Course coordinator
Associate Professor Paul Fishburn
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- 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.
This course offers a semester-long virtual clinic where you will engage with real-life cases. Through repetitive practice, you will develop and refine your diagnostic skills, with a particular focus on pattern recognition and pattern analysis. The virtual clinic facilitates a rapid transition from 'conscious' to 'unconscious' competence in using respected decision and diagnostic dermatoscopic algorithms. Complementary assignments provide a nuanced and reflective understanding of dermatoscopy, highlighting both its current capabilities and the potential for future discoveries in this emerging field. Over the semester, you will become adept at applying both Kittler's revised pattern analysis technique and the full version of Rosendahl's 'Prediction without Pigment' algorithm. Additionally, we aim to develop your proficiency in sourcing and reviewing journal articles relevant to skin cancer work.
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
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Paul Fishburn
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There are no designated contact hours for this course. All materials are available online, and you can complete the study modules at your convenience each week. However, you must adhere to the submission dates for the various assessment tasks. While there are no set contact hours, expect to meet twice-weekly submission deadlines and log in to participate several days a week throughout the semester. You should plan to dedicate 10-12 hours per week to your IMED7003 studies.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Module Quiz
|
15% (5 quizzes @ 3% each) |
Week 1 - Week 13 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Self and Peer Review Assignments
|
25% (5 @ 5% each) |
Week 1 - Week 13 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case Annotations
|
30% (10 @ 3% each) |
Week 1 - Week 13 |
| Examination |
Exam - Multiple-Choice Questionnaire
|
15% 60 questions |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Examination |
Exam - Written Short Answer
|
15% 6 cases |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Module Quiz
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15% (5 quizzes @ 3% each)
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
5 MCQ online quizzes that test knowledge of the module learning materials at the end of each module throughout the course
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Self and Peer Review Assignments
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25% (5 @ 5% each)
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
Five assignments over course of the semester. Each assignment task is completed in two parts, over two weeks.
- In the first week, you will prepare and then submit your assignment.
- In the second week, you will, by reference to a model answer and detailed grading criteria, review and grade your own submission and that of two of your peers.
Both parts of the assignment task require formal submission by a set date and both parts contribute to the overall mark.
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
5 essays submitted and reviewed throughout semester over 2 week cycles. Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Case Annotations
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30% (10 @ 3% each)
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
Task description
10 annotations submitted throughout semester, 1 per week
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Exam - Multiple-Choice Questionnaire
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15% 60 questions
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Final Summative Examination. 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 site.
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt all assessment items to pass the course. A minimum combined exam score of 60% is required to pass.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Exam - Written Short Answer
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15% 6 cases
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Final Summative Examination. 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 site.
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt all assessment items to pass the course. A minimum combined exam score of 60% is required to pass.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
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. |
| 2 (Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 55 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 60 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: You must pass all assessment tasks and achieve a combined score of at least 60% in both end of semester exams to achieve a grade of 4 or higher. |
| 5 (Credit) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 85 - 89 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 90 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
All assessment items must be completed/attempted. Pass marks are set for assessment items, however on occasion a recognised standard setting methodﾠmay 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 must apply for a deferred examination no later than 5 calendar days after the date the original examination was held. Please see my.UQ for further information on deferred exams.
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.
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.