Monash University Medicine handbook 1995

Second year

Second year comprises general and systems studies and commences an interface with patient care in MED2061/2062 (Clinical and communication skills I & II). The general subjects in second year include an introduction to pharmacology and neurosciences, an introduction to statistics and epidemiology, cell and molecular biology III, principles of human nutrition, basic haematology, tissue injury, neoplasia and inflammation and infection and immunity. The last two introduce students to pathology and microbiology at a much earlier stage than occurs at most medical schools. However this move is consistent with our contention that learning about abnormal biology can be used to reinforce learning about normal biology. Integrated systems studies in second year include cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, and gastrointestinal medicine. MED2061/2062 (Clinical and communication skills I & II) integrates the theoretical learning from other studies with the reality of patient care as well as providing direct instruction in medical interviewing and physical examination.

In second semester students have the opportunity to explore an area of personal interest through MED2082 (Options).

Teaching methods

The subjects studied in second year employ teaching methods similar to those in first year and include seminars, tutorials, laboratory and other practical classes, bedside teaching, computer-assisted analysis sessions, small group sessions and group discussions.

Assessment

Formal examinations and ongoing assessment throughout the year are combined by lecturers to give the students a variety of settings to test the skills they are acquiring. End-of-semester exams may consist of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions and sometimes involve a practical component. Writing up of practical sessions, participation in tutorial exercises, case study projects and `case style' group presentations are examples of the ongoing assessment of students.

Subjects

First semester

Coordinator: Dr A A Beveridge (Pharmacology)

* MED2011 Cardiovascular and respiratory medicine

* MED2021 Introduction to pharmacology and neurosciences and introduction to statistics and epidemiology

* MED2031 Cell and molecular biology III and basic haematology

* MED2061 Clinical and communication skills I

Second semester

Coordinator: Dr C A Browne (Physiology)

* MED2042 Gastrointestinal medicine, the abdomen and principles of human nutrition

* MED2052 Tissue injury, neoplasia and inflammation and infection and immunity

* MED2062 Clinical and communication skills I (cont.)

* MED2072 Renal medicine

* MED2082 Options

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