BackgoundFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can be challenging as novices become accustomed to handling endoscopes and instruments while navigating complex sinonasal anatomy. Experts demonstrate fluid and efficient motions when addressing pathology. The training process from novice to expert relies on hands‐on experience in cadaveric laboratories and preceptorship models that require significant time and expense. This study aims to validate the use of a virtual coach to guide users step‐by‐step through a basic FESS.MethodsSeventeen surgeons were grouped into novice (n = 10) and expert (n = 7) based on self‐reported levels of surgical experience. Users were trained using the maxillary antrostomy module in the Neurorhinological Surgery (NRS) simulator combining the physical craniofacial model with virtual reality (VR)‐tracked surgical instruments in the VR operating room. The virtual coach guided the user using surgical videos, auditory, and visual cues. The coach recorded data for each subject including the number of times borders of the nasal cavity were encountered and time to completion. Users graded the usefulness of the virtual coach on a Likert questionnaire.ResultsFace validity of our NRS simulator was replicated by user questionnaires, and construct validity replicated by differentiation between novice and expert level surgeons (p < 0.01). Novices contacted a significantly higher number of anatomic borders (n = 17) and had a longer operative time (t = 370 seconds). All users reported high scores on the benefit and usefulness of the virtual coach.ConclusionThe virtual coach provides a useful tool to enhance FESS education by providing objective real‐time data in a novel mixed‐reality surgical environment.

The physics courses at University College, Cardiff are being completely revised and the first year of the new course ended in July 1967. This paper describes the background of the faculty of science degree scheme and goes on to discuss both the general philosophy and the detailed planning of the new physics course. It is emphasized that such a process of revision is a continuing process which must take into account the changing pattern of secondary education.

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A single-crystal three-circle X-ray diffractometer is described in which the specimen is cooled to about 20°K by the cold-finger technique.

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