Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

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Why study the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at UNE?

The Joint Medical Program (JMP) is a two stage five year program comprising of a Bachelor of Medical Science (stage one) and Doctor of Medicine (stage two), offered jointly in partnership by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

The program consists of three phases across the five years where stage one comprises of Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 focuses on the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences and is taught through problem based learning. In problem based learning tutorials, students learn about the body systems such as the cardiac and respiratory systems using clinical presentations as a trigger to guide the learning. The tutorials are supported by sessions in the laboratory, lectures from biomedical scientists or clinicians, and practical clinical skills teaching. During Phase 1, students will be introduced to the clinical environment with clinical placements in the hospital, nursing homes and general practice to practice history taking and clinical examinations.

Phase 2 is one year in duration and consists of clinical placements in medicine and surgery in hospital and general practice/community-based care. Case-based learning replaces the problem based learning tutorial from Phase 1 and builds on the foundational knowledge of Phase 1 with clinical cases being the trigger to guide the learning. During Phase 2, students will consolidate their research method skills and develop a research project proposal for a project that will be completed in stage 2 (Phase 3).

Phase 3 is clinically orientated where students rotate through clinical placements, undertake a Student Selected Pathway and complete a Structured Reflective Option. In Year 4, students complete placements in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Medicine and Psychiatry. Year 5 is termed a pre-internship year which is designed to prepare students for internship. The clinical placements are in Surgery, Medicine, Critical Care and Trauma, and General Practice. During Year 4, students will consolidate their research method skills and complete the project proposed in Stage One (Year 3). The Student Selected Pathway is an opportunity for students to explore special interest areas within the broad categories of: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health; Global Health; Health Professional Education; Laboratory Medicine; and Rural Health. Time is allocated in Year 4 for course and preparatory work in Year 4 for the experience in Year 5. The Structured Reflective Option is an opportunity to explore other areas of interest and/or to consolidate knowledge and skills. This is available in Year 4.

On completion of stage one, students will have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science. On completion of Stage Two, students will have completed the requirements for the Doctor of Medicine. To graduate from the Joint Medical Program, students must complete both stage one and two. The Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine will be awarded on a single testamur on completion of stage two.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career Opportunities

The JMP provides an internationally recognised medical degree that prepares you for a career in any aspect of medicine. JMP graduates are recognised for their innovative thinking and clinical skills and are prepared for practice in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.

In order to be registered as a medical practitioner in Australia, you must complete one year of internship in the public hospital system after graduation from the BMedSc/MD - JMP. After this, many graduates enter vocational training for specialist qualifications in general practice, surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, rural and remote medicine and other areas of medical practice.

The JMP is committed to addressing the doctor shortage in rural and remote Australia and other places of medical workforce need. It actively recruits students interested in practising rural medicine. Candidates can choose to study at a rural university, the University of New England based in Armidale in northern NSW, which offers greater experience of medicine in a rural health environment.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

5 Years Full-time

FEES

Commonwealth Supported Place

2018 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

JMP Semester 1, On Campus

Official Abbreviation

BMedSc/MD

Course Type

Undergraduate

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	JMP Semester 1	On Campus

Course Duration

5 Years Full-time

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Place

Total Credit Points

288

Entry Requirements

This information can be found at Joint Medical Program - How To Apply.

Recommended studies are any two units of English.

Additional Requirements

Students will be required to be able to access learning remotely and will require equipment that meets minimum technical specifications for reliable access. They are also required to purchase personal equipment required for clinical activity (e.g. stethoscope). Further details are available on the JMP website.

Students must satisfy a number of requirements in order to participate in the practical components of the BMedSc/MD-JMP and to attend placement in a NSW Health facility:

· Workcover approved first aid course which includes competency in:

- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation [HLTAID001]

- Provide basic emergency life support [HLTAID002]

- Provide first aid [HLTAID003];

· National Police Check;

· NSW Health Student Declaration;

· Immunisation;

· Code of Conduct; and Health Records and Information Privacy Act (HRIPA) 2002; and

· UNE students are required to also complete a Working With Children Check.

Requirements such as Immunisation may take up to six months to complete the full vaccination regime. Students will not be permitted to attend placement in NSW Health facilities unless all requirements are met and will therefore not meet the course requirements. More information is available at the NSW Health - Clinical Placement Information website.

Advanced Standing

Under the terms of the Joint Medical Program, the University of New England policy on Advanced Standing does not apply.

Advanced Standing shall not be granted towards this course, except for 48 credit points Specified Advanced Standing (MEDI3101A, MEDI3101B, MEDI4101A, MEDI4101B and MEDI6001) on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science component towards the Doctor of Medicine.

Academic Colours

Peony Red (BCC 37)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

This information can be found at the Joint Medical Program - How to Apply webpage.

Additional Requirements

Students must satisfy a number of requirements in order to participate in the practical components of the BMedSc/MD-JMP and to attend placement in a NSW Health facility:

Workcover approved first aid course which includes competency in:

Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation [HLTAID001]
Provide basic emergency life support [HLTAID002]
Provide first aid [HLTAID003];

National Police Check;

NSW Health Student Declaration;

Immunisation;

Code of Conduct; and Health Records and Information Privacy Act (HRIPA) 2002; and

UNE students are required to also complete a Working With Children Check.

