First semester of first year introduces biological sciences and introductory clinical studies - MED1011 (Principles of biochemistry), MED1031 (Cell and molecular biology I), MED1021 (Introduction to human biology) and MED1041 (Health, illness and human behaviour I) - which cover issues extending from the interaction between atoms in chemical reactions to the interaction of individual people within society.
Second semester
In second semester of first year our systems approach commences with MED1062, a study of the musculoskeletal system which presents an integrated account of the anatomy of the upper and lower limbs and the back, the physiology of skeletal muscle and the biochemistry of bone and other connective tissues. MED1052 (Cell and molecular biology II) extends teaching at the cellular and subcellular level. The teaching in both these basic sciences is concurrently reinforced by introductory clinical contact in sports medicine and rehabilitation and psychosocial aspects of diseases of the the mulsculoskeletal system in MED1042 (Health, illness and human behaviour II). Students also undertake MED1072 (Options) during second semester.
Teaching methods
The subjects studied in first year employ a variety of teaching methods including combinations of lectures, practical classes, demonstrations, self-directed learning, tutorials, videos, clinical presentations and medical contact visits.
Assessment
A variety of assessment is undertaken in first year in both formal examinations and coursework. Many subjects hold end-of-semester examinations where a selection of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations, longer essay-style questions and oral exams may be used by examiners. During the year other assessment of students takes place in the form of assignments, practical and problem-solving classes and the logging of relevant medical experiences completed during the year.
Subjects
First semester
Coordinator: Dr K V Jones (Psychological Medicine)
* MED1011 Principles of biochemistry
* MED1021 Introduction to human biology
* MED1031 Cell and molecular biology I
* MED1041 Health, illness and human behaviour I
Second semester
Coordinator: Dr P J M Tutton (Anatomy)
* MED1042 Health, illness and human behaviour II
* MED1052 Cell and molecular biology II
* MED1062 Musculoskeletal systems
* MED1072 Options