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Unit of study_

SURG5038: Malignant Breast Disease and MDTs

Semester 2, 2022 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Breast surgery requires a thorough knowledge of the science and management of malignant breast disease and this unit of study aims to prepare the post fellowship candidate for a career in breast surgery. The content focuses on the pathology and recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of malignant breast disease. You will gain an indepth understanding of available prognostic assessment tools, multidisciplinary care of breast cancer patients ( including adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy and the integral role of the breast care nurse and other allied health staff) and survivorship issues. Specific surgical decision algorithms and surgical options for malignant and insitu disease will be thoroughly explored and explained.

Unit details and rules

Unit code SURG5038
Academic unit Surgery
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
SURG5037
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This unit is designed as the first part of a curriculum for contemporary breast surgery for Post Fellowship Trainees and assumes practical skills training is obtained on the BreastSurgANZ PFT Program (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed general or plastic surgical training and have a strong interest in breast surgery

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Spillane, andrew.spillane@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Live+ supervised) Type A final exam Final online exam
MCQ and written elements
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Small test Module quizzes
MCQ
10% Multiple weeks See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Module clinical case discussions
Online task
10% Multiple weeks 300 word post, 100 word reply
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment MDT assignment
Written task
10% Week 04
Due date: 28 Aug 2022 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8 LO9
Assignment Short answer question
Written task
10% Week 10
Due date: 16 Oct 2022 at 23:59
600 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9
Presentation Webinar presentation
Presentation at live webinar
10% Week 11 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Type A final exam = Type A final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Module Quizzes: designed to help students gauge their progress in meeting the learning outcomes.
  • MDT Assignment: students will be presented with a case where they will be asked to write a discussion from the perspective of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.
  • Webinar Presentation: students will be required to attend a live webinar. Attendace is compulsory. Students will be required to prepare a case prior to the webinar and present the case during the webinar in addition to participating in discussion.
  • Short Answer Question: designed to help students synthesise and apply the knowledge gained.
  • Case Discussions: students will be presented with a case and asked to respond to the questions posed. There are 4 case discussions throughout the semester. At the end of set modules students are required to post a response to a case discussion.
  • Final Online Exam: comprises of 40 multiple choice questions and 3 short answer questions.

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.

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 Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1: breast cancer pathology and prognosis determination Online class (10 hr)  
Week 02 Module 1: breast cancer pathology and prognosis determination Online class (10 hr)  
Week 03 Module 2: managing breast cancer Online class (10 hr)  
Week 04 Module 2: managing breast cancer Online class (10 hr)  
Week 05 Module 2: managing breast cancer Online class (10 hr)  
Week 06 Module 3: further aspects of breast cancer management Online class (10 hr)  
Week 07 Module 3: further aspects of breast cancer management Online class (10 hr)  
Week 08 Module 3: further aspects of breast cancer management Online class (10 hr)  
Week 09 Module 4: LCIS and DCIS Online class (10 hr)  
Week 10 Module 5: surgical decision making in breast cancer Online class (10 hr)  
Week 11 Module 6: advanced breast cancer and other breast malignancies Online class (10 hr)  
Week 12 Module 6: advanced breast cancer and other breast malignancies Online class (10 hr)  
Week 13 Module 7: clinical trials in breast cancer Online class (10 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements: Students will be required to attend a live webinar for this unit of study. Attendance is compulsory. See Canvas for details.

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 Canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. understand the different histopathology subtypes and prognostic implications of each across the spectrum of breast malignancy
  • LO2. understand the subtleties of management associated with the different subtypes of breast malignancy
  • LO3. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of and ability to meaningfully contribute to the interactions and recommendations of the multidisciplinary team for your patients’ optimal breast cancer management
  • LO4. demonstrate a solid understanding of the neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy options
  • LO5. demonstrate a solid and contemporary understanding of adjuvant (and neoadjuvant) radiotherapy options
  • LO6. understand treatment related toxicity and morbidity and how it is best managed
  • LO7. understand the principles of management of locally advanced and breast cancer recurrence
  • LO8. understand the importance of breast care nurse, supportive care, and psycho-oncological colleagues to maximise patient acceptance, tolerance, compliance and quality of life during and after treatment
  • LO9. be aware of evolving management trends, contemporary clinical trials and unresolved management questions for patients with breast malignancy.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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 Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are 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.