 Microsurgery
6
A Medical Degree
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students request permission from the postgraduate coordinator (james.may@sydney.edu.au) to enrol in this unit. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
Semester 1 Semester 2
SURG5020 Advanced Laparoscopic Abdominal Anatomy
6
Students must contact Unit of Study coordinator (cyoungnsw@aol.com) as early as possible to receive pre-reading material
Semester 1
SURG5021 Transplantation Immunobiology
6
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 1
SURG5022 Principles & Practice of Transplantation
6
P SURG5021
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 2
SURG5023 Epidemiology of Cancer
6
P PUBH5018 C SURG5001
Semester 2
SURG5025 Adv. Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery
6
C SURG5001
Int Sept
SURG5027 Whole Body Dissection 1
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5028 and SURG5029 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5028 Whole Body Dissection 2
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5029 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5029 Whole Body Dissection 3
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5030
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
SURG5030 Whole Body Dissection 4
6
A Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. C SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5029
Note: Department permission required for enrolment The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Semester 2
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology
6
Semester 1 Semester 2
The following Elective Units are available only for students undertaking the Surgical Sciences stream in an online/distance mode.
CEPI5102 Literature Searching
2
Semester 1 Semester 2
CEPI5203 Introduction to Systematic Reviews
2
C CEPI5102
Semester 2a
PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses
6
N BSTA5011
Semester 1
PUBH5211 Multiple Regression and Stats Computing
4
P PUBH5018
Semester 2
PUBH5212 Categorical Data Analysis
2
P PUBH5018 C PUBH5211
Semester 2b
PUBH5213 Survival Analysis
2
C PUBH5211
Semester 2b
PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control
6
P PUBH5010
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 2
PUBH5020 Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
6
P PUBH5010
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 1
In exceptional circumstances, on application to and with written approval from the Head of Discipline or course coordinator, a student may enrol in an elective unit of study not listed above.
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Angela Webster, Ms Gail Higgins Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: offered online. Assessment: completion of online quizzes (20%), 1x 2000word assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Students will learn how to formulate a searchable question; the pros and cons of different information sources; how to structure a computerised database search; important fields in MEDLINE; useful practical tips for searching MEDLINE; methodological filters, journal citation reports, and how to organise and manage references. The assignment requires students to demonstrate their search skills for three clinical problems (marks allocated for how many relevant articles found, the content terms used, the methodological terms used, and the databases searched) and to demonstrate skills in the use of Web of Science and Endnote.
Textbooks
Online readings and other learning resources will be provided.
CEPI5203 Introduction to Systematic Reviews
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sharon Reid, Professor Jonathan Craig Session: Semester 2a Classes: offered online Corequisites: CEPI5102 Assessment: submission of weekly tasks and participation in discussion (18%) and assignment 1x 2000word report (82%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Students will learn how to critically appraise a review of the effectiveness of an intervention; how to do a meta-analysis; how to weigh up benefits and harms (applicability); how to avoid misleading meta-analyses and how to find or do better systematic reviews. At the end of this unit, participants should be able to: search for systematic reviews; critically appraise reviews of randomised controlled trials, do a meta-analysis of randomised trials using available software; and use meta-analytic methods for weighing up benefits and harms of an intervention in individual patient management and practice policy development. The assignment task is to: outline a clinical or health policy decision that you need to make; identify a systematic review that can help you with your decision-making; critically appraise this source; outline your decision and how you used the evidence to reach it; outline what additional information you would like and how you would obtain it (this may include further analyses on the data presented in the review, further reviews or suggestions for further primary studies).
Textbooks
Online readings and other learning resources will be provided.
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Nicholas King, Assoc Prof Brett Hambly Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr tutorials/week Assessment: 1. participation weekly tutorials (20%)
2. 1x3000wd essay (30%)
3. 13x15min weekly quizzes (20%)
4. 1x1hr final exam (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening or Distance Education
The Surgical Pathology Unit of Study is based on examination of macroscopic pathology specimens (bottles) located in the Pathology Museum collection and examination of microscopic slides of relevant pathological processes. Candidates will read / view preliminary materials, distributed directly and through the university website, prior to attending 13 weekly 2 hour evening sessions at the University. These sessions will be divided into a Museum-based tutorial and a microscopic tutorial. Each session will conclude with a brief revision quiz on the material covered during the preceding sessions. Additionally, students will prepare an in-depth, semi-structured assignment on a pathological process, where possible of relevance to their particular interests. Topics that will be covered will include basic pathological processes (eg immunology, inflammation, neoplasia etc) and systems pathology (eg cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, neurology, genitourinary, orthopaedic etc).
