Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Surgery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Candidates are advised to have completed a surgical internship or similar with some prior exposure to endoscopy
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	James Symons, j.symons@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Henry Cheung, henry.cheung@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small test	Graded Quizzes 4x Small online Graded Quizzes	10%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	PeerWise Online written task	10%	Multiple weeks	2 cycles
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Short answer questions Written task	20%	Multiple weeks	4x 400 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Case Discussion Discussion board written task - main reply due by 28 April 2025 at 23:59 (AEST) and replies to peers due by 4 May 2025 at 23:59 (AEST)	10%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 May 2025	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Patient consent video & patient information sheet Online submissions	25%	Week 12 Due date: 25 May 2025 at 23:59	5 minutes / 2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Patient Procedure Video Video submission	25%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Peerwise: Peerwise allows students to author their own multiple choice questions related to the content they have been covering. Peers can then answer your questions and provide critique or comments for improvement.
Graded quizzes: Students are required to complete graded module quizzes which are timed for 30 minutes per quiz.
Short answer questions: Students are required to compose short answers (<400 words) to the questions posed, based on the related content (lecture/s and reading/s). SAQs will be submitted via Turnitin therefore proper paraphrasing & referencing techniques must be employed.
Patient consent video & patient information sheet: Students are required to record and upload a video showing them consenting a patient for a particular endoscopic procedure. Students are required to produce a patient information sheet preparing a patient for a particular endoscopic procedure.
Patient procedure video: Students are required to record and upload a video showing them discussing an adverse outcome following a procedure with a patient.
Case Discussion: Students will need to detail what they see as the main priorities for the initial assessment and management
for each of the cases provided. Answers should be based upon student’s understanding of the case and on the relevant
literature.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

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: Introduction to Endoscopy	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Introduction to Endoscopy	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 2: Anatomy & Physiology	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 2: Anatomy & Physiology	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Anatomy & Physiology	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 2: Anatomy & Physiology	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 3: Techniques for entry into abdominal cavity	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 3: Techniques for entry into abdominal cavity	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 4: Safety	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 4: Safety	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 5: Applied Endoscopy/Procedures	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 5: Applied Endoscopy/Procedures	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 5: Applied Endoscopy/Procedures	Independent study (10 hr)

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

GESA Endoscopy Handbook 2016.

All readings for this unit can be accessed online via Canvas and the University Library.

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. explain the rationale for endoscopy, including its effects on human physiology
LO2. evaluate the history of endoscopy
LO3. differentiate the types of endoscopic hardware, indications and limitations of the equipment, assembly technique, sterilisation & safe storage guidelines, and demonstrate their manual handling
LO4. analyse the basic principles + different types of endoscopy
LO5. compare the relevant indications/contraindications for the various forms of endoscopy
LO6. assess patient preparation required and discuss informed consent
LO7. compare the clinical settings in which endoscopy takes place, and the standards & frameworks that are in place in order to clean/disinfect/store the equipment and ensure patient safety by preventing cross-infection or faulty equipment
LO8. critique principles behind techniques for key endoscopic areas – upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, nasopharynx & lungs, abdominal laparoscopy
LO9. evaluate the limitations of current equipment, and appraise future areas of development.

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 Evaluation Survey (USS) at the end of the semester. Your 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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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

SURG5043: Surgical Endoscopy

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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