Overview
This unit supports you to identify and develop core professional practices and skills required by all graduates to succeed in your chosen career in the field of Medical Sciences. You will learn about medical science disciplines and develop foundation skills and knowledge. You will learn about your personal attributes; and develop study, organisational and planning skills which can be applied to your future career. An inter disciplinary, integrated approach will be provided so that you will understand the interrelationships across all disciplines of medical science and how each one is associated with clinical work, research and education. You will learn about your chosen profession and career options and plan your course and overall study path to build the knowledge and skills to reach your desired career outcomes. Throughout this unit, your academic, critical and creative thinking skills will be enhanced so that you can effectively engage in future studies.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback.
Students felt that the residential school was an essential and enjoyable part of the learning process. Additional information on the professional context of the laboratory based skills would enhance learning.
Continue to develop students' practical skills via residential schools. Include further context for laboratory based skills in lectures and tutorials throughout the term.
Feedback from Student feedback.
Students appreciated discipline specific content and real world examples within lectures and tutorials.
Continue to deliver focused tutorials and lectures with relevant, real-world examples, from multiple discipline specialists.
Feedback from Self reflection.
Assessment focused tutorials facilitated student success.
Continue to deliver assessment based tutorials which establish expectations and clarify assessment requirements.
- Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
- Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.
- Develop requisite discipline knowledge, underlying principles and concepts as a basis for career success.
- Create and maintain a professional e-Portfolio that synthesises knowledge of self, careers and disciplines to map academic, career and learning paths.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- ZOOM
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.balzer@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction & Foundation Academic Skills
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Workplace Health & Safety in Medical Sciences
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical/Laboratory, Assessment 2 (on-campus students).
Module/Topic
Careers in Medical Science 1
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical/Laboratory, Assessment 2 (on-campus students).
Module/Topic
Bioethics and Professional Integrity
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical/Laboratory, Assessment 2 (on-campus students).
Module/Topic
Professional Communication Skills
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical/Laboratory, Assessment 2 (on-campus students).
Assessment 1, part A1 due: Thursday 06 April midday AEST.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Careers in Medical Science 2
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Australian Healthcare System and Socioeconomics in Health / Medical Science
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cross-cultural Competence in Medical Sciences
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
First Nations Health
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential School (Laboratory/Practical Assessment 2) Rockhampton (mixed mode students).
Module/Topic
Careers in Medical Science 3
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 Written Assessment due: Thursday 18 May midday AEST.
Assessment 3 - Written Assessment Due: Week 10 Thursday (18 May 2023) 12:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Work Integrated Learning and Course Planning
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3, part A2 and part B due: Friday 02 June midday AEST (CL10 & CG93).
There are no prescribed textbooks for this unit. All weekly readings, content and activities will be uploaded to the unit Moodle site.
Each week students will be expected to complete the following:
- 1 hour lecture (online, face to face, or recorded)
- 1 hour tutorial (online, face to face, or recorded)
- 3-5 hours of self-directed study
- 3-5 hours preparing assessments
Online sessions will be facilitated via Zoom and meeting links will be provided on the Moodle site. Recordings of lectures and tutorials will be made available on the unit Moodle site.
This unit contains mandatory practical classes which are associated with Assessment 2 (Laboratory/Practical). Internal students are to attend a 3 hour practical class in weeks 2, 3, 4 and 5. Mixed mode students will attend a mandatory 2 day residential school. All students must attend and complete the assessment to pass the unit. Please check the timetable for dates and times of internal practical classes and the residential school.
Students enrolled in the CM17 course (Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)) will undertake a mandatory observational placement of 2 weeks / 60 hours within this unit. CM17 students will need to submit an assessable reflective journal entry (Assessment 3 Part A2) about their placement and provide placement details in their ePortfolio (Assessment 3 Part B). Placements will be arranged by CQUniversity and will be undertaken in Term 2.
1 Portfolio
The Portfolio will be comprised of two parts. You will contribute to your portfolio throughout the semester. Please make careful note of the due dates of each component.
| Course | Assessment 1 Part | Due Date & Time |
| All Students (CL10, CG93, CM17) | Assessment 1 Part A Reflective Journal A1 | Week 5, Thursday 06 April midday AEST |
| CL10 + CG93 | Assessment 1 Part A Reflective Journal A2 | Week 12 Friday 02 June midday AEST |
| CL10 + CG93 | Assessment 1 Part B ePortfolio | Week 12 Friday 02 June midday AEST |
| CM17 | Assessment 1 Part A Reflective Journal A2 | Due within 2 weeks of completion of observational placement. |
| CM17 | Assessment 1 Part B ePortfolio | Due within 2 weeks of completion of observational placement. |
Part A - Reflective Journals x 2 (A1, A2) (30%)
Reflective practices facilitate metacognition, enhanced learning, and improved clinical care. They help us place information in context, understand how our knowledge contributes to our success, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and improve learning. As you progress throughout your career, reflective practices will play a vital role in your professional practice and professional development.
CL10 & CG93 Students Only
Students enrolled in CL10 (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Hons)) and CG93 (Bachelor of Medical Science Specialisation) courses will contribute to a reflective journal to document your learning experiences and progress. You will need to complete two (2) reflective journal entries which reflect on in-class learning and residential schools. You will write two structured reflections of 750 words each, and submit these via Moodle at the indicated assessment due dates throughout the semester.