Textbooks
Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease 8th Ed (Kumar, Abbas, Fausto, Aster) Saunders Elsevier, online version available from University Library following enrolment, plus course materials.
PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 1hr lecture and 1x 2hr tutorial per week for 13 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Prohibitions: BSTA5011 Assessment: 1x 4page assignment (30%) and 1x 2.5hr open-book exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit provides students with core skills in epidemiology, particularly the ability to critically appraise public health and clinical epidemiological research literature. This unit covers: study types; measures of frequency and association; measurement bias; confounding/effect modification; randomized trials; systematic reviews; screening and test evaluation; infectious disease outbreaks; measuring public health impact and use and interpretation of population health data. It is expected that students spend an additional 2-3 hours preparing for their tutorials.
Textbooks
Webb, PW. Bain, CJ. and Pirozzo, SL. Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals Second Edition: Cambridge University Press 2011.
PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kevin McGeechan and Professor Petra Macaskill Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 2hr lecture, 10 x 1hr lectures, 11 x 2hr tutorials, 2 x 1hr and 8 x 0.5hr statistical computing self directed learning tasks over 12 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Assessment: 1x4 page assignment (30%) and 1x2.5hr open-book exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit aims to provide students with an introduction to statistical concepts, their use and relevance in public health. This unit covers descriptive analyses to summarise and display data; concepts underlying statistical inference; basic statistical methods for the analysis of continuous and binary data; and statistical aspects of study design. Specific topics include: sampling; probability distributions; sampling distribution of the mean; confidence interval and significance tests for one-sample, two paired samples and two independent samples for continuous data and also binary data; correlation and simple linear regression; distribution-free methods for two paired samples, two independent samples and correlation; power and sample size estimation for simple studies; statistical aspects of study design and analysis. Students will be required to perform analyses using a calculator and will also be required to conduct analyses using statistical software (SPSS). It is expected that students spend an additional 2 hours per week preparing for their tutorials. Computing tasks are self-directed.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Monica Robotin Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3hr per week online lectures, discussion and other activities for 13 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 Assessment: 2 assignments (65%), 5 online tutorials (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit aims to provide students with specific information on the concepts, methods and applications underpinning cancer prevention and control at population level. It is designed to address specific educational needs of students in various programs within the School of Public Health and to offer a broad-based perspective on cancer control, ranging from primary prevention, screening and early intervention, tertiary prevention and palliative care. Emphasis will be given to cancers with the greatest impact at population level and where evidence demonstrates that policies and interventions are capable of reducing cancer incidence, mortality, prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Although focusing on specific Australian conditions, the information will be presented in the context of regional cancer control efforts. At the completion of the unit, students will be equipped with the basic tools to design, plan, implement and evaluate cancer control programs in Australia or their own countries.
Textbooks
Readings will be available on the eLearning site for this unit.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This course offers a broad-based integrated perspective on chronic disease prevention. The course reviews the epidemiology of selected chronic diseases with the highest impact at population level in Australia (cardiovascular diseases; cancer; chronic lung disease; diabetes and chronic renal disease). The information will focus on Australian settings, but presented within the context of a regional perspective of chronic disease prevention. Teaching will focus on the interrelationships between the biological and epidemiological aspects of chronic diseases, the interplay between determinants of health and chronic disease, and the balance between high risk and population based strategies for reducing disease burden, and exploring their applicability to disease prevention. Students will be involved in evaluating the effectiveness of different prevention strategies and will examine the role of health policy in developing effective and sustainable chronic disease management programs in different settings (in Australia and the region).
