Course overview
Students will build on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the Foundations of Medicine course to develop a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Students will also explore the basis of common pathologies associated with the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the associated basic management used in medical practice. In clinical practice, students will continue to learn skills required for medical practice: emphasis is placed on developing the clinical interviewing skills required to elicit and record a clinical history and to develop competence in the generic physical examination approach for the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The emphasis of the Health and Society domain in this course is on the social determinants of population health and prevention. In the professionalism and leadership domain, students will develop a deeper understanding of medical ethics, as well as continuing their learning around self-care and wellbeing. They will begin to explore how the doctor fits into a healthcare team. Key mechanisms, concepts and issues will be explored using a variety of teaching modes, including lectures (delivered face to face and online), practical classes, workshops and seminars. Medical Studies 1 continues with Scenario Based Learning (SBL) which was introduced in the Foundation course. Scenarios explore common pathologies relevant to the systems studied and align with learning across Clinical Practice, Health and Society and Professionalism and Leadership to provide an integrated student experience that covers all aspects of a patient presentation.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the normal structure and function of the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Describe the pathophysiology of common conditions affecting the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Apply knowledge of normal and abnormal structure and function to construct mechanistic explanations and diagnostic hypotheses relevant to common conditions affecting the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Apply epidemiological information to problems relating to disorders of the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Describe in basic terms, the management of identified conditions affecting the haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems used in medical practice and relate to knowledge of normal and abnormal structure and function.
- Conduct medical interviews with simulated patients, identifying presenting complaint and attempting systems review.
- Demonstrate competence in the generic physical examination approach for haematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, considering patient comfort and modesty.
- Present written and oral case summaries of clinical scenarios to peers and tutors using a designated framework.
- Identify the legal and regulatory responsibilities of health professionals, including informed consent and patient confidentiality.
- Demonstrate professional capabilities in reflective practice, teamwork and interprofessional practice, including communication in a group setting and time management.
- Reflect on how the health of individuals, families, communities and populations can be affected by diverse cultural and spiritual contexts.
- Reflect on one’s cultural identity and how this may impact on the delivery of Indigenous health care.
- Describe with examples, the idea of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and the concepts of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention to the determinants of health.
- Demonstrate basic research skills in evaluating and reporting appropriate information relevant to health and medical sciences.
- Apply and integrate relevant knowledge and skills from previous courses within the Bachelor of Medical Studies with knowledge obtained within the Medical Studies 1 course.