Foundations of Biomedical Science (MEDS90001)

Intended learning outcomes

In line with the graduate attributes of the MD, by the end of the subject students should have developed the following objectives to a level appropriate for the first year of the course:

Knowledge
1. Understand normal structure, function and development of the human body and mind at all stages of life
2. Understand the principles (pharmacological, physical, nutritional, behavioural and psychological) underlying key medical conditions
3. Understand the molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis
4. Understand normal life processes including conception, development, birth, ageing and death
5. Understand the factors that might disturb normal structure, function and development
6. Understand the basic aetiology and pathology, of important illnesses
7. Understand the scientific method relevant to biological, behavioural and social science
8. Understand research methods
9. Access new knowledge from key sources and to analyse and interpret it in a critical manner
10. Understand the importance of learning from teachers and peers
11. Understand the importance of contributing towards the generation of new knowledge

Self
1. Understand the principles of reflective practice
2. Understand the principles of self awareness
3. Identify and address learning needs in a pre-clinical setting
4. Respond constructively to assessment feedback
5. Apply effective time management and organisational skills to the pre-clinical setting

Patients
1. Understand the rights of patients including patient choice, dignity and privacy
2. Understand the factors affecting human relationships and the psychological, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of patients
3. Understand chronic illness and disability and its impact on the patient, their carers and communities

Society
1. Understand the interactions between humans and their social and physical environment
2. Understand the determinants of a well society and the economic, political, psychological, social and cultural factors that contribute to the development and persistence of health and illness
3. Understand the principles of health promotion including primary and secondary prevention
4. Understand the health of Indigenous Australians including their history, cultural development and the impact of colonisation and the ongoing health disparities of Indigenous people in this country and globally
5. Understand the burden of disease in differing populations and geographic locations
6. Consider local, regional, national and global ramifications of health care issues
7. Understand the relationship between environmental issues and the health of local communities and society

Medical Profession
1. Understand the principles of ethics in the provision of health care and research
2. Give effective feedback to colleagues in a small group tutorial setting

Systems of Health Care
1. Understand the principles of team work and the ability to work effectively in a team
2. Understand the principles of efficient and equitable allocation and use of finite resources in health care systems, locally and globally

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• the ability to understand the relationship of basic scientific knowledge to health and disease
• the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines
• the ability to work in a team to understand a problem and communicate solutions