Textbooks
Readings will be available on the eLearning site for this unit
PUBH5211 Multiple Regression and Stats Computing
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kevin McGeechan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr per week for 13 weeks. This unit may be undertaken in face to face or online/distance mode. Students studying in distance mode must have access to a computer running a version of Microsoft Windows compatible with the latest version of SAS. Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Assessment: 1x 4 page assignment (30%) and 1x 10 page assignment (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit covers simple and multiple linear regression; one-way analysis of variance to compare more than 2 groups; analysis of covariance to compare groups adjusting for confounders; testing for effect modification; calculating adjusted means; strategies for selecting the 'best' regression model; examination of residuals; regression to the mean; associated SAS programming. Each topic is covered by a 1 hour statistics lecture, a 1 hour SAS lecture, a 1 hour SAS practical and a 1 hour statistics tutorial to discuss the interpretation of the results. Each fortnight there is an exercise on the material covered in the statistics lecture. The SAS practical allows the necessary computing to answer the questions for the statistics tutorial the following week. The assignments will involve practical analysis and interpretation of a data set and between 10% and 20% of the marks for each assignment are for the SAS computing program.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5212 Categorical Data Analysis
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Petra Macaskill Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture, 5 x 1hr lectures, and 5 x 1hr tutorials over 6 weeks. Also available online - such students must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows. Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Corequisites: PUBH5211 Assessment: 1x 3 page report (30%) and 1x 8 page report (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
In this unit the biostatistical concepts covered in earlier units are extended to cover analysis of epidemiological studies where the outcome variable is categorical. Topics of study include: testing for trend in a 2 x r contingency table; the Mantel-Haenszel test for the combination of several 2 x 2 tables, with estimation of the combined odds ratio and confidence limits; multiple logistic regression; Poisson regression; modelling strategy. The assignments will involve practical analysis and interpretation of categorical data. Data analyses will be conducted using statistical software (SAS).
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5213 Survival Analysis
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Judy Simpson Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 1hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial per week for six weeks both face to face and distance mode. Students studying in distance mode must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows. Corequisites: PUBH5211 Assessment: 1x 3 page assignment (20%) and 1x 10 page assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
During this unit, students learn to analyse data from studies in which individuals are followed up until a particular event occurs, e.g. death, cure, relapse, making use of follow-up data also for those who do not experience the event. This unit covers: Kaplan-Meier life tables; logrank test to compare two or more groups; Cox's proportional hazards regression model; checking the proportional hazards assumption; sample size calculations for survival studies. For each topic participants are given some material to read beforehand. This is followed by a lecture, then participants are given one or two exercises to do for the following week. These exercises are discussed in the tutorial at the next session before moving on to the next topic. That is, in most weeks the first hour is a tutorial and the lecture is given in the second hour. Participants are expected to run SAS programs in their own time. Preparation time for each session is 2-3 hours. The assignments both involve use of SAS to analyse a set of survival data.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
SURG5001 Devel & Meas of Surgical Hlth Outcomes 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Solomon, Dr James Harrison Session: Semester 1 Classes: 10x2hr modules. Participants will be able to achieve each module's objectives by completing the provided essential reading, working through the set questions and taking part in the tutorial. For each module, additional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to pursue the topic in more detail. Assessment: Participation (40%). Participation marks are awarded for the submission of set exercises and attendance of tutorial. Written assignment (60%). The written assignment will have relevance to each participants own speciality. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The overall aim of this course is to provide participants with an understanding of key methodological concepts and issues needed to conduct high quality clinical and health services research. The course covers aspects of clinical epidemiology, outcome evaluation and health economic assessment with a focus on surgical research. The broad nature of the course will provide an introduction to key topics across these fields but may also serve as a means for participants to identify specific areas of interest that they would like to pursue in their own future research. Course content includes: sources of bias in surgical studies; study designs in surgical effectiveness research; RCTs and problems with RCTs in surgery; development and evaluation of outcome measures; cost effectiveness analyses; quality of life and utility measures; evaluation of screening and diagnostic tests and systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
SURG5003 Devel & Meas of Surgical Hlth Outcomes 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Solomon, Dr James Harrison Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 x 2 hrs modules. Participants will be able to achieve each module's objectives by completing the provided essential reading, working through the set exercises and taking part in the tutorial. Assessment: Participation (30%). Participation marks are awarded for the submission of set exercises and attendance of tutorial. Written assignment (70%). Participants will develop a research grant application for submission which will be assessed to NHMRC standards. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The objective of this course is for participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Part 1 to develop their own research proposal relevant to their speciality or research interest. The standard of the proposal will be to that of a peer-reviewed grant such as NHMRC. In addition to completing the research proposal, participants will face questions from a mock interview panel about their submission. Content includes the practical aspects of developing a research proposal including: literature review; grant writing skills; use of appropriate outcome measures; minimising bias; study design, recruitment and follow up and analytic frameworks. Participants will discuss their proposal within tutorials and gain feedback and advice from their peers and tutors.
