| AQF Level |
Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| CRICOS Code |
083769G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Graduate Diploma of Specialised Surgery is centred on developing knowledge, decision-making skills, and competency in a variety of specialisations and consists of four units of study. These are either a combination of units for workplace learning with competency-based assessment along with coursework and research units or, for the robotics specialisation, units with a series of week-long intensives supported by pre and post intensive on line materials as well as coursework and research units. This blended learning approach is ideally suited to practising doctors wishing to attain competence in a particular area of specialist practice.
RPL for 16cps may be possible for Units: MEDI886-888, MEDI895 and evidence for this RPL will be assessed against the candidate's 4 years previous qualification and experience in surgery. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. apply an advanced knowledge of current surgical practice to surgical procedures in the specialism (K, T, C, J)
2. work collaboratively with fellow professionals to identify, and provide solutions for complex surgical cases (K, T, C, E, J)
3. with a high degree of independence, competently perform a range of surgical procedures related to the specialism (K, T, P, J)
4. critically evaluate existing literature and theoretical knowledge in the specialism (K, T, P, C, J)
5. evaluate and adapt self-directed learning approaches to enhance lifelong learning strategies (K, T, P, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
For the Advanced Surgical Practice units, you will engage in an intensive, competency-based learning experience in a specialty or sub-specialty of surgery. Learning is tailored to the needs of the individual and therefore pedagogy is interactive and student centred. You will engage in a work based environment where you will learn through acquisition of knowledge from clinical experts in the field. This knowledge will be put into practice by carrying out a variety of clinical procedures that will adjust in supervision level as your skill acquisition improves. Engagement will involve collaboration with supervisors and other health professionals (peer learning) to increase your understanding and expertise in safe, quality health care. To facilitate continuous improvement in knowledge and skill level, you will produce a reflective practice portfolio which will act as a record of progress where you can reflect upon previous performance to inform future direction and improvement. Feedback from supervisors and other health care professionals will provide formative assessment to monitor performance and indicate improvements necessary.
Your sub-specialty will determine the selection of option set units available to you. For students pursuing the robotics units you will observe the innovative robotics techniques in practice at Macquarie University Hospital, engagement in these observations will involve collaboration with experts in the field and other health professionals. Students will be expected to research into the origins of these techniques and to evaluate their use. There will be opportunity to propose adaptations and modifications to technology, discussing these possibilities with bio-engineers at Macquarie. The simulation laboratory will provide an environment where students can practice new techniques.
Other optional units will provide a blended learning approach where you will engage in online learning activities combined with collaborative tutorial sessions facilitated by the unit convenor. There will be opportunities to take part in simulated patient/doctor scenarios and competency based assessment in workshop situations. The Medical Research unit will involve independent study with regular one to one tutorials with your supervisor. |
| Assessment |
A large component of assessment for this program is based on the completion of an online based portfolio which will consist of case reports, reflective practice notes, feedback from supervisors, videos of practice and relevant journal articles. The portfolio will demonstrate progressive improvement throughout the duration of the program of study.
You will be given formative feedback following observational assessment of surgical procedures. Regular meetings with your supervisor will take place throughout the period of training and targets will be set at regular intervals to inform and improve your clinical practice. The completed portfolio will constitute the summative assessment for the clinically based units and final assessment of each unit will be pass/fail.
Assessment of the optional units will involve formative and summative assessment in the form of; written reports, group and individual presentations, a reflective log, quizzes and essays. The evidence based practice unit will require the production of a literature review, which will be particularly useful to those choosing to do the Medical Research Project. Case studies will be used, especially in the context of ethics and professionalism. Workshop competency based assessment using simulation will be a feature of the assessment for the minimal invasive surgery unit. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Graduate Diploma of Specialised Surgery is ideally suited to those who have completed the Specialist Education Training (SET) program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) or equivalent. Graduates will demonstrate advanced skills in a sub specialism of surgery and completion of the program increases employment opportunities as a specialist surgeon. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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