University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Surgery (2020 enrolment)

Graduate Certificate in Surgery

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Surgery (2020 enrolment)

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
6    A Basic knowledge of haemostasis is an advantage.
Semester 2
PATH5000
Surgical Pathology
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
SURG5003
Scientific Communication for Surgeons
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
SURG5011
Imaging Surgical Patients
6    N IMAG5042
Semester 2
SURG5012
Surgical Metabolism
6      Semester 2
SURG5016
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Limit 12 students per semester. Departmental permission required.
Semester 2
SURG5017
Microsurgery
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Semester 1
Semester 2
SURG5021
Surgical Immunology
6      Semester 1
SURG5025
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
6      Semester 2
SURG5031
Surgical Skills
6    A Final year medical student knowledge of physiology, pathology and anatomy is assumed

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Places in this unit are limited, please contact Jayne Seward in the Discipline of Surgery office to be placed on the waitlist at jayne.seward@sydney.edu.au
Semester 1
SURG5032
Physiology for Surgeons
6      Semester 2
SURG5034
Surgical Anatomy based on GSSE
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
SURG5035
Surgical Research and Evaluation
6      Semester 1
SURG5036
Surg Research: Translation and Innovation
6      Semester 2
SURG5041
Surgical Oncology: Principles and Practice
6    A Candidates are expected generally to be undertaking advanced surgical training or similar
P PATH5000

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Department permission required for enrolment. Exemption may apply via special permission for advanced surgical trainees
Semester 1
Semester 2
SURG5042
Urological Oncology
6      Semester 1
SURG5043
Surgical Endoscopy
6    A Candidates are advised to have completed a surgical internship or similar with some prior exposure to endoscopy.
Semester 2

Surgery (2020 enrolment)

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: Dr Jennifer Curnow Session: Semester 2 Classes: online lectures and case discussions, video tutorials, podcasts of experts discussing controversies Assumed knowledge: Basic knowledge of haemostasis is an advantage. Assessment: online quizzes (10%); generation and peer review of assessment items (10%); case-based discussion boards (10%); short answer questions (30%); final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
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
Consultative Hemostasis and Thrombosis; Kitchens, Kessler and Konkle 2013 (Pub:Elsevier)
PATH5000 Surgical Pathology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Brett Hambly Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online Assessment: weekly quizzes (20%), 2 x 500 word case discussions (20%), participation in generation and peer review of assessment items (20%), online exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
The Surgical Pathology Unit of Study course in an online course available in Semester 1 or 2. It is based on examination of 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 10hours 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
Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease 9th Ed (Kumar, Abbas, Fausto, Aster)
SURG5003 Scientific Communication for Surgeons

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Kerry Hitos, Professor Pierre Chapuis, Professor Henry Pleass Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: This unit is delivered online and with weekly lectures and discussions. Assessment: Compulsory participation and assessment of 6 online modules (30%), online research presentation component (70%). Mode of delivery: Online
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. This unit is strongly recommended for all undertaking Dissertation A (SURG 5007) and B (SURG 5008) for the Masters of Surgery. As part of their assessment, candidates will be required to present online.
Textbooks
Notes will be linked to online teaching material.
SURG5011 Imaging Surgical Patients

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Stuart Grieve and Dr Sally Ayesa Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online lectures and case-based discussion boards. Prohibitions: IMAG5042 Assessment: Online quizzes (10%), participation in generation and peer review of assessment items (10%), 3 x case discussions (40%); final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
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 life-threatening pathologies. New and evolving imaging techniques, already or soon available for surgical patients will be touched on.
SURG5012 Surgical Metabolism

