MX1010 - Physician Assistant Studies 1

Credit points:	12
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Medicine & Dentistry

Available to Bachelor of Health Science (Physician Assistant) students only.

This subject will provide the introduction to integrated health science studies with foundations in basic science, human anatomy and physiology, pathology and professional practice issues. There will also be a strong emphasis on clinical skills to include: patient communication and history taking, physical examination and an introduction to evidence based medicine. Content will be delivered in a blended format commencing with a two-week, face to face block at the Townsville campus followed by IT based modules, small group learning and live and taped lectures.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire a solid foundation of knowledge in selected foundation sciences;
• ability to apply sound communication skills relevant to interaction with patients, their families and their health professional advisors in a variety of cultural and social settings;
• knowledge of basic clinical skills in the areas of history taking and physical examination that will serve to introduce clinical decision-making;
• knowledge of basic disease pathology and disease prevention;
• critically review the physician assistant role, including working in a delegated medical practice model and the personal and professional dimensions of this role within the Australian health system.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

MX1001

Availabilities
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Non-standard start/end 04-Feb-2013 to 21-Jun-2013
Face to face teaching 04-Feb-2013 to 16-Jun-2013 (This subject has a compulsory residential block at the start of the study period. School will advise students of dates.)
Coordinator:	Mr Al Forde, Dr Ray Eifel
Contact hours:	40 hours lectures - On campus 46 hours tutorials - 20 on campus, 26 PBL group at site 10 hours practicals - On campus 10 hours workshops/Seminars - On Campus 260 hours - On line, teleconferences, videoconferences, clinical skills sessions in satellite centres 10 days clinical placement
Assessment:	other exams (% - 100%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Attendance at residential schools and clinical placements is mandatory. Satisfactory completion of the clinical aspects, including set competencies, is required.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.