Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Surgery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Robert Tang, r.tang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Graded quizzes Small online test	10%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Peerwise Online written task	10%	Multiple weeks	2 cycles	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Case Discussions Case study	30%	Multiple weeks	300 words, plus 2 short replies	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Skills Demonstration Demonstrated live during the workshop	10%	Week 06	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Workshop Quizzes Quizzes completed at the workshop	10%	Week 06	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Essay	30%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Graded quizzes: Students will be required to complete a graded quiz consisting of questions relating to the content of each
module. Students are allowed one attempt only to complete the graded quizzes.
PeerWise: Students author their own multiple choice questions related to the content they have been covering. Peers can then answer student questions and provide critique or comment for improvement.
Case discussions: There will be 6 cases provided, each including specific questions. Students are required to reply to the case by addressing the questions and referring to current medical literature.
Workshop quizzes: Students will be required to complete quizzes consisting of questions relating to the content of the workshop. Students are allowed one attempt only to complete the quizzes. Quizzes will be conducted live during the compulsory wokshop.
Skills Demonstration: Students will demonstrate practical surgical techniques as shown during the compulsory workshop.
Essay: Students are required to submit an 1800 word essay, a topic will be provided.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1: vascular surgical anatomy	Online class (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 2: vascular biology and haemodynamics	Online class (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 3: principles of ultrasound	Online class (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 4: haematology and vascular surgery	Online class (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 5: peripheral arterial disease	Online class (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 6: workshop	Workshop (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 7: aortic aneurysm and dissection	Online class (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 8: extracranial carotid disease	Online class (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 9: venous insufficiency	Online class (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 10: diabetic foot disease	Online class (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 11: vascular emergencies	Online class (10 hr)
Week 12	Week 12	Online class (10 hr)
Week 13	Week 13	Online class (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at the workshop on Saturday 7 September is compulsory. More details available in Canvas.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Rutherford RB (Ed) Vascular Surgery, 9th Edition 2019.
Fitridge R and Thompson M. Mechanisms Of Vascular Disease: A Reference Book for Vascular Specialists. University of Adelaide Press, 2011.
Pellerito J and Polak JF. Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography. 6th edition. 2012.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: A Companion to Specialist Surgical Practice (Loftus) 6th ed.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the anatomy critical to the exposure of and access to vascular structures
LO2. describe the structure and function of normal blood vessels and explain disease processes affecting blood vessels
LO3. identify medical therapies to treat vascular pathologies and explain the haemodynamics of blood flow
LO4. define the principles of ultrasonography relevant to imaging normal vascular anatomy and to the diagnosis of vascular pathology
LO5. describe normal haemostasis, haemostatic disorders, thromboembolic disease, and therapeutic anticoagulation
LO6. understand the principles involved in performing a vascular anastomosis and an endovascular intervention
LO7. understand the assessment and management of patients with peripheral arterial disease
LO8. understand the assessment and management of patients with aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection
LO9. understand the assessment and management of patients with extracranial carotid disease
LO10. understand the assessment and management of patients with superficial and deep venous insufficiency
LO11. understand the assessment and management of patients with diabetic foot complications
LO12. assess the conditions presenting to a vascular surgeon that require expeditious intervention in order to potentially avoid significant morbidity and mortality.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Unit of Study Survey (USS) at the end of the semester. Your feedback is anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SURG5016: Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Semester 2, 2025 [Distance education/intensive on campus] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links