Course overview
In this course, students will explore human reproduction and key stages of the lifespan. Topics will include embryonic and fetal development, child development and childhood diseases, puberty and adolescent health, mental health, sexual health, pregnancy, reproductive system cancers and ageing. To gain exposure to healthcare, students will complete clinical placements within community medical clinics / general practices. Clinical scenarios will continue to be used to frame and integrate concepts across the domains of Science & Scholarship, Clinical Practice, Health & Society and Professionalism & Leadership. Concepts and issues will be explored using a variety of teaching modes, including online and face-to-face lectures, workshops, practicals, simulations, and experiential learning opportunities.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the structure and key components of the Australian healthcare system.
- Appraise relevant public health priorities and health inequalities in relation to underserved populations; including indigenous, rural, and culturally and linguistically diverse.
- Describe and appraise Australia’s national systems approach to improving the quality and safety of healthcare.
- Describe the role of general and community practitioners in healthcare delivery.
- Conduct holistic clinical interactions using patient-centred communication, including medical interviews, clinical examinations, and stage-appropriate technical procedures, to ensure competence and patient safety in the clinical teaching setting.
- Apply and adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and communication principles in line with “Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia”.
- Apply and adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements in line with legislation concerning practicing of medicine and treatment of patients in complex circumstances, including medical error/open disclosure, end of life law and advanced care directives.
- Describe key features of the biology of human reproduction and development across the lifespan.
- Describe the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, natural history and prognosis of common and important reproductive presentations.
- Describe the physiological and pathophysiological principles that contribute to the aetiology, clinical features, natural history and prognosis of common conditions in paediatric, adolescent, adult and older populations.
- Determine and interpret the relevant investigations appropriate for common health presentations related to reproductive, paediatric, adolescent, adult and older populations.
- Demonstrate therapeutic reasoning by formulating a simple management plan including empirical and/or specific treatment of common problems at different stages of the lifespan based on principles of evidence-based medicine.
- Apply knowledge of differences in human structure, function and behaviour across the life span to the prevention, diagnosis and management of clinical presentations.
- Access, critically appraise, interpret and apply evidence from the medical and scientific literature (in the context of reproductive, paediatric, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric medicine).
- Apply and integrate relevant knowledge and skills from previous courses within the Bachelor of Medical Studies with knowledge obtained within the Medical Studies 3 course.