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Michael Suen Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online Assessment: Compulsory participation in 6 online modules x 5% (30%) Complete a 2000-5000 word assignment (70%) Mode of delivery: Online
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
Reading materials will be posted online prior to the sessions
SURG5016 Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Anthony Freeman and Dr Robert Tang Session: Semester 2 Classes: online modules, compulsory 1 day face to face skills session (limit 12 students) Assessment: online quizzes (10%), participation in generation and peer review of assessment items (10%), 6 x 300 word assignments and participation in discussion forums (30%), 1800 word written assignment (30%), skills session attendance and assessment (20%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Limit 12 students per semester. Departmental permission required.
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
Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy (Sidawy) 9th ed., Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: A Companion to Specialist Surgical Practice (Loftus) 6th ed. 2019, Pellerito J and Polak JF. Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography. 6th edition. 2012., Fitridge R and Thompson M. Mechanisms of Vascular Disease: A Reference Book for Vascular Specialists. University of Adelaide Press, 2011
SURG5017 Microsurgery

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Bernard Schick, Dr Alex Phoon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x 2 hour labs/tutorials, plus 3 x 2.5hr (Saturday) labs (limit 10 students) Assessment: Presentation of logbook and attendance at each tutorial/lab session (40%), technical competence (40%), assignment (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Note: Department permission required for enrolment
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.
SURG5021 Surgical Immunology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Alexandra Sharland and Associate Professor Jerome Laurence Session: Semester 1 Classes: The unit is delivered online and will require approximately 10 hours study per week. Assessment: participation in generation and peer review of assessment items (10%), online quizzes (25%,) case discussions (25%), online exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
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
Abbas, Lichtman and Pillai, Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 9th edition, Saunders .
SURG5025 Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Henry Pleass Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online with one day face to face workshop. Assessment: Mix of online discussions, best answer quizzes, short answer questions and essays along with assessment of technical skills. Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
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 appraise contemporary hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical practice.
Textbooks
Readings include papers from the scientific literature and selected textbook chapters.
SURG5031 Surgical Skills

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anthony Glover Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online with a compulsory 2-day workshop at the Sydney Clinical Skills and Stimulation Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital. Assumed knowledge: Final year medical student knowledge of physiology, pathology and anatomy is assumed Assessment: Ethics case discussions (10%), ethics written assignment (20%), case discussions (20%), workshop assessment (5%), communication essay (10%), short answer questions (15%), skills demonstration video (10%), online quizzes (10%) Practical field work: The workshop will include communication skills (in conjunction with the Pam McLean Centre for Communication) and preparation for surgical training tutorials, as well as basic and advanced surgical skills taught by an expert surgical faculty. Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Places in this unit are limited, please contact Jayne Seward in the Discipline of Surgery office to be placed on the waitlist at jayne.seward@sydney.edu.au
This unit focuses on providing a foundation in the surgical 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 also 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
Readings include papers from the scientific literature and selected textbook chapters.
SURG5032 Physiology for Surgeons

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Miguel Iglesias Session: Semester 2 Classes: online lectures will provide an overview of topics to supplement Ganong and other resources. Assessment: online quizzes (30%), participation in generation and peer review of assessment items (20%), online exam (50%). Mode of delivery: Online
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
Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education/ Medical and West's Respiratory Physiology, 10th Edition. Wolters Kluwer.
SURG5034 Surgical Anatomy based on GSSE

