Objectives: To acquire and practice the skills of history taking and physical examination in order to elicit the features of common diseases. Interpretation of the mechanisms of production of the presenting signs and symptoms requires the integration of clinical skills with basic sciences, a concept introduced in Year 2. Clinical Studies in Year 3 builds on this experience and introduces the student to clinically relevant pathophysiology, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms associated with the development of symptoms and physical signs which indicate disease. The components of the course are:
1. Lectures in medicine and surgery which introduce the student to the more common diseases and clinical problems, with emphasis on material relevant to history taking and to physical examination. The teaching builds on and compliments related discussions in physiology, pathology, pharmacology and microbiology and where possible is integrated with these disciplines.
2. One surgical and one medical tutorial at a teaching hospital each week. Tutors will be building on the communication skills learnt in the first and second years of the program. By the end of third year, students must be able to obtain a full history from patients in a disciplined and prescribed manner and present that history both orally and in writing.
Physical examination skills will be taught during the third year. Students are expected to master the routine associated with conducting an examination of the major body systems and be able to recognise and understand the significance of those major signs which indicate the presence of pathophysiology.

Assessment: Continuous assessment of written case histories and clinical skills is carried out by surgical and medical tutors. The end of year examinations will include a multiple choice question paper (MCQ) and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).