Objectives: - To gain an understanding of the inter-relationships between the health of individuals or populations and the environment in which they live. The major themes include the societal determinants of health, the diversity of society focusing both on culture, systems that provide health care and the relationship between health and human rights. These themes will be studied taking global, community and individual perspectives on health.
Infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system will be used as an example of how the environment influences the health of individuals and populations. Areas to be explored will include relevant aspects of microbiology, cell biology, immunology and inflammation. The course will also consider the health status of populations, as well as aspects of normal human behaviour.
A series of learning activities focusing on communication skills and clinical communication operates throughout phase 1 of the Medicine program. It involves learning within clinical environments and will be integrated with content topics specific to individual courses.
Assessment will involve performance in two projects/assignments and an end of course written examination.