CM17 Students Only
Students enrolled in the CM17 (Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course will contribute to a reflective journal to document your learning experiences and progress. You will need to complete two reflective journal entries of 750 words each. You must include one journal entry which reflects on in-class learning, due on 06 April 2022. One entry must be based on your observational placement and is due upon completion of observational placement. Journal entries must be submitted via Moodle.
You will be required to identify key events and interpret the value of the learning event and how it aligns with your current knowledge and capabilities. You will evaluate the experiences to plan and apply what you have learned in your future academic and professional career.
You will be graded on your ability to analyse, articulate and apply your ideas, knowledge and skills.
Part B - ePortfolio (10%)
Studying at CQU offers you lifetime access to an ePortfolio tool called Portfolium. An ePortfolio can be used to keep track of, and display, your proficiencies and skills. Portfolium can be shared with your employers to showcase your experience, skills, achievements and knowledge that you gain during your studies at CQU.
Throughout the semester you will gain new skills and knowledge, and complete embedded micro-credentials in study skills, social innovation, First Nations competence, and reflective practices.
You will use Portfolium to record your capabilities and achievements which you can add to throughout your degree. Other ePortfolio platforms / formats may be used with approval from the Unit Coordinator.
Portfolium can be accessed via Moodle. You will be required to provide a PDF copy of your Portfolium profile (or other suitable ePortfolio platform) via the Moodle Submission link.
You will be graded on the professional presentation of your profile, and the inclusion of evidence relating to skills, credentials, and achievements.
CL10 and CG93 Students: Assessment 1 Part A Reflective Journal A1 due Week 5, Thursday 06 April midday AEST, A2 due Week 12 Friday 02 June midday AEST. Assessment 1 Part B (ePortfolio) is due Week 12 Friday 02 June midday AEST. CM17 Students: Assessment 1 Part A1 Reflective Journal A1 due Week 5 Thursday 06 April midday AEST. Assessment 1 Part A2 and Part B (ePortfolio) are due within two weeks of completion of observational placement.
Each assessment component will be returned within 2 working weeks of submission.
Part A
The use of reflective practice is a vital tool in development of professional skills in medical sciences.
You will be graded based on demonstration of the following:
- Identify key events which contribute to your learning and describe these in an articulate manner.
- Interpret and create meaning from the events in the context of academic or professional development.
- Evaluate the importance of events. Use critical thinking and analytical skills to identify affirmed or changed views and practices, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses.
- Application of course content, knowledge and terminology.
- Overall communication skills. Use of clear and academic language written in a logical manner, with correct grammar.
A marking rubric will be provided on the Moodle site.
Part B
You will be graded on the professional presentation of your profile, and the inclusion of evidence of skills, credentials, and achievements including:
- accurate presentation of information (education, skills).
- professional language and presentation.
- inclusion of knowledge and skill evidence.
- observational placement details (if enrolled in CM17 course undertaking observational placement).
A marking rubric will be provided on the Moodle site.
- Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
- Create and maintain a professional e-Portfolio that synthesises knowledge of self, careers and disciplines to map academic, career and learning paths.
2 Laboratory/Practical
Success in the medical sciences field includes professional and safe behaviour when working in a laboratory environment.
You will be assessed on your ability to work safely and professionally in a laboratory environment across 4 practical sessions. This will be be carried out by observation and ability to complete written or verbal tasks.
You will be assessed in-class across 4 laboratory sessions. Times will vary depending on enrolment. On campus students will be assessed in weeks 2 ,3, 4 and 5. Mixed Mode students will be assessed at the Residential School. No late submissions are allowed.
Students will receive feedback in-class and throughout the practical sessions.
Students will be assessed based on the following:
- professionalism, timeliness, preparedness,
- operating safely in a laboratory environment,
- organisation skills,
- completion of laboratory work / workbook,
- safe and effective use of equipment (pipette, centrifuge, microscope, lancet, spectrophotometer, spirometer, standiometer, etc.),
- safe chemical handling and disposal,
- hazard minimisation and infection control,
- interpersonal communication.
- Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.
- Develop requisite discipline knowledge, underlying principles and concepts as a basis for career success.
3 Written Assessment
Academic writing and research skills will be used throughout your degree. Developing these skills will enhance your creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, analytical, planning and written communication skills. This assessment will apply knowledge from classroom teaching to address social, ethical, and cultural issues in medical sciences that may be encountered in your profession.
You will prepare a 1500 word project plan to address one of the following medical sciences challenges to facilitate positive health outcomes:
1) Improving delivery of quality pathology diagnostic services to remote Australia.
2) Improving diabetes nutrition education resources for newly arrived migrants to Australia with low English literacy.
3) Improving participation rates in cardiac or respiratory rehabilitation programs for First Nations individuals through culturally safe practices.
You will be provided with a template and compete the information as directed.
You will use a literature search to provide a background review of the current challenges and context associated with your chosen topic. From here you will propose an approach to address the challenge to improve health outcomes, and indicate the potential impact that such a project may have on society or the chosen population. The assessment will require utilising unit concepts such as medical ethics, social innovation, cultural engagement, and socioeconomics contributors to health outcomes.
Week 10 Thursday (18 May 2023) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023)
- use academic research skills,
- review literature and show understanding of current healthcare challenges and their causes,
- creatively present ideas to resolve inequity,
- discuss the impact of improving medical sciences delivery,
- legal and ethical considerations,
- apply academic writing, structure, and format, grammar, spelling and punctuation,
- apply referencing skills.
- Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
- Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
