Foundations of Medicine

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
MDST 1001
Course ID icon
Course ID
202626
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus West
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
24
Course owner
Course owner
School of Medicine
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Foundations of Medicine

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the organisation of the human body and the structure and function of the major organ systems.
  • Explain, at a foundational level, the molecular and cellular basis of health and disease and the core processes which contribute to responding to changes in internal and external environments.
  • Formulate mechanistic hypotheses by interpreting key data in given scenarios.
  • Conduct medical interviews with simulated patients, using a defined framework for history taking, and display appropriate rapport and empathy
  • Perform limited physical examinations of designated body systems in simulated patients in a professional manner.
  • Describe and reflect on the ethical principles which form the basis of the doctor-patient relationship: beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, rights to autonomy, confidentiality and informed consent
  • Describe expectations of a health professional and demonstrate professional capabilities and behaviours including respect for colleagues, staff and tutors and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples as traditional custodians.
  • Investigate self-care resources and reflect on how these can assist self and peers in maintaining wellbeing
  • Describe the structure of the Australian health system, the key concepts in public health and its role in the health of a population
  • Identify examples of the social determinants that can affect the health of individuals, families, communities and populations
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Indigenous peoples’ histories, cultures, identities and belief systems
  • Identify the connections between history and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Indigenous health outcomes
  • Recognise the important role played by research in the generation of knowledge for health and medicine
  • Demonstrate foundational research skills in locating, interpreting and referencing appropriate information relevant to health and medical sciences

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed MEDICST1501 Foundations of Medicine at the University of Adelaide
Degree list
The following degrees include this course