SURG5007 Dissertation A
Credit points: 9 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6hr/week independent supervised research Assessment: Candidates will be required to submit the dissertation in the form of a paper dealing with research on a specific topic. It should be the equivalent of one paper which would be acceptable for publication in a peer reviewed scientific, academic or professional journal. In keeping with Academic Board policy there is an option to submit published work based on research undertaken while enrolled for this degree. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
The dissertation is a formal piece of writing relevant to the subject area of the masters degree. Candidates will work on a specified research project under appropriate supervision. At least one of the project supervisors must be an academic staff member of the University. The dissertation is in Parts A and B, both of which will be completed in a minimum of one year of full time study or two years of part time study.
SURG5008 Dissertation B
Credit points: 9 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6hr/week independent supervised research Assessment: Candidates will be required to submit the dissertation in the form of a paper dealing with research on a specific topic. It should be the equivalent of one paper which would be acceptable for publication in a peer reviewed scientific, academic or professional journal. In keeping with Academic Board policy there is an option to submit published work based on research undertaken while enrolled for this degree. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
The dissertation is a formal piece of writing relevant to the subject area of the masters degree. Candidates will work on a specified research project under appropriate supervision. At least one of the project supervisors must be an academic staff member of the University. The dissertation is in Parts A and B, both of which will be completed in a minimum of one year of full time study or two years of part time study.
SURG5011 Imaging Surgical Patients
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor John Preston Harris Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture plus 1x1hr tutorial and 4hr directed study per week Assessment: practical assignment involving case studies requiring investigation leading to diagnosis Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
The unit of study aims to introduce all types of imaging relevant to the practice of surgery, to understand the underlying physical and technological principles upon which imaging relies and to know the indications for use and complications of imaging. By the end of the unit students will understand the scientific basis of the various imaging modalities and the indications for their use and appreciate the importance of protection of patients and personnel from the harmful effects of imaging. The contents of the unit are: B mode, spectral analysis and duplex ultrasound; computerised tomography; magnetic resonance; positron emission tomography; radio isotope imaging; angiography; imaging guided therapeutic techniques and safety measures in imaging.
Textbooks
Current surgical literature - references supplied.
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Ross Smith Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture plus 1x2hr tutorial plus 4hr directed study per week Assessment: attendance, assignments, open book essay Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening or On-line
The aims of the unit are for the student to acquire knowledge of body composition in health and malnutrition and to understand adaptive response of the body to stress, trauma and sepsis. By the end of the unit the student will become competent in providing enteral and parenteral nutritional therapy to metabolically compromised patients. Content includes body composition in health and malnutrition; measurement of malnutrition; sequence of stress response; enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition.
Textbooks
Current surgical literature - references supplied.
SURG5013 Safety in Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor John Andrew Cartmill Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture plus 1x2hr tutorial for 3 weeks, plus 4hr directed study per week and 1x3day seminar Assessment: attendance and practical assignments involving case studies Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
This unit of study aims to gain insight into safety in surgery from dual perspectives; that of the individual surgeon 'on the spot' as well as the broader social, technological and political context. At the end of the unit, students will have learned to appreciate performance limitations of individuals and teams, develop personal safety skills and behaviours and develop skills in debriefing, incident analysis and disclosure. Content includes generic industrial accidents, mishaps and near misses; human factors, psychology and surgical decision making, team theory and critical incident debriefing, incident analysis and disclosure.
Textbooks
Current surgical literature - references supplied.