Requirements such as Immunisation my take up to six months to complete the full vaccination regime. Students will not be permitted to attend placement in NSW Health facilities unless all requirements are met and will therefore not meet the course requirements. More information is available at the NSW Health - Clinical Placement Information website.

Advanced Standing

Under the terms of the Joint Medical Program, the University of New England policy on Advanced Standing does not apply.

Advanced Standing shall not be granted towards this course, except for 48 credit points Specified Advanced Standing (MEDI3101A, MEDI3101B, MEDI4101A, MEDI4101B, and MEDI6001) on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science component towards the Doctor of Medicine.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be five years as a full-time candidate. Candidates are referred to the JMP Schedule.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 288 credit points.

Program of Study

Students are admitted to the Bachelor of Medical Science (Stage 1). Upon successful completion, candidates are granted advanced standing for 48 credit points from the Bachelor of Medical Science towards the Doctor of Medicine (Stage 2).

Upon successful completion of both the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine components of the degree (Stage 1 and 2), candidates will receive one qualification/testamur for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure	Credit Points	Credit Points
Bachelor of Medical Science component:		144 cps
Core Units	144 cps	144 cps
Doctor of Medicine component:		144 cps
Specified Advanced Standing	48 cps
Core Units	96 cps
Total		288 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

Progression Requirements

All candidates must comply with all JMP policies.
Students must enrol in both units of the multi-term sequence and must be completed in order, A followed by B, in the one academic year. Students who fail or take a leave of absence must complete both units in sequence and no credit will be awarded if previously completed part A.
Before enrolment in MEDI6101, MEDI6102 and MEDI6103 candidates must have completed the 144 credit points of the Bachelor of Medical Science component.
Candidates who fail to meet these course specific progression requirements will be asked to show cause as to why their candidature should not be discontinued and may be granted an Exit Pathway from the course.

Exit Pathways

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine after 3 years of full-time study in the course may be eligible to exit with the Bachelor of Medical Science on completion of 144 credit points.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Bachelor of Medical Science must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

Course Aims	The Joint Medical Program has adopted as its program objectives the achievement of graduate attributes identified by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to ensure that doctors are competent to practise safely and effectively as interns in Australia or New Zealand, and they have an appropriate foundation for lifelong learning and for further training in any branch of medicine. The AMC attributes cover knowledge and understanding, and skills and attitudes as they affect professional behaviour.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: BMedSc component: demonstrate an understanding of patient-centred, compassionate and ethical practice; demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge and introductory level clinical skills; demonstrate awareness of the importance of self-awareness, and reflection in medical practice; demonstrate theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills relevant to patient care; demonstrate understanding of the value of life-long learning and the sharing of knowledge in the medical profession; demonstrate that they can critically analyse research findings; demonstrate knowledge of global and community focus on healthcare delivery; demonstrate that they are effective communicators; demonstrate that they can work effectively as team members and accept accountability as team leaders; demonstrate that they respect and embrace the history, culture and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for culturally competent, holistic, patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and MD component:demonstrate that they are patient-centred, compassionate and ethical; demonstrate that they have integrated and advanced knowledge and high level of clinical skills; demonstrate that they are self-aware, reflective and have well developed theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills; demonstrate that they are committed to life-long learning and the sharing of knowledge; demonstrate that they can contribute to published research and critically analyse findings; demonstrate that they have a global and community focus on healthcare delivery; demonstrate that they are effective communicators and can advocate for their patients and for change in healthcare; demonstrate that they can work effectively as team members and accept accountability as team leaders; demonstrate that they respect and embrace the history, culture and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and demonstrate that they are committed to providing culturally competent, holistic, patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Graduate Attributes	Knowledge of a Discipline BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates from the Bachelor of Medical Science will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins an understanding of health as a bio-psychosocial phenomena. As a result of the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge to a range of health related areas and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of health care. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates from the MD will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins effective medical practice. As a result of a strong integration of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge when beginning professional practice and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of medicine, medical specialities and subspecialties. Graduates will be able to compare and contrast perspectives of health and healthcare from around the globe. They will be able to establish relationships between the incidence of illness and disease and to the social and environmental determinants of health in particular populations as well as describe the mechanism and impact of communicable disease on populations throughout the world. Communication Skills BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to communicate with users of health care and health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to communicate with patients, medical and other health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities. Graduates will communicate in a scholarly manner to professional audiences, particularly in relation to the research process and evidence based practice. Problem Solving BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will use a systematic approach to analysis and synthesis of issues pertinent to health. They will have developed and be able to use frameworks for identification of issues, establishing priorities, proposing solutions, considering of alternatives and justifying their decisions. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will use a systematic approach to the diagnosis of disease and develop patient focused management plans. They will also have the capability to contribute to problem solving through the research process. Information Literacy BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations. Lifelong Learning BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development. Independence and Collaboration BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals. MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals.