MED110 Clinical Sciences 1 (64)

Foundational learning for medicine is provided in this year long subject by integrating the biomedical sciences through the use of authentic clinical scenarios. Small group problem based learning (PBL) and bedside teaching with patients, supported by lectures, tutorials and practicals explore each of the body systems in turn, so that students are well prepared for clinical learning. Students will also learn about the human context of health and disease, medical professionalism, the quality and safety of healthcare, evidence based practice, research and clinical skills through community visits, hospital based sessions and   workshops.

The Professional Portfolio component within this subject will provide students in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) with the means to monitor and support their acquisition of professional competencies in medicine. Supported by teaching sessions, learning resources and Professional Advisors, students will collate and review evidence of their learning, such as clinical assessments and case studies, preparatory work and outcomes from research and scholarly projects. By identifying and addressing their learning and professional development needs, students will create their own personalised learning journey as the basis for life-long learning in medicine. The Professional Portfolio will also prepare students for the portfolios used extensively in post graduate specialty training in medicine.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Orange Campus
Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Orange Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MED110. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Rural Medicine

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is restricted to students in the Doctor of Medicine.

Assumed Knowledge

A basic understanding of core concepts of personality, cognition, learning, perception, biological, social and developmental psychology and research methods is desirable.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the complex and adaptive biology of some body systems;
  • be able to listen respectfully and articulate ideas clearly and concisely in oral and written communication;
  • be able to describe patient health needs including medical, social and psychological factors;
  • be able to describe the social and cultural aspects of health and disease;
  • be able to display appropriate professional attitudes and values in tutorials and lectures;
  • be able to participate and cooperate in group learning activities;
  • be able to describe personal, physical, learning and emotional self-needs;
  • be able to develop academic writing skills including critical analysis of literature;
  • be able to demonstrate evidence of progress against learning milestones by compiling a portfolio;
  • be able to evaluate academic achievement to identify strengths and areas requiring improvement; and
  • be able to create and monitor progress against a personalised learning plan.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Application of the biomedical, social and psychological sciences to clinical and health problems;
  • Communicating with patients, careers, families and healthcare professionals;
  • Practical skills in history taking, physical examination;
  • Diagnostic and clinical problem formulation;
  • Understanding health needs of diverse communities, the social and cultural context of health, illness and healthcare;
  • Determinants of health and illness in communities and populations;
  • Health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
  • Disease prevention and health promotion;
  • Identifying and addressing own learning and personal needs;
  • Medical professionalism, professional standards and codes of conduct, legal obligations of students and medical practitioners;
  • Quality and safety of health care;
  • Self-evaluation and critical reflection on learning;
  • Information skills and academic literacy; and
  • Evidence based practice and research skills.

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 2 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

Students will be placed in General Practice and or Indigenous Medical Services for four (4) half days. 

Special Resources

Students are required to have obtained all the necessary documentation to be verified by NSW ClinConnect. This verification is a requirement of NSW Health for all students enrolled in medical programs. If a student fails to produce this documentation to ClinConnect they will be unable to attend their hospital tutorials and placements.

Attendance at the hospital is a mandatory requirement of the subject and failure to attend will result in a fail (FL) grade for the subject. The documents that are to be provided to ClinConnect are:

1. National Police Certificate
2. Adult Health Immunisation Schedule
3. Code of Conduct Agreement

Students are also expected to meet the inherent requirements of the course as outlined in the Western Sydney University Inherent Requirements for Medicine Courses: https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3518908/Inherent-requirements.pdf

Inherent requirements are the fundamental components of a Course or Subject, that are necessary to demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills essential to achieve the core learning outcomes of the Course or Subject, while preserving the academic integrity of the universitys learning assessment and accreditation processes. The Disability Education Standard, Section 3.4 (3) states: In assessing whether an adjustment to the Course, Subject of the Course or program in which the student is enrolled, or proposes to be enrolled, is reasonable, the provider is entitled to maintain the academic requirements of the Course or program, and other requirements or components that are inherent in or essential to its nature. Note: In providing for students with disabilities, a provider may continue to ensure the integrity of its Courses or programs and assessment requirements and processes, so that those on whom it confers an award can present themselves as having the appropriate knowledge, experience and expertise implicit in the holding of that particular award.

Essential Equipment

1. Stethoscope
2. Pencil torch
3. White laboratory coat
4. Watch (with a second hand or display)
5. Closed in shoes

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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