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Adjunct Professor Lindsay Wing, Adjunct Associate Professor Allan Meares and Clinical Professor Pierre Chapuis Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Tutorials and practical classes with exercises. Please check the surgery timetable for dates. Assessment: Assessment will be based on both attendance and participation in weekly classes. self directed study is required before each of the sessions of approximately 10 hours per session as a minimum. A 90% attendance is required for the course, and a satisfactory pass mark in classwork. There will be a final compulsory trial GSSE exam of 80 MCQs and 20 Spots (held on the final day of the course). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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
Last's Anatomy 9th Edition, Editor: McMinn; Clinically Oriented Anatomy by Keith L Moore; Color Atlas of Anatomy, (Rohen, Yokochi, Lutjen, Drecoll); Lecture Notes on Anatomy, D.B.Moffat.
SURG5035 Surgical Research and Evaluation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kerry Hitos Session: Semester 1 Classes: Compulsory participation and assessment of 6 modules and tutorial discussion board (the unit will be delivered online): limit of 50 in semester 1 and 25 in semester 2 Assessment: On-line short answer questions cover the knowledge acquired for each module. Each set of questions must be completed and submitted by the due date and before students proceed to the next module. Answers to each module will contribute (40%) to the final score of the unit. A written assignment will also contribute (60%). Mode of delivery: Online
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
Notes will be linked to online teaching material.
SURG5036 Surg Research: Translation and Innovation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Adjunct Associate Professor Kerry Hitos Session: Semester 2 Classes: Compulsory participation and assessment of 6 modules and tutorial discussion board (the unit will be delivered online). Assessment: On-line short answer questions cover the knowledge acquired for each module. Each set of questions must be completed and submitted by the due date and before candidates proceed to the next module. Answers to each module will contribute (40%) to the final score of the unit. A written assignment will also contribute (60%). Mode of delivery: Online
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 be have 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
Notes will be linked to online teaching material.
SURG5041 Surgical Oncology: Principles and Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Pierre Chapuis, Associate Professor Brett Hambly Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online lectures, videos, tutorials and formative assessment. Prerequisites: PATH5000 Assumed knowledge: Candidates are expected generally to be undertaking advanced surgical training or similar Assessment: 1) one online MDT scenario 30% 2) critical review of a tumour-specific, current publication of your choice from the primary literature (max: 1,000 words, excluding references) 20% 3) weekly quizzes 50% Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Note: Department permission required for enrolment. Exemption may apply via special permission for advanced surgical trainees
The course runs over 13 weeks with the final week confined to assessment by face-to-face participation in an OSCE style format using a number of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting scenarios. The emphasis is on multimodality patient care which offers the best chance for a favourable outcome for a variety of common tumour types including breast, colorectal, prostate, gastro-oesophageal junction and melanoma. The unit is designed to address each cancer type with an overview highlighting those issues of importance when discussing management at an MDT meeting including: anatomical pathology desciption of the tumour, clinicopathological staging, pathology ,staging, advances in Molecular Biology, Imaging, Surgery, Radiation and Medical oncology, new biologic therapies and the place of palliation of advanced disease. The emphasis is largely on self- directed learning with on-line lectures and reading material provided by a Faculty of clinicians drawn from various metropolitan teaching hospitals.
Specific Learning objectives: 1) to develop the skills to advocate evidence-based management for the individual needs of a patient in an MDT meeting and to understand the contribution of each clinical discipline in the decision making process 2) to demonstrate an adequate back ground knowledge of the natural history and classification of common tumours 3) to formulate a cancer specific management plan based on standardised reporting of the extent of tumour burden 4) to understand the influence of evidence-based, independent prognostic factors on outcomes and evolving concepts in cancer biology.
Textbooks
Due to the contemporary nature of the course an extensive bibliography of current reading material will be provided. These will be accessible electronically through the library.
SURG5042 Urological Oncology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Manish Patel Session: Semester 1 Classes: Compulsory 1 day face to face workshop, online discussion forums Assessment: 4 x 600 word case-based discussion board assignments (40%); workshop communication assessment (20%); participation in the generation and peer review of assessment items (20%); online quizzes (20%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
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
Fast Facts Prostate Cancer, 9th Edition. Published 2017. Health Press
SURG5043 Surgical Endoscopy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Symons Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online lectures and tutorials; compulsory face to face 1 day workshop with simulation training at Royal Prince Alfred Surgical Simultion Centre. Assumed knowledge: Candidates are advised to have completed a surgical internship or similar with some prior exposure to endoscopy. Assessment: Simulation assessment (30%); 1x 1000 word critical appraisal (20%); weekly online quizzes (20%); participation in online case discussion forums (30%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
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
Norton, I & Bourke, M (2017) Endoscopy Handbook. Gastroenterological Society of Australia.