We are responsible for courses across all three phases of the Medicine program which leads to the awards of Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. We also teach postgraduate programs within the School of Population Health.
Taught in Phase 3, Year 5 or 6
- Primary care is taught five times per year from January to October; each teaching period is eight weeks.
- Students build on their prior learning in biomedical sciences and clinical studies in Phases 1 and 2, and other courses in Phase 3, and apply their knowledge to real situations.
Clinical general practice placements are a core activity, together with a program of lectures and practical workshops. I
Interested in being a general practice supervisor? For further information see: Being a GP Supervisor.
Find out more: undergrad-sphcm@unsw.edu.au
Taught in Phase 2, Year 3 (or Year 4 for Graduate entry students)
- Society and Health is one of six terms that constitute Clinical Coursework in Phase 2
- Students spend six weeks in Society and Health during which they spend two days of campus-based teaching in biomedical sciences as well as clinical studies centred around six weekly themes.
- Students spend three days a week for the first four weeks in a community based clinical setting.
- Students share their clinical experiences across a wide range of placements with a case presentation to their peers during the term where that concentrate on the impact of social and cultural factors on patient’s illness experience.
Interested in being a community-based clinical supervisor? Find out more: undergrad-sphcm@unsw.edu.au
Taught in Phase 1, Year 2
- This is one of eight courses in Phase 1 of the undergraduate medicine program, designed to help students understand how social, cultural, psychological and environmental factors can contribute towards a person’s health.
- The emphasis in on how health is more than the absence of specific diseases and explores a wide range of determinants of health.
- The course focuses on the respiratory system with emphasis on infectious diseases and immunology
- Three scenarios are included related to HIV, Influenza and Tuberculosis, and highlighting Society and Health themes:
- Society, cultures and genes
- Socioeconomic determinants of health
- Health delivery systems
- Health and human rights
Independent Learning Projects (ILPs)
The Independent Learning Project (ILP) is intended to provide UNSW medical students with a period of in-depth study that engenders an approach to medicine that is constantly questioning and self-critical. The ILP aims to promote lifelong learning patterns and skills which will enable them to approach future medical challenges in their careers with a rigor and depth not possible without a detailed knowledge of the formal processes of research, literature appraisal, data collection, analysis and presentation.
Further, specific experience and placements within the candidates' Independent Learning Project (ILP) are also readily facilitated.
Further Studies with the School
A Master of Public Health in Primary Health Care is available in the School in postgraduate courework study.