GMA2200 - Principles of medicine - 2019

This unit reflects an introduction to the four themes of the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) curriculum: Theme I (Personal and Professional Development), Theme II (Society, Population, Health and Illness), Theme III (Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice) and Theme IV (Clinical Skills).

Students begin to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required by a medical student. Knowledge in the basic medical and behavioural sciences is developed within inter-disciplinary units related to clinical and other problems through problem based learning clinical case studies.

In clinical skills students are introduced to history-taking, physical examination and procedural skills through tutorials and clinical placement activities. Community partnership placements are also a part of the unit.

Theme I - Personal and Professional Development

1. Comply with the code of conduct for Monash medical students

   Theme II - Society, Population, Health and Illness

2. Examine key social, economic and environmental determinants of health on status and outcomes in marginalised groups, including the Indigenous population.
3. Explain concepts in prevention science and approaches used in health promotion.
4. Explain concepts in population health, epidemiology and measurement of health and disease in populations.
5. Describe the role of health care services in maintaining health and in monitoring, managing and preventing disease.
6. Using prescribed methodologies search for and critique information from medical research literature and popular information sources.

   Theme III - Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice

7. Describe the structure and function of the human body at cellular, organ, system and whole body levels.
8. Explain biological, psychological and social factors pertinent to understanding human development, health, illness and behaviour.
9. Describe common and important illnesses, conditions and disorders
10. Explain fundamental pathological processes and causes underlying specified illnesses and conditions.
11. Describe drug classes and identify the use and actions of drugs in these groups.

    Theme IV - Clinical Skills

12. Elicit and summarise a structured, comprehensive and logical history in simulated environments.
13. Perform and summarise an appropriate examination for specified systems in simulated environments.
14. Propose and discuss the reasoning for a differential diagnosis (list) at a basic level for specified systems.
15. Competently perform specified clinical procedures and tasks in simulated environments.
16. Identify relevant investigations for specified problems or conditions.
17. Outline a basic management plan for specified common problems and conditions.
18. Use principles for effectively communicating medical information to patients in simulated settings.

• Comprehensive integrated puzzle (2 hours) (5%)
• OSCE assessment (8 stations = 80 mins total) (30% total) (hurdle)
• 2 x Mid-year examination (2 + 3 hours) (25%)
• 2 x End of year examination (2 + 3 hours) (25%) (hurdle)
• Vertically Integrated Assessment (VIA) written examination (3 hours) (15%) (hurdle)

Hurdle requirements:

Students must attend a minimum of 80% of designated teaching activities to pass this unit.

Students must pass the OSCE assessments and must pass the combined written examinations to pass this unit. The Borderline Group method is used to determine the pass score and borderline range for the OSCE, and the Angoff method is used to determine the pass score and borderline range for the combined written examinations

In each semester students will be provided with 12 hours of teacher directed study per week including practicals, seminars, workshops, and small group learning encompassing case-based learning, role plays and simulations, problem based sessions, team based learning and research/enquiry based activities.

Plus 12 hours of self-directed study.

Total per week = 24 hours

See also Unit timetable information

Medicine and Surgery