MEDIC ST 3101B - Scientific Basis of Medicine III Part 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2016

The course information on this page is being finalised for 2016. Please check again before classes commence.

Through the study of clinical cases students continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles that underpin the practice of medicine. The Case Based Learning Program emphasises the need for students to be able to explain the mechanisms responsible for the production of symptoms and signs of diseases and to be able to relate these to pathophysiology and related underlying scientific disciplines. At this level the cases give more consideration to diagnosis and management. Student learning in this course is supported by relevant resource sessions and lectures.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MEDIC ST 3101B
    Course Scientific Basis of Medicine III Part 2
    Coordinating Unit Medical Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Weekly lectures, CBL sessions & resource sessions
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Year 2 MBBS Exam
    Restrictions Available to MBBS students only
    Course Description Through the study of clinical cases students continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles that underpin the practice of medicine. The Case Based Learning Program emphasises the need for students to be able to explain the mechanisms responsible for the production of symptoms and signs of diseases and to be able to relate these to pathophysiology and related underlying scientific disciplines. At this level the cases give more consideration to diagnosis and management. Student learning in this course is supported by relevant resource sessions and lectures.
    Course Staff
    C/o Medicine Learning and Teaching Unit:
    Medical School North Wing,
    Telephone: 8313-6221.

    The course is taught by tutors and teachers drawn from scientific and clinical staff.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The SBM thread runs across Years 1-3 of the Medical Program,.  In Year 1 students will be introduced to basic concepts and vocabulary. Learning will become more complex as the course progresses.  All of the courses in Years 1-3 are designed to help prepare students to undertake clinical placements in Years 4-6.

    Detailed objectives for each year level in the MBBS Program are distributed as part of the case-based learning program and may include, but not be limited to, the following:

    1 Demonstrate the required professional behaviour in all educational, clinical and professional relationships, including with other students
    2 Have a critical and questioning approach to learning
    3 Be enthusiastic about learning, and understand the importance of life-long learning
    4 Develop competence in case-based learning (CBL) processes, including the integration of knowledge across disciplines
    5 Begin to effectively use information technology in communication and decision-making, and understand the application of research on evolving methods of health care
    6 Understand the thematic structure of the case-based program in Years 1-3.
    7 Able to use appropriate medical terminology and vocabulary
    8 Able to understand and explain the mechanisms whereby normal biological and anatomical processes are disturbed in disease, and be able to apply the knowledge base gained from previous cases to new but related cases
    9 Able to identify gross and surface anatomical, histological, microbiological and macroscopic and microscopic pathological features
    10 Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of homeostasis, and the basic mechanisms by which the internal environment is regulated, with a particular emphasis on fluid balance, electrolytes, blood pressure, acid-base balance.
    11 Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of cellular function and its control by neurohumoral mechanisms via receptors and signaling processes.
    12 Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of genetic control of cellular function, the role of genetics in disease pathogenesis, the basics of Mendelian and polygenic inheritance, and the increasingly important role of genetics in medicine
    13 Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanistic links between basic sciences (biological and psychological) and the normal and abnormal findings on physical and mental state examination of the systems studied14    understand the importance of the social and behavioural sciences to medical practice and demonstrate an awareness of the importance of patients’ cultural and linguistic background, the value of diversity and tolerance of uncertainty, and the affect of culture and history on health
    14 Understand the importance of the social and behavioural sciences to medical practice and demonstrate an awareness of the importance of patients’ cultural and linguistic background, the value of diversity and tolerance of uncertainty, and the affect of culture and history on health
    15 Progressively develop clinical reasoning skills through the practice of clinical reasoning and the application of integrated knowledge.
    University Graduate Attributes

    No information currently available.

  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students will be required to purchase a standard medical examination kit and textbooks.
    Recommended Resources
    Much of the information which can be found on the internet is of questionable accuracy and it is vital that students have accurate information.  There will be recommended textbooks for specific courses and students will be advised of these as part of introduction to that course.  

    For the SBM course, students will need basic textbooks on anatomy and histology, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology and biomedical science. There are a lot of different textbooks available and different textbooks will appeal to different learners.  The Adelaide Medical Students’ Society publishes and distributes a document to assist you in deciding which textbooks to buy.  We recommend that you spend time looking at different textbooks and talking to your peers about what has worked for them, before you purchase any textbooks.

