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Unit of study_

MEDS3001: Contemporary Medical Challenges

2025 unit information

This unit examines how scientists address contemporary medical challenges through rigorous research. For medical research to improve health outcomes, scientists must communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, from government and the healthcare system to patients and the public. Building on what you learned in second year, you will explore how we research, manage and communicate advances in the prevention and treatment of complex and widespread diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. You will work with our best researchers to investigate the complex science behind disease, and the subtle strategies we use to communicate it. You will work with a range of experts (including storytellers, sociologists, media professionals, linguists, bio-designers and data-visualisers) to shape this communication. Individually and in groups, you will develop your skills in communicating complex research findings to diverse target audiences (such as children, patients and the elderly) to influence their behaviour and produce positive health outcomes. You will develop effective strategies for working in the space between current medical science research and the health needs of patients and the public. These are essential skills for anyone pursuing a career in medical science.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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18cp of MEDS20XX
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain the significance of current medical science research findings, including translational clinical outcomes.
  • LO2. Demonstrate your ability to communicate scientifically through the use of non-science disciplines, such as policy and ethics.
  • LO3. Evaluate and apply evidence-based information from different sources to a given medical science problem.
  • LO4. Identify creative and innovative problem solving techniques to enhance individuals and collaborative efforts.
  • LO5. Communicate and collaborate with diverse groups from multiple disciplines and cultures.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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