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Foundations of Medicine 2 unit (CAM102)

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

Students will be allocated PEP within individual health care agencies. Students must be available 5 days a week (40 hours) during the allocated PEP, and must be prepared to undertake a range of shifts – morning, evening and nightshift, which may include weekends, as per roster provided by the healthcare agency. Students may be expected to relocate and are expected to travel to where PEP is available. To be eligible to undertake PEP, all students must be ‘Verified’ as meeting College of Health and Medicine PEP Safety in Practice Compliance as per the Course Entry Requirements.

Students who cannot or do not comply with these requirements will not be allocated PEP and therefore will not be able to complete this unit.

PEP dates MAY differ from University of Tasmania calendar semester dates.

Introduction

This second foundations unit describes the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, common musculoskeletal and rheumatological diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, and laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease. Clinical cases focus on the bones, joints, muscles, and neurovascular supply of the upper and lower limbs. Building upon clinical practice skills from CAM101, history and examination skills for the musculoskeletal system in the limbs and vital signs will be developed. Students will learn about nutrition across the lifecycle, and medical research including biomedical, epidemiological, clinical and qualitative methods. Building on CAM101, students will be introduced to epidemiology and the life course model, used as frameworks to explore and discuss the determinants of health including social, physical, behavioural, cultural, biological, political, environmental and ecological. The concepts of equity and equality and the role of the doctor as a health advocate in the Australian health system will be explored. This unit also explores the biopsychosocial, ethical and legal frameworks and community context of the practice of medicine and the provision of health care in Australia, including issues related to birth and early infancy in a family context. In addition, students will further develop skills and knowledge of self-care, professionalism, and reflective practice. In order for students to undertake Professional Experience Placements (PEPs), there are mandatory requirements to be completed before students can enter a PEP venue. These are outlined in the Safety in Practice Agreement (https://www.utas.edu.au/health/professional-experience-placement/safety-in-practice-requirements). The Safety in Practice Disclosures section requires the student to establish, with the University, their capacity to perform the mandatory functional requirements of the course in which they are enrolled. The Safety in Practice Agreement also requires the student to comply with the UTAS Behaviour Policy, agree to undertake a police (criminal record) check, working with vulnerable persons registration and provide evidence of their immunisation/vaccination status. Students enrolled in the Tasmanian School of Medicine are required to comply with these requirements prior to the allocation of, and participation in, professional experience placements (which includes community engagement activities) and clinical rotations in health care settings. Students who do not comply will not be placed or will be removed from placements and therefore will not meet the requirements of the unit. Further information is available at the College of Health and Medicine PEP website: http://www.utas.edu.au/health/professional-experience-placement Students who are unsure of the procedural guidelines should seek guidance from the School of Medicine.

Summary

Unit name Foundations of Medicine 2
Unit code CAM102
Credit points 50
College/School Health
School of Medicine
Discipline Medicine
Coordinator Doctor Derek Choi-Lundberg
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe core scientific knowledge and methods underpinning the practice of medicine, with a focus on cellular and selected pathological processes and the structure and function of the integumentary, immune, musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
  • Discuss and interpret scholarly research evidence in medical practice.
  • Using the Calgary-Cambridge framework, take a simple medical history from a patient, and summarise and report this information to a health professional.
  • Describe and demonstrate effective listening skills and communication with a patient.
  • Describe and perform a clinical examination of the limbs.
  • Describe how health and wellbeing are constructed in society.
  • Discuss the determinants of health and wellbeing in socially and culturally diverse populations and settings in the context of the Australian health system.
  • Explain the principles and values of ethics, professionalism, leadership and self-care in medical practice.
  • Demonstrate respectful relationships and undertake self-reflection as a medical student.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
060101 $6,779.00 $6,779.00 not applicable $24,806.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CAM101

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Online asynchronous modules 10 hours weekly; Self-directed independent study 18 hours weekly; Face-to-face practicals, tutorials, workshops, keynotes, etc. 10 hours weekly

AssessmentClinical skills assessment|Kids and Families Program|Oral Presentation|Professional Portfolio|Assignment in Evidence-based medicine (5%)|Ethics, Professionalism and Leadership Domain Reflective Assignment 2 (5%)|Health and Society Domain Assignment 2 (5%)|Two MCQ/EMQ quizzes (5%)|Exam Paper 1 (20%)|Exam Paper 2 (20%)|40% of the weighting for CAM101/102 is undertaken in Semester 1 (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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