    Extensive electronic and paper-based resources will be recommended as the course progresses.  
    Online Learning
    Online learning is an important curriculum component in all years of the MBBS course.  Material for all courses are provided through the medical program curriculum website at https://curriculum.adelaide.edu.au/index.asp  or through MyUni.

    Reliable sources of reference journal articles are available online through the University Barr Smith Library (BSL) and various search engines.

    Wikipedia can be a useful guide for definitions, but it is generally an unreliable source of medical and technical information. You are recommended instead to search PubMed or Google Scholar for peer reviewed articles and research evidence.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    There are numerous teaching and learning methods used, with the emphasis on active learning methods including, but not limited to: case based learning, large group lectures, seminars and workshops and laboratory resource sessions. There will be self-directed research and/or study, written assignments, case presentations, and critical analysis.

    Learning by doing:
    Students are expected to  actively participate in CBL tutorials and develop the skills required to work as a member of a team.  Case presentations are a very important communication tool among medical practitioners. They are used in a variety of setting: ward rounds, teaching rounds, hand-over, transfer of patient care between units, discussing a referral and communication between different practitioners.

    It is important then that students get as much practice as possible in first year to prepare and deliver good oral case presentations for the CBL sessions.

    The skills of reasoning in CBL and case presentations need to be acquired in preparation for the clinical years, where it features as a major forum for the academic and clinical communication to peers and consultants in the hospital.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Attendance at tutorials is compulsory.  While lectures are not compulsory, the material presented in a lecture will assist your ability to participate in tutorials and will provide examinable material.  The development of time management skills is important for future medical practice. Students are expected to develop study skills and allocate time to self-directed learning. In Years 1-3, the standard total student workload for 24 units is 48 hours a week.
    Learning Activities Summary
    The curriculum begins with an introduction to CBL processes and study continues in large and small groups using clinical cases of the most common and important diseases as a basis. Lectures, anatomy sessions and workshops and are carefully staged throughout the CBL cases to provide key information to assist the students as they progress. Rather than memorising unnecessary detail, the emphasis throughout the program is on understanding, and being able to explain, mechanisms and principles.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Students must meet the requirements set out in the letter of offer.  Students will be required to obtain a first aid certificate by the end of semester 1.  As a medical student you will be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.  All commencing students in Medicine, Dentistry, Oral Health and Nursing will be required to obtain a satisfactory criminal history clearance (CHC).  Information on acquiring the clearance is outlined in the letter of offer.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    The predominant learning method for the MBBS Program is small group discovery learning.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Students are advised to read in detail the information in the Year Level Assessment Document - Part A and Part B. Students will be expected to be aware of the contents of these documents and to abide by the requirements as stated.  Students should note that requirements for professional behaviour standards are set out in the year level assessment documents. As medical students, you are registered with the Medical Board of Australia. 

    Students are required to maintain the expectations of the professionalism standards and associated behaviours required of the profession.  Students should note that in addition to integrated exams as set out in the year level assessment documents, there are formative and summative tasks which must be completed. There are also attendance requirements which must be met.

    Assessment and the assessment methods used for the medical program will be based on the objectives for: Case Based Learning (CBL) cases (supplied after each case), Clinical Skills (supplied in handbook and as posted online on the Bulletin Board), lectures (supplied in lecture material), MPPD (supplied in handbook), anatomy sessions (supplied with anatomy session notes).

    Complete assessment requirements for the MBBS Program are set out in the year level assessment documents distributed at the start of each year.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    There are attendance requirements which must be met. Students should also note that requirements for professional behaviour standards which are set out in the year level assessment documents.  Students should note that in addition to integrated exams as set out in the year level assessment documents, there are formative and summative tasks which must be completed.
    Assessment Detail
    Complete assessment requirements for the MBBS Program are set out in the year level assessment documents distributed at the start of each year.
    Submission
    Students may be required to submit assessments via Turnitin.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    RP Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme: GS4 Non-graded pass.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    The MBBS Program has a regular program of evaluation.  In addition, student representatives are appointed to MBBS committees and are encouraged to report on issues of importance to students.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.