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Body, Mind and Medicine: A Dissection (UNIB20013)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This interdisciplinary subject will explore the dynamic and shifting relationship between body and mind in medical theory and practice. We will look at the triumphs and tragedies of medicine – the spectacular therapeutic breakthroughs of vaccines and antibiotics, and the disturbing ethical low points of human experimentation by the NAZIs and others. We will explores the lives of the heroes and villains of this story. Underlying the narrative will be three themes: the complex and evolving relationship between body and mind in all forms of disease, culminating in the contemporary world of the neurosciences; the emergence of the twin pillars of modern medicine, the biopsychosocial model and evidence-based medicine; and the development of a coherent ethical system designed to protect patients and practitioners. It is a disturbing and yet hopeful story that provides essential insights into the biomedical universe. It is not only recommended for those who aspire to become medical practitioners, but also for the rest of us who are likely to be their patients.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete this subject will:
- understand and identify different ways of knowing the body and mind in sickness and health across the disciplines of Medicine, Surgery and Psychiatry, Historical Studies, History and Philosophy of Science, and the Social Sciences;
- identify, synthesise and analyse arguments about bodies and minds in sickness and in health;
- create effective arguments, backed up by convincing evidence, about the historical and contemporary relationship between bodies and minds in sickness and in health;
- develop research skills, demonstrating the ability to search for relevant materials in the library's and other digital databases;
- develop effective communication, presentation (written and oral) and organisational skills;
- develop the ability to collaborate constructively inside and outside the classroom;
- demonstrate ethical integrity in written work and classroom activities, including a deep ethical engagement with issues around bodies and minds in sickness and in health.
Generic skills
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A short critical analysis of the 'sick man thesis', due at the end of week 5
| Week 5 | 30% |
A group collaboration on medical scandals, due at the end of week 12
| Week 12 | 20% |
A review essay of a relevant film, book, article or equivalent
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available online.
- Subject notes
This subject together with UNIB10003 (Ecological History of Humanity) and UNIB30005 (Living Longer, a global diagnosis) form a recommended medical humanities stream for Medical students.
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
breadth.unimelb.edu.au/home
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 March 2024