SURG5015 Surgical Anatomy: Based on Prosection
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor James May, Professor George Ramsey-Stewart, Professor John Harris Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2.5 hour personal prosection class per week, 1.5 hour demonstration of anatomical dissections in OSCE format per week Assessment: Participation in the weekly OSCE anatomical theme sessions and personal prosection classes (40%), a mark based on the quality of the prosection in the chosen specialty and a mark based on the candidate's anatomical knowledge as demonstrated in the weekly viva (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students request permission from the postgraduate coordinator to enrol in this unit. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol
The Surgical Anatomy unit of study is based on cadaver prosection and offered jointly by Disciplines of Surgery and Anatomy. There are three components to the course. Firstly, candidates are required to perform a prosection in the area of their chosen specialty. They must prepare a detailed description of the prosection including illustrations/photographs. The second requirement is that candidates attend a 1.5 hour session each week on a known anatomical theme and demonstrate the anatomical features of dissected pecimens to USydMP students, in an OSCE format. The third requirement is to prepare for a weekly viva, conducted on prosections, by self directed learning. All three components are completed in one morning session per week (Either Monday or Wednesday).
Textbooks
Last's Textbook of Anatomy. Acland's DVD Atlas of Human Anatomy
SURG5016 Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor John Harris, Professor James May and Dr Steven Dubenec Session: Semester 2 Classes: 10x 2hr evening seminars. Participants will be provided with instruction for home study in preparation for each session. Assessment: learning summary (70%) Each week participants will be required to submit a 1 to 2 page written summary of the key issues from the previous week; 1xwritten assignment (30%) Participants will complete a written assignment on a topic of relevance to their own surgical specialty by the completion of the course. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
The objective of this unit of study is for participants to develop a greater understanding of the anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment options for peripheral vascular disorders by open or endovascular means. This unit of study will introduce students to key areas of vascular anatomy and pathology at an advanced level. Where appropriate, vascular imaging will be incorporated. Course participants will also be exposed to other relevant disciplines, including cardiology, radiology and endocrinology. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a critical knowledge of the academic basis for contemporary vascular surgery.
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Graham J. Gumley, Dr G Alex Bishop Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x 2 hour tutorials, or potentially 3 x 3hour tutorials Assumed knowledge: Medical Degree Assessment: Presentation of logbook and attendance at each tutorial/lab session (40%), technical competence (40%), assignment (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students request permission from the postgraduate coordinator (james.may@sydney.edu.au) to enrol in this unit. The coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
The course will deliver focused sessions on applied Microsurgical anatomy, and practical training in Microsurgery - Micro vascular and micro neural techniques. Real time demonstrations, Video, other visual and printed material will be used to aid teaching and to supplement the "eyes on scope" sessions. Sessions will comprise of brief lecture, demonstration of techniques to be developed in the class, followed by supervised Microsurgical practice with set objectives and standards. Students will keep a detailed log book and present a discussion paper on an element of Microsurgery they find challenging or stimulating.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed prior to the course commencing.
SURG5020 Advanced Laparoscopic Abdominal Anatomy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Christopher John Young Session: Semester 1 Classes: 10x2hr tutorials Assessment: Presentation of worksheets and attendance at each tutorial (10x 4%), assignment (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
Note: Students must contact Unit of Study coordinator (cyoungnsw@aol.com) as early as possible to receive pre-reading material
The course will deliver focused sessions on applied laparoscopic anatomy, pertinent to specific procedures in colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, general, urological and gynaecological surgery. Video, other visual and printed material will be used to aid teaching of the abdominal, pelvic and retroperitoneal laparoscopic anatomy involved in these procedures. Printed material and worksheets will be read and completed prior to each session. Sessions will comprise one hour on anatomy, 30 minutes on technological and science issues regarding translation of applied anatomy to the laparoscopic perception, and 30 minutes on developing and presentation of the course assignment which will be the preparation of an audiovisual teaching tool on the advanced laparoscopic anatomy of a specific operation of interest to the student.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed prior to the course commencing.
