James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

MD3007:03

Biology of the Skin

Townsville HECS Band 3

13 hours lectures, 39 hours guided learning sessions, 13 hours synthesising sessions. Full year.

Staff: Dr R Miller.

This subject will examine the structure and function of the skin, including skin disorders in children and adolescents, manifestations of serious illness, solar effects and malignancies of the skin, tropical disease and the skin and common skin disorders and the general practitioner.

Learning Objectives:

  1. display an understanding of the normal structure and function of the skin as an organ, its ability to manifest signs of systemic disease and the major abnormalities of the skin;
  2. ability to take a medical history relevant to the cutaneous system;
  3. examine the skin and recognise common diseases and conditions of the cutaneous system;
  4. recognise the importance of alleviating suffering and pain safely and with compassion.

Assessment by end-of-year integrated examination which will consist of a written component (67%) and a practical component (33%). Students will also be required to undertake informal on-course assessment tasks.