27. Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV
Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
(GradDipMed(STD/HIV)) KF028
Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
(GradDipScMed(STD/HIV)) KF035
Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
(MMed(STD/HIV)) KC033
Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
(MScMed(STD/HIV)) KC034
Overview
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present major public health concerns in both developed and developing countries, with millions of adults and children becoming infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other STDs each year.
This program provides high levels of knowledge and skills related to the diagnosis, management and control of STDs, including HIV infection. An emphasis is placed on the importance of clinical, laboratory, public health and behavioural aspects of sexual health.
The Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) are essentially the same program with different admission requirements, and the same applies to the Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and the Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV).
Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine/Graduate Diploma in Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine/Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine.
Students follow the same program of study (with the exception, in some cases, of practical work), with the only difference being the title of the course they are awarded on completion.
Admission
Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
Admission to the program normally requires a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Sydney or another approved institution.
Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV)
Admission to the program normally requires a bachelor's degree in a health discipline with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney, or another approved institution.
If candidates do not have an honours degree, they may be admitted on the basis of having completed equivalent work or passing a preliminary examination, as prescribed by the Faculty of Medicine.
Structure
The graduate diplomas are embedded in the master’s degrees (see chapter 8 for an explanation of embedded degrees).
The clinical attachments undertaken by students in the Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and the Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) give direct experience of patient care at sexual health and HIV services.
As part of the Graduate Diploma of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) students undertake a corresponding laboratory attachment.
While lectures take place at the University of Sydney Camperdown Campus and at Westmead Hospital, clinical and laboratory experience occurs at a variety of locations throughout Sydney. An increasing proportion of the course is being made available online.
| Course | Credit points for award |
Duration full-time | Duration part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GradDipMed(STD/HIV) | 48 | 1 to 2 years | 1 to 3 years |
| GradDipScMed(STD/HIV) | 48 | 1 to 2 years | 1 to 3 years |
| MMed(STD/HIV) | 72 | 1 to 3 years | 2 to 6 years |
| MScMed(STD/HIV) | 72 | 1 to 3 years | 2 to 6 years |
The graduate diploma comprises nine core units of study and a further four credit points of elective units of study chosen from the list of electives (see tables on core and elective units of study below and chapter 31 for unit of study details).
The master’s degree comprises 11 core units of study, including two treatise units of study, and a further four credit points of elective units of study chosen from the list of electives (see tables on core and elective units of study below and chapter 31 for unit of study details).
Sexually transmitted diseases/HIV core units of study
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units for the graduate diploma and master's degrees |
|||
| SEXH5008 Sex and Society |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| SEXH5101 Public Health Aspects of STDs |
2 | S2 Intensive Semester 2a |
|
| SEXH5102 Public Health Aspects of HIV/AIDS |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| SEXH5200 Advanced STIs |
6 | S1 Intensive Semester 1 |
|
| SEXH5202 Advanced HIV Infection |
6 | S2 Intensive Semester 2 |
|
| SEXH5206 Diagnostic Methods in Sexual Health |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students who are not enrolled in the STD/HIV program through the Faculty of Medicine must apply to Dr Richard Hillman for permission to enrol in this unit of study. |
S1 Intensive Semester 1 |
| SEXH5207 STI/HIV Clinical Attachment |
6 | C SEXH5200 and SEXH5202 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Core units of study for the master's degrees |
|||
Elective units of study for the graduate diploma |
|||
| PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses |
6 | N BSTA5011 |
Semester 1 |
| PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
Core unit of study for the double master's degree |
|||
| SEXH5220 Thesis Development in STD/HIV |
2 | P Departmental permission required Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 2 |
Sexually transmitted diseases/HIV elective units of study
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUBH5115 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health |
2 | N PUBH5114 |
Semester 2a |
| PUBH5205 Decision Analysis |
2 | P PUBH5018 and PUBH5010 Recommended: PUBH5302 Health Economic Evaluation |
Semester 2b |
| PUBH5206 Controlled Trials |
2 | S2 Intensive |
|
| PUBH5212 Categorical Data Analysis |
2 | P PUBH5018 C PUBH5211 |
Semester 2b |
| PUBH5213 Survival Analysis |
2 | C PUBH5211 |
Semester 2b |
| PUBH5221 Qualitative Research Methods |
2 | P PUBH5031 or PUBH5016 or MIPH5132 or PUBH5014 |
S2 Intensive |
| PUBH5414 Public Health Advocacy |
2 | S2 Intensive |
|
| PUBH5415 Injury Prevention |
2 | S2 Intensive |
|
| PUBH5416 Vaccines in Public Health |
2 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students may be required to request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. In this situation, the coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol. |
S2 Intensive |
| SEXH5204 Adolescent Sexual Health |
4 | N SEXH5205 Students are advised to select EITHER SEXH5204 (4 credit points) OR SEXH5205 (6 credit points). Students completing SEXH5204 will NOT be able to undertake SEXH5205. Students are advised to consult with the Unit Coordinator if they need assistance with this selection. |
Semester 2 |
| SEXH5205 Advanced Adolescent Sexual Health |
6 | N SEXH5204 Students are advised to select EITHER SEXH5204 (4 credit points) OR SEXH5205 (6 credit points). Students completing SEXH5204 will NOT be able to undertake SEXH5205. Students are advised to consult with the Unit Coordinator if they need assistance with this selection. |
Semester 2 |
| Students in the graduate diploma choose 6 credit points of units of study from this list or one of PUBH5010 or PUBH5018. | |||
| Students in the 48 credit point master's by coursework choose 6 credit points of units of study from this list. | |||
| Students in the double master's degree choose 4 credit points of units of study from this list. | |||
| Most electives shown are from the Master of Public Health program. When choosing an elective, students should ensure that they satisfy the prerequisite and corequisite requirements. | |||
Further enquiries
Dr Richard Hillman
Phone: +61 2 9845 6276 Fax: +61 2 9845 6287 Email: Website: www.stirc.med.usyd.edu.au/education/courses