Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of the fourth year, students will have a sound understanding of the requirements of a comprehensive history (including the social and psychological aspects of illness) and physical examination, and the development of clinical skills in relation to this; the clinical presentation of common medical, surgical and psychiatric problems in addition to introductory aspects of investigation and management of these disorders; core knowledge in relation to the pathology, immunology and microbiology of disease; common emergencies in clinical practice; radiological and nuclear medicine facilities used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Students will develop an appreciation of ethical issues related to patient care; the importance of and skills in establishing appropriate rapport with patients and their families or caregivers with recognition of the role of this in the therapeutic process; cost benefit issues in relation to patient investigation and management; the responsibility of maintaining high standards of medical practice with a commitment to continuing medical education.
Synopsis The year is divided into three terms. The teaching synopsis is outlined under each of the fourth-year subjects that follow.
Assessment 100 question MCQ (at the end of term two): 30% + 10-station OSCA (at the end of term three): 30% + The remaining 40% of the assessment is outlined in the subject descriptions that follow.