Course coordinator
Dr Paul Paterson
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This course covers the skin cancer consultation: assessment (targeted history, clinical examination, dermatoscopy), diagnosis and initial management steps. We aim to develop advanced pattern recognition and pattern analysis skills, building on the foundation of the Revised Pattern Analysis technique introduced in IMED7001 and IMED7002. We also aim to develop a basic understanding of the statistical terms commonly used in journal articles. The course is delivered through a series of multiple cases presented for your analysis, with complementary assignments intended to require a 'beyond the algorithms' deep exploration of the now extensive volume of published work on dermatoscopic patterns and clues.
In this course, you will work your way through a semester-long virtual clinic of real-life cases, honing ﾠyour diagnostic skills (especiallyﾠpattern recognition and pattern analysis skills) by dint of sheer repetitive practice. The virtual clinic of both informal and assessed cases facilitates rapid progression through 'conscious' to 'unconscious' competence in the application of respected decision and diagnostic dermatoscopic algorithms, whilstﾠthe complementary assignment tasks allow a more nuanced and reflective appreciation of all that dermatoscopy has to offer, and indeed of all that remains to be learned (and discovered) in this relatively young field of study.ﾠWe aim also to develop proficiency in sourcing and reviewing journal articles relevant to our skin cancer work, including an understanding of basic statistical concepts. Initial management of lesions suspicious for skin cancer also forms part of the IMED7003 curriculum.
Course requirements
Assumed background
If you wish to undertake IMED7003 you must be a healthcare practitioner actively working in skin cancer medicine and have already completed (or have formal RPL for) both IMED7001 and IMED7002.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
IMED7001 and IMED7002
Restrictions
Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer); Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Skin Cancer). Maximum enrolment = 100
Course contact
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There are no specified contact hours for this course. All material is provided online and the study modules can be completed online.
Aims and outcomes
Competency in clinical history-taking and examination relevant to the skin cancer consultation.
Understanding of the significant added value that dermatoscopy brings to the examination of the skin.
Confidence and assurance in the application of dermatoscopy.
Proficiency in the application of the Revised Pattern Analysis technique and the full version of the Prediction without Pigment algorithm.
Safe skin cancer practice.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the value of dermatoscopy as an integral part of the clinical assessment of pigmented and non-pigmented skin tumours.
LO2.
Confidently describe the key dermatoscopy features of skin lesions using descriptive/Kittlerian terminology.
LO3.
Confidently and safely identify suspicious skin lesions requiring biopsy using the 'Chaos and Clues' algorithm for pigmented lesions and 'Prediction Without Pigment' algorithm for non-pigmented lesions.
LO4.
Confidently make lesion-specific diagnosis for a wide range of skin lesions either by pattern recognition or by formal pattern analysis.
LO5.
Confidently assess, diagnose and manage the range of skin lesions which commonly present to skin cancer practitioners.
LO6.
Make predictably safe initial management decisions for the less common and rare skin lesions which may present to skin cancer practitioners.
LO7.
Demonstrate understanding of basic statistical concepts relevant to appraising journal articles on skin cancer.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Case Essays
|
30% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case Annotations
|
30% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on discussion board. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Case Essay Peer Review
|
10% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Case Essays
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
You will write 5 essay style assignments over course of the semester that relate to the learning material for the learning module. These essays are then marked by peer review.
Hurdle requirements
An aggregate score of 60% over the semester for the Case Essays is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instruction posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Must apply to coordinator with specific reasons prior to due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
As per UQ Policy.
Case Annotations
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on discussion board.
Task description
A series of 10 clinical cases will be posted (in pairs) by the Course Instructors. Each case will be posted to the discussion board in a 'post-first' forum, meaning that you will have to post your own analysis of the case before being able to view responses from other students. Having posted your own response, you are encouraged to read through all the other responses and provide feedback to (or ask questions of) the other students on their analysis of the case, and in turn respond to any feedback received or questions asked of you.
To score highly in the case analysis component of the Case Annotations, your answer will have to be informed by reference to high quality non-textbook sources. Thus, after completing your analysis under Revised Pattern Analysis or Prediction without Pigment, your explanation of the clues leading to your favoured specific diagnosis (and differentials, if any) should show evidence of review of published papers. Expressly reference any papers you have used in formulating your diagnosis and/or management plan.
Hurdle requirements
An aggregate score of 60% over the semester for the Case Annotations is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Information posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Must apply to coordinator with specific reasons prior to due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
As per UQ policy.
Case Essay Peer Review
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates posted on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
You will review the case essays and provide feedback to 2 of your peers during the week following submission of the Case Essay Assignment.
Hurdle requirements
An aggregate score of 60% over the semester for the Case Essay Peer Reviews is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission Instructions posted on Learn UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Must apply to course coordinator with specific reasons prior to due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
As per UQ policy.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Final Summative Examination to be administered by the Medical School. The examination will be within the University examination period and will be held online. The specific date and time of the examination will be notified on IMED7003 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site, four weeks prior to the commencement of the University examination period.
The exam is held online and will comprise both written short answer questions and multiple choice questions. More details about the exam will be available on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Hurdle requirements
A score of 60% is required to pass the examination. In addition, it is a requirement that students achieve a score of 60% or more each of the assessment items to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions provided on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Must apply with specific reasons to course coordinator prior to the due date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 44 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark less than 45%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 45% but less than 55%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 55 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 55% but less than 60%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 60 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 60% but less than 75%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 75% but less than 85%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 85 - 89 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 85% but less than 90%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 90 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 90%. |
Additional course grading information
An overall semester score of at least 60% is required to pass IMED7003, as well as a minimum score of 60% in each of the assessment elements of Case Essays, Case Essay Peer Reviews, Case Annotations and Final Examination.
Pass marks are set for assessment items, however on occasion a recognised standard setting method may be used to determine the pass mark.ﾠ
Calculation of Final Grade
The percentage mark for this course is reached by calculating the weighted average percentage mark achieved across the marked assessment tasks. The total of the weighted assessment tasks for the course will be rounded to two decimal points if required, with the final mathematical rounding to an integer at the end yielding a percentage mark. A mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Deferred examinations
If you are unable to sit or complete a scheduled final examination, you must apply for a deferred examination no later than 5 calendar days after the date the original examination was held.
Please see myUQ for further information on deferred exams (including the application process).
Timing of deferred exams
Deferred exams will be held in the deferred and supplementary exam period.
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support you in completing some assessments. You may appropriately use AI in completing your assessment tasks for this course unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the following guide regarding referencing ofﾠAI:ﾠOverview - ChatGPT and other generative AI tools - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library (uq.edu.au).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Case-based learning |
Case Essays You will write 5 short essay style assignments based on the learning resources and a clinical case provided by the course coordinator. |
Case-based learning |
Case Essay Peer Reviews You get to mark and provide feedback about the case essays of your peers. |
|
Case-based learning |
Case Annotations You will annotate clinical and dermatoscopic images of cases provided by the course coordinator and then discuss these cases within the discussion board. |
Additional learning activity information
The Blackboard Discussion Board will be used to post informal cases for discussion. Over the course of the semester the course instructors will post cases showing history, clinical and dermatoscopic features. You are also able to contribute cases to the discussion board. You are then expected to post your analysis of each case. Once a case has been analysed by students, the author of the post will post 'the answer' and some feedback on the student responses provided. Whilst these cases are not formally marked, regular participation is encouraged as much of the learning happens here, and any material presented by the course instructors may appear in the final exam
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.