Program Overview

Foundations of Medicine 1 Unit

The Foundations of Medicine 1 unit provides students with a framework for their undergraduate medical studies. This includes the structural and functional organization of the human body, beginning with the study of biomolecules and cells, the classification and types of human tissues and their functions, and an introduction to the organ systems.

Introduction

This unit explores the normal constitution and function of the integumentary system (skin) and immune system and introduces microbiology and pathology, including cellular responses to stress, injury, inflammation, healing, ageing, and neoplasia. Students will learn and develop communication skills for medical practice and understand how health, wellbeing, and illness are understood and experienced across different social contexts and cultures, including by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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 the roster provided by the healthcare agency. Students may be expected to relocate and are expected to travel to where PEP is available.

Summary

• Unit name: Foundations of Medicine 1
• Unit code: CAM101
• Credit points: 50
• College/School: Health
• School of Medicine
• Discipline: Medicine
• Coordinator: Doctor Ben Dodds
• 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.

Availability

• Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston
• Study period: Semester 1
• Attendance options: On-campus, Off-Campus
• Available to: Domestic students, International students

Key Dates

• Study Period: Semester 1
• Start date: 23/2/2026
• Census date: 17/3/2026
• WW date: 20/4/2026
• End date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

• Describe core scientific knowledge and methods underpinning the practice of medicine.
• Discuss and interpret scholarly research evidence in medical practice.
• Take a simple medical history from a patient and summarize 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.
• 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: $6,779.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $6,779.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $24,806.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• Admission to H3X

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: Online asynchronous modules, Rural week activities, Self-directed independent study, Face-to-face practicals, tutorials, workshops, keynotes, etc.
• Assessment: Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Workshop, Clinical skills assessment, Professional Portfolio, Rural Week Program, Two MCQ/EMQ quizzes, Ethics, Professionalism and Leadership Domain Reflective Assignment, Health and Society Domain Assignment, Exam Paper 1, Exam Paper 2

Textbooks

• Required: Readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO.
• Recommended: Access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website.