Postgraduate Certificate in Aviation Medicine - Edith Cowan University
This Post Graduate Certificate in Aviation Medicine offers medical practitioners a foundation in civil aviation medicine. This course is recognised as an appropriate qualification for doctors seeking appointment as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Course location and mode of study
The course is available by full-time or part-time study by external study.
Admission requirements
Applicants require a medical degree from a recognised institution.
Course structure
The course comprises the following 3 units of study:
AVM5101
Aviation Physiology
Description
This unit will encompass a study of the aviation environment, and the effects of that environment on human physiology. It will include the study of the physiological oxygen cascade and the effects of hypoxia and decreased atmospheric pressure on both the physiology of the individual in health and in the individual with common medical conditions.Learning outcomes
On completion of the unit students should be able to:
- analyse the physiological response of the human body to changes encountered the flight environment;
- evaluate the methods used to protect passengers and aircrew from hazards related to flight.
- explain the limitations of the sensory system in the flight environment and the methods to overcome these limitations;
- plan to manage the proprioceptive kinesthetic, visual and auditory changes within the flight environment.
Unit content
- The Flight Environment
- Altitude physiology
- Vision
- Sound and hearing loss
Teaching and learning processes
This unit will be conducted by distance education using on-line resources. Learning is self-directed through guided materials and learning activities which focus on application to the clinical situation. Tutor support, professional mentorship and feedback from assignments occurs primarily through on-line means but can also include telephone and fax.Assessment
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | 30% |
| Assessment 2 | 30% |
| Assessment 3 | 40% |
AVM5202
Clinical Aviation Medicine: Aircrew Medical Certification
Description
This unit will examine the International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices for Aircrew and Air Traffic Controller Medical Certification. It includes clinical assessment and investigations to assess risk in medical certification and investigative procedures in accidents.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- provide medical assessment of flight crew and air traffic controllers in accordance with the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Aircrew and Air Traffic Controller Medical Certification;
- recommend and explain the rationale for appropriate clinical examination and investigations;
- evaluate those clinical conditions which pose a danger or have the potential for harm for flight crew and air traffic controllers;
- perform a risk assessment and make appropriate recommendations for medical certification;
- critically analyse aviation accidents through consideration of investigative procedures, pathology and toxicology;
- evaluate passenger fitness to fly and explain the clearance procedures for the carriage of patients;
- recommend the equipment to be used in scheduled passenger services and dedicated aeromedical transport.
Unit content
- Chicago Convention, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
- Clinical Aviation Medicine: Risk assessment and medical certification.
- General Medicine: Clinical areas which have relevance to medical certification.
- Opthalmology: Clinical examination and investigative technology.
- Aviation Accidents: Investigation of aircraft accidents, procedures and legal requirements; drug testing; aviation pathology and investigation of hazards.
Teaching and learning processes
This unit will be conducted by distance education using on-line resources. Learning is self-directed through guided materials and learning activities which focus on application to the clinical situation. Tutor support, professional mentorship and feedback from assignments occurs primarily through on-line means but can also include telephone and fax.
Assessment
| External Assessment | Value |
|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | 30% |
| Assessment 2 | 30% |
| Assessment 3 | 40% |
AVM5203
Operational and Airline Aviation Medicine: Aeromedical Evacuation.
Description
This unit will cover aspects of industrial medicine and human factors that are associated with airline operations. It will consider occupational health and safety aspects which are peculiar to the industry as well as the issues which relate to the aerial transport of the sick and injured patient.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- plan the medical monitoring of airline staff at recruitment and during operations;
- analyse hazards to passengers and crew in flight and recommend procedures to reduce the effect of these hazards;
- evaluate psychological and human factors as they relate to the flight environment;
- summarise the critical factors and airline clearance procedures for the carriage of patients; and
- recommend appropriate medical equipment for use in scheduled passenger services and dedicated aero-medical transport.
Unit content
- Operational Structure of the Industry.
- Occupational Health Aspects.
- Human performance in aviation.
- Selection of Airline Aircrew.
- Passenger fitness to fly.
- Preparation for medical needs in flight.
Teaching and learning processes
This unit will be conducted by distance education using on-line resources. Learning is self-directed through guided materials and learning activities which focus on application to the clinical situation. Tutor support, professional mentorship and feedback from assignments occurs primarily through on-line means but can also include telephone and fax.
Assessment
| External Assessment | Value |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 30% |
| Assessment | 30% |
| Assessment | 40% |