SURG5021 Transplantation Immunobiology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alexandra Sharland Session: Semester 1 Classes: The unit is delivered online and will require approximately 10 hours study per week. Assessment: Formative mcq assessment of pre-existing knowledge in Immunobiology allows students to identify strengths and weaknesses before starting the leaning modules. Short-answer questions cover the knowledge acquired in each module. Students may access reference materials and other resources whilst completing the questions. Each set of questions must be completed and submitted by the due date (listed on the website in the document "Schedule and Important dates for SURG_5021"), and before students proceed to the next module. Answers to each module contribute 12% to the final score for the Unit (total 60% for the 5 modules), and a multiple choice quiz to be completed in the final week of the UOS contributes 40% to the final score. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Over 15,000 Australians have or will develop end-stage organ failure this year, and this number is expected to grow exponentially with the rise in underlying conditions such as diabetes and hepatitis C. Organ transplantation is thus becoming increasingly important as a therapeutic modality. This unit of study will introduce students to the fundamental principles of transplantation immunobiology, which are essential to the understanding of clinical solid organ transplantation. This unit is a prerequisite or co-requisite for students wishing to undertake SURG5022, Principles and Practice of Transplantation, and for students completing a transplantation project for their dissertation. The unit contains an introductory module and 5 learning modules, which students work through at their own pace. These modules are: 2. Overview of the Immune System, 3. MHC Biology, Antigen Presentation and Allorecognition, 4. Effector mechanisms in Transplant Rejection, 5. Brain Death, Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury and Innate Immune Responses in Transplantation, and 6. Transplantation Tolerance. Each module contains online lectures and links to recommended reading, followed by a series of short-answer questions.
Textbooks
Abbas, Lichtman and Pillai, Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 7th edition, Saunders.
SURG5022 Principles & Practice of Transplantation
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alexandra Sharland, Professor Richard Allen Session: Semester 2 Classes: The unit is delivered online and will require approximately 10 hours study per week. Prerequisites: SURG5021 Assessment: Formative mcq assessment of prior knowledge in clinical transplantation, 6 structured clinical cases: individual answers (60%), contribution to online discussion (20%), major case commentary in final 2 weeks (20%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Over 15,000 Australians have or will develop end-stage organ failure this year, and this number is expected to grow exponentially with the rise in underlying conditions such as diabetes and hepatitis C. Organ transplantation is thus becoming increasingly important as a therapeutic modality. This unit of study will provide an overview of the surgical and medical management of solid organ transplant donors and recipients. Course participants will also explore the demographics, underlying conditions and co-morbidities of transplant recipients, the role of randomised clinical trials in the management of transplant immunosuppression, and the ethical aspects of transplantation. The major learning activities of this unit will be based around six cases in clinical transplantation.
Textbooks
Current transplantation literature - linked to online teaching materials.
SURG5023 Epidemiology of Cancer
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charbel Sandroussi, Dr Christopher Byrne Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5 x 2 hour lectures/tutorials and 5 online learning modules. Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Corequisites: SURG5001 Assessment: Written assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Evening
This course will be delivered by a combination of online and face to face lectures. It will enable students to understand key concepts in epidemiology as they apply to cancer. By the completion of the course of study the student would be expected to understand the basic concepts in the formation of cancer (initiation, promotion, invasion, metastasis) and concepts of screening, surveillance, use of biomarkers in diagnosis, the incidence and prevalence of cancer and the efficacy of various treatments on the outcomes. The major learning activities will be centres on specific groups of cancer and how the various concepts can be applied.
SURG5025 Adv. Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Arthur Richardson; Dr Vincent Lam Session: Int Sept Classes: 12x1hour lectures and 4x2hr tutorials in a four-day period Corequisites: SURG5001 Assessment: Presentation of worksheets and attendance at each tutorial (20%=4x5% per tutorial), assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
The objective of this unit of study is for participants to develop greater understanding of the operative anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment options for complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases by laparoscopic or open means. This unit of study will introduce participants to key areas of operative anatomy, pathology, imaging and surgical techniques at an advanced level. By the end of the course, participants will have developed the ability to critically appraised contemporary hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical practice.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed prior to the course commencing.
SURG5027 Whole Body Dissection 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor George Ramsey-Stewart Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x6 hour laboratory sessions 9am - 3pm per week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Corequisites: SURG5028 and SURG5029 and SURG5030 Assumed knowledge: Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. Assessment: Weekly formative viva voce on wet specimens. Summative formal written practical at end of course. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Candidates in this whole body dissection course are required to dissect a whole embalmed cadaver, over 12 weeks, according to the classical dissection methods of Cunningham's Manuals of Practical Anatomy. Candidates dissect in supervised groups of 6, according to a strict daily dissection schedule, so utilising team based learning (TBL) methods. This is a proven technique for teaching clinical topographical anatomy to surgical trainees. Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on applied clinical and surgical anatomy. Supervision is by surgeons. There are 34 daily dissection sessions (three per week Mon, Tues, Wed) over the 12 weeks of the course. This will provide a total of 204 hours of dissection experience (6 hours per day). All candidates are required to complete the prescribed pre-reading tasks according to the schedule and are submitted to a weekly formative wet-specimen viva voce examination. There is a final written summative wet specimen practical examination at the end of the course. This course provides a comprehensive whole body dissection experience, which when completed provides a detailed three-dimensional "mind map" of the various regions of the human body, so essential to surgical practice.
