UCC College Calendar

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure that the programme and module content as described in the University's Calendar and Book of Modules for the 2020-21 academic year are accurate. However, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, no guarantee is given that programme/module content, delivery and assessment may not be altered, cancelled, replaced, augmented or otherwise amended. Any changes will ensure the same competencies and Learning Outcomes are met. Programme and/or Module Coordinators will communicate any such changes to students.

General

The MCh in Surgical Science is available on a part-time basis over two years (24 months).

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements (2020/21)
Applicants for the MCh in Surgical Science will be required to have attained a medical qualification of the NUI or an equivalent institution, and to be eligible for full registration as a doctor with the Irish Medical Council. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed priority will be given to applicants holding a minimum of an honours primary degree at 60% or above or equivalent.

Entry Requirements (from 2021/22)
Applicants for the MCh in Surgical Science will be medical graduates and will have attained the Degrees of MB BCh BAO or equivalent from a recognised medical school, and will be eligible for full registration as a doctor with the Irish Medical Council. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed priority will be given to applicants holding a minimum of an honours primary degree at 60% or above or equivalent.

Programme Requirements

The part-time MCh in Surgical Science runs over two calendar years from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules to the value of 90 credits incorporating a blended learning approach with significant use of online learning resources. Contact teaching sessions are scheduled every two months and occur on Friday evenings and Saturdays in the Brookfield Health Sciences complex in UCC.

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits as follows:

Taught modules

Year 1
MX6005 Professional Development in Surgery 1 (15 credits)
MX6007 Surgical Metabolism (5 credits)
SY6001 Essentials in Surgery 1 (10 credits)

Exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Science
Students who pass 30 credits in Year 1 may choose to exit the programme with an award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Science.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Year 2
MX6006 Professional Development in Surgery 2 (15 credits)
SY6002 Essentials in Surgery 2 (15 credits)

Exit award: Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Science
Students who pass 60 credits in Years 1 and 2 may choose to exit the programme with an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Science.

Research
SY6003 Research Project in Surgery (30 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MCh (Surgical Science) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Identify and manipulate determinants influencing surgical outcomes;
Apply evidence based strategies to achieve optimal surgical outcomes;
Plan, execute and disseminate research;
Describe the medico-legal, professional and ethical frameworks within which they practice;
Define and manage the factors which contribute to error reduction in the surgical setting;
Define and employ effective strategies to promote their own professional development as a team leader and trainer.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Science (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Describe and employ strategies to reduce inpatient stay, optimise surgical theatre efficiency and reduce postoperative pain;
Describe the human factors which can contribute to error in the surgical setting;
Employ strategies which promote safety awareness in the surgical setting;
Describe and employ effective management skills in the surgical setting;
Describe and employ effective teaching and learning skills in the surgical setting.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Science (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Describe and employ optimal wound healing strategies which also minimise the risk of postoperative infection;
Describe and employ optimal fluid management, metabolism and national strategies in the preoperative and postoperative setting;
Plan and process ethical approval for a research project;
Write documents to a standard suitable for publication;
Describe and employ data analytical techniques;
Describe the process and constraints in novel biomedical design development.