Surgery
Graduate Certificate in Surgery
Please check the current students website (Find a unit of study) for up-to-date information on units of study including availability.
Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
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Surgery |
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Graduate Certificate in Surgery |
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Students must complete 24 credit points, including: | |||
(a) 24 credit points of surgery selective units of study. | |||
A unit of study is worth 6 credit points and represents approximately 10 hours of study per week in a 13-week semester. | |||
Surgery selective units |
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HAEM5001 Thrombosis and Haemostasis in Acute Care |
6 | A Basic knowledge of haemostasis is an advantage Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
SURG5003 Scientific Communication for Surgeons |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
SURG5011 Imaging Surgical Patients |
6 | N IMAG5042 Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5016 Vascular and Endovascular Surgery |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5017 Microsurgery |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
SURG5021 Surgical Immunology |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 |
SURG5025 Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5031 Surgical Skills |
6 | A Final year medical student knowledge of physiology, pathology and anatomy is assumed Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 |
SURG5032 Physiology for Surgeons |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5034 Surgical Anatomy Based on GSSE |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
SURG5035 Surgical Research and Evaluation |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 |
SURG5036 Surg Research: Translation and Innovation |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5041 Surgical Oncology: Principles and Practice |
6 | A Pathology knowledge equivalent to GSSE Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 |
SURG5042 Urological Oncology |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 1 |
SURG5043 Surgical Endoscopy |
6 | A Candidates are advised to have completed a surgical internship or similar with some prior exposure to endoscopy Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
SURG5045 Orthopaedic Surgery |
6 |
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units |
Semester 2 |
Surgery
Graduate Certificate in Surgery
Students must complete 24 credit points, including:
(a) 24 credit points of surgery selective units of study.
A unit of study is worth 6 credit points and represents approximately 10 hours of study per week in a 13-week semester.
Surgery selective units
HAEM5001 Thrombosis and Haemostasis in Acute Care
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Basic knowledge of haemostasis is an advantage Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Thrombosis and haemostasis affect all areas of clinical practice. This unit of study will familiarise students with normal and pathological haemostasis, interpretation of coagulation laboratory tests, and practical management of bleeding and clotting disorders in the perioperative and critical care setting. Case-based discussions will explore strategies for diagnosis, investigation and management in theatres, ICU and the emergency department to assist in making optimal clinical decisions.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The Surgical Pathology Unit of Study course is an online course available in Semester 1 and 2. It covers general pathology and aligns with the Pathology component of the General Surgical Sciences Examination. The unit utilises virtual macroscopic pathology specimens (bottles) available through the Pathology Museum collection and examination of microscopic slides of relevant pathological processes. The course runs over 13 weeks and covers 13 topics. Each week recorded lectures, accompanying slides, required reading, and supplementary materials are provided to students. All material (including assessments) will take approximately 10 hours per week to complete. Topics that will be covered in the course will include basic pathological processes (eg immunology, inflammation, neoplasia etc) and systems pathology (eg cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, neurology, genitourinary, etc).
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5003 Scientific Communication for Surgeons
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit is designed to promote academic surgery pari passu with the objectives of the Section of Academic Surgery (SAS) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Candidates will develop the skills and art of delivering powerful professional presentations. They will learn how to craft a suitable abstract for a scientific paper or conference using their research findings in a format acceptable for adjudication as an oral presentation at a meeting of a Surgical Research Society or the Annual Scientific Congress of the RACS and its subspecialties. This includes critical steps to successful abstract preparation, visual presentation, content, structure, coherent design and delivery. Key topics include the formation of an effective argument and focus point, style of delivery, avoiding critical errors, including analysing, understanding and handling the audience. On completion, candidates will be confident and have the core skills to present findings of their research effectively in a way that is engaging, persuasive and will maximise impact.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5011 Imaging Surgical Patients
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: IMAG5042 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit of study aims to introduce imaging relevant to the practice of surgery. You will learn the fundamental principles of a range of medical imaging modalities, as well as the indications and risks relevant to surgical practice. On completion of the unit, you will have a broad understanding of the role medical imaging plays in the care of surgical patients and the basic interpretation of common imaging investigations, as well as important imaging findings for common and lifeÂthreatening pathologies. New and evolving imaging techniques available for surgical patients will also be touched on.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The aims of the unit are for the student to acquire knowledge of nutrition in surgery 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 Nutrition assessment, Surgical Complications in Malnourished patients, Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, Complications in Obese, Obesity and Surgery, Short Bowel Syndrome and Enterocutaneous fistula.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5016 Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
In this unit of study you will develop a sophisticated working knowledge of the academic basis of contemporary vascular surgical practice. Vascular anatomy, pathophysiology, imaging and treatment options (non-operative, open surgical or endovascular) of vascular surgical disorders will be discussed.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5017 Microsurgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
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
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5021 Surgical Immunology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Inflammation and immunopathology are encountered frequently in surgical practice, in settings such as acute pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and rejection of organ transplants. Manipulation of the immune system through treatment with checkpoint inhibitors and other forms of immunotherapy is assuming increasing importance in the treatment of malignant melanoma and various other cancers. This unit of study will introduce students to the fundamental aspects of innate and cognate immune responses and their relationship to the clinical manifestations of some common surgical conditions.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5025 Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
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. Separate areas will focus on benign and malignant disease, diagnosis and management, including acute pancreatitis, pancreatic and liver transplantation. This unit of study will introduce participants to key areas of operative anatomy, pathology, imaging and surgical techniques at an advanced level. It is anticipated that this unit of study would be of value to any Doctor wishing to pursue a career in General Surgery, as well as more advanced trainees interested in the subspecialty area of Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. By the end of the course, participants will have developed the ability to critically appraise contemporary hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical practice and have the knowledge to investigate and manage all common HPB problems.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5031 Surgical Skills
