Programme Structure

Supported by experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team supporting the two journals (BJS and BJS Open) of the BJS Foundation, the ‘Writing in Surgery’ course enables you to construct a paper and understand the fundamentals of publishing a surgical, or similar clinical, article.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts underpinning surgical writing, editing and submission for publication
• Apply academic writing and editing skills to develop a surgical paper
• Critically appraise the fundamentals of publishing a surgical article, understanding its uncertainty and complexities
• Write a surgical paper and effectively communicate findings
• Write a surgical paper with substantial autonomy

Assessment

• Discussion Board Engagement (30%)
• Preparation of a full paper for submission (70%)

This course will allow you to take your academic writing skills to the next level.

Supported by  experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team supporting the two journals (BJS and BJS Open) of the BJS Foundation, you will be guided to formulate a research question and undertake an in-depth critical review of the evidence base, as a starting point to a research project.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Generate a research question
• Understand how to locate and appraise the surgical literature
• Effectively undertake and complete a surgical literature review 
• Understand the principles of trial design and data analysis

Assessment

• Discussion Board Engagement (50%)
• Literature Review (50%)

Understanding Publication and Peer Review addresses the skills required in editing and reviewing of manuscripts submitted for publication. The course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of critical appraisal and editing skills. You will work both in groups and individually, supported by experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team of the BJS Foundation. Learning objectives are articulated through group work, self-directed online study, ongoing feedback, course specific resource lists, recorded presentations and participation in online discussion boards.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts underpinning critical appraisal, peer review, editing, and publishing a surgical paper
2. Apply critical appraisal, peer review and academic writing skills to review and edit a surgical paper
3. Critically appraise surgical literature, and its uncertainty and complexity
4. Critique and edit surgical papers submitted for publication

Assessment

• Peer Review (50%)
• Editing Group Appraisal and Reflection (50%)

Evidence Based Practice addresses the planning and execution of an evidence-based manuscript. This course will involve greater self-direction than earlier courses within the PgCert Programme. Learning objectives are articulated through regular contact with tutors, ongoing feedback, self-directed online study, online resources, helpdesks, webinars, and a course specific resource list.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts underpinning research methodology, critical appraisal, peer review, editing, searching the evidence base, and writing a surgical paper
2. Apply critical appraisal, peer review and academic writing skills to write an evidence based surgical paper
3. Critically appraise research literature and published evidence, and its uncertainty and complexity
4. Interpret, evaluate and present evidence to write a surgical paper for publication with substantial autonomy

Assessment

• Evidence Based Manuscript (maximum 5000 words) in a standard publication format.