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor George Ramsey-Stewart Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x6 hour laboratory sessions 9am - 3pm per week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Corequisites: SURG5027 and SURG5029 and SURG5030 Assumed knowledge: Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. Assessment: Weekly formative viva voce on wet specimens. Summative formal written practical at end of course. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Candidates in this whole body dissection course are required to dissect a whole embalmed cadaver, over 12 weeks, according to the classical dissection methods of Cunningham's Manuals of Practical Anatomy. Candidates dissect in supervised groups of 6, according to a strict daily dissection schedule, so utilising team based learning (TBL) methods. This is a proven technique for teaching clinical topographical anatomy to surgical trainees. Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on applied clinical and surgical anatomy. Supervision is by surgeons. There are 34 daily dissection sessions (three per week Mon, Tues, Wed) over the 12 weeks of the course. This will provide a total of 204 hours of dissection experience (6 hours per day). All candidates are required to complete the prescribed pre-reading tasks according to the schedule and are submitted to a weekly formative wet-specimen viva voce examination. There is a final written summative wet specimen practical examination at the end of the course. This course provides a comprehensive whole body dissection experience, which when completed provides a detailed three-dimensional "mind map" of the various regions of the human body, so essential to surgical practice.
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor George Ramsey-Stewart Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x6 hour laboratory sessions 9am - 3pm per week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Corequisites: SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5030 Assumed knowledge: Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. Assessment: Weekly formative viva voce on wet specimens. Summative formal written practical at end of course. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Candidates in this whole body dissection course are required to dissect a whole embalmed cadaver, over 12 weeks, according to the classical dissection methods of Cunningham's Manuals of Practical Anatomy. Candidates dissect in supervised groups of 6, according to a strict daily dissection schedule, so utilising team based learning (TBL) methods. This is a proven technique for teaching clinical topographical anatomy to surgical trainees. Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on applied clinical and surgical anatomy. Supervision is by surgeons. There are 34 daily dissection sessions (three per week Mon, Tues, Wed) over the 12 weeks of the course. This will provide a total of 204 hours of dissection experience (6 hours per day). All candidates are required to complete the prescribed pre-reading tasks according to the schedule and are submitted to a weekly formative wet-specimen viva voce examination. There is a final written summative wet specimen practical examination at the end of the course. This course provides a comprehensive whole body dissection experience, which when completed provides a detailed three-dimensional "mind map" of the various regions of the human body, so essential to surgical practice.
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor George Ramsey-Stewart Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x6 hour laboratory sessions 9am - 3pm per week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Corequisites: SURG5027 and SURG5028 and SURG5029 Assumed knowledge: Candidates applying for the Whole Body Dissection are required to enrol in all 4 units of study in this block. Assessment: Weekly formative viva voce on wet specimens. Summative formal written practical at end of course. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The Whole Body Dissection is limited to 12 places. Candidates should apply to the Postgraduate Coordinator Surgery (james.may@sydney.edu.au) for approval to enrol.
Candidates in this whole body dissection course are required to dissect a whole embalmed cadaver, over 12 weeks, according to the classical dissection methods of Cunningham's Manuals of Practical Anatomy. Candidates dissect in supervised groups of 6, according to a strict daily dissection schedule, so utilising team based learning (TBL) methods. This is a proven technique for teaching clinical topographical anatomy to surgical trainees. Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on applied clinical and surgical anatomy. Supervision is by surgeons. There are 34 daily dissection sessions (three per week Mon, Tues, Wed) over the 12 weeks of the course. This will provide a total of 204 hours of dissection experience (6 hours per day). All candidates are required to complete the prescribed pre-reading tasks according to the schedule and are submitted to a weekly formative wet-specimen viva voce examination. There is a final written summative wet specimen practical examination at the end of the course. This course provides a comprehensive whole body dissection experience, which when completed provides a detailed three-dimensional "mind map" of the various regions of the human body, so essential to surgical practice.