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Final year medical student knowledge of physiology, pathology and anatomy is assumed Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Surgical Skills focuses on providing a foundation in the skills required by doctors who are applying for surgical training positions and introduces many of the core competencies essential to surgeons during their training and career. On completion of this unit you will be familiar with current standards of treatment for surgical patients with regards to hospital care and technical skills. You will gain experience in the practical application of the concepts of ethics, scholarship, professionalism, teaching, management and leadership that is expected of junior doctors who plan to pursue a surgical career.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5032 Physiology for Surgeons
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit of study covers most of the basic and advanced physiology and some pathophysiology that training surgeons need to have at their fingertips. With a focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary systems, the systems and concepts studied confer a deep understanding of those at play during surgery. It provides students with a solid basis for preparation for the GSSE exam of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5034 Surgical Anatomy Based on GSSE
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The aim of the course is to assist students in the preparation of the Anatomy component of GSSE conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). These modules comprise: upper limb, lower limb, head and neck thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Each module has three components: a) Identification and SCORPIOS of anatomical structures in wet prosections of the anatomical area for the session. b) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exercises c) 'Spot' questions on anatomical prosection photographs.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5035 Surgical Research and Evaluation
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The objective of this unit is to provide candidates with an understanding of key methodological concepts of level one evidence based studies needed to conduct high quality surgical research. It will cover basic concepts and principles of good clinical research practice and provide the necessary skills on how to measure the quality of care. Key topics focus on how to identify, appraise, select and synthesise a systematic review and meta-analysis. The use of databases and registries and how to best present statistical analysis and summarise data. This unit will provide candidates with the skills to measure the quality of surgical care as well as evaluate surgical performance and measures of effects. Candidates will be able to critically appraise published statistics and learn to identify publication bias before applying the findings to their own clinical practice.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5036 Surg Research: Translation and Innovation
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The objective of this unit is to introduce candidates to the basic concepts of innovation. Participants will be able to identify and evaluate surgical innovation as well as focus on the methodological and practical challenges to rigorous surgical research. Candidates will develop the skills to design and complete level one evidence based research in surgery with a key focus on randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. The course will evaluate the complexity of surgical innovation and how to identify related factors influencing outcome. Candidates should be able to identify challenges facing the surgical research community when performing an evaluation of a therapeutic, procedure-based intervention. How to pinpoint the issues and deconstruct these into constituent methodological parts such that several important areas will be targeted for developing a systematic process that would guide appropriate, evidence based surgical practice. Ethical aspects in research and innovation will be addressed and the process of translational research will be reviewed. Other broad topics will focus on surgical oncology and survival analysis, evaluating performance when measuring the value of surgical research and the key concepts in diagnostic tests and accuracy in surgery.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5041 Surgical Oncology: Principles and Practice
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Pathology knowledge equivalent to GSSE Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit will examine multimodal cancer care through a series of clinical scenarios focusing on prevalent cancers; including breast, colorectal, prostate and gastroesophageal cancer and melanoma. For each of these cancers, the unit provides an overview of the important issues relevant to multidisciplinary management: pathological description and synoptic reporting, clinicopathological staging systems, the pathologic basis of disease, advances in molecular biology and imaging modalities. The treatment options of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, as well as biologic therapies including immunotherapy and targeted therapy will be explored. The role of palliation in advanced disease will also be considered. The subject is delivered online with a combination of lectures presented by specialist physicians and surgeons, and regular summative assessment with an emphasis on self-directed learning. Specific learning objectives: 1) to understand the role of each clinical specialty in the multidisciplinary decision-making process and apply this in addressing specific patient considerations in an evidence-based approach. 2) to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the natural history and classification of common tumors 3) to formulate a cancer-specific management plan based on clinicopatholgical tumour characteristics 4) to understand the influence of evidence based, independent prognostic factors for disease outcome and evolving concepts in cancer biology.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5042 Urological Oncology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The management of urological cancers requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of the pathological basis, imaging, diagnosis and treatment options for all stages of disease. This unit of study aims to prepare the training surgeon, interested in urology or surgical oncology, for a career managing urological cancers. You will gain a deep understanding of uro-oncology - prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, penile and other rarer cancers – including diagnosis, staging and effective management (in the ward and clinic). The importance of imaging and pathology, and the role and outcomes of surgery, radiotherapy and medical oncology in the management of these cancers will be considered.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5043 Surgical Endoscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Candidates are advised to have completed a surgical internship or similar with some prior exposure to endoscopy Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Endoscopy has rapidly become the mainstay of modern, minimally invasive surgical practise and includes diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In this unit of study you will gain insight into the current and potential surgical applications of endoscopy. You will develop a deep understanding of the core principles of endoscopy, its history, safety considerations and general troubleshooting, along with an overview of its uses in multiple subspecialties, and gain from practical experience at a compulsory simulation workshop.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SURG5045 Orthopaedic Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Orthopaedics is the largest single specialty in surgery and includes a wide range of minor to life or limb threatening trauma, while joint replacement significantly impacts on the quality of life in Australia's ageing population. This unit of study will review the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the physiology of trauma and bone healing including relevant diagnostic imaging and the mechanism and management of common fractures. Common dislocations and ligamentous injuries as well as primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder and lumbar spine will be studied in detail.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units