| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree (Extended) |
| CRICOS Code |
083746D |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This award is designed to give students the scientific, clinical, and technical knowledge to support specialist medical and/or surgical practice. The proposed award is a combination of clinical sciences units and research skills that concentrate on knowledge relevant to the student’s chosen specialisation, technical units that allow students to learn and practice technical skills in the safe environments of the simulation and anatomy laboratories and content units that support development in non-technical skills such as ethics, safety and quality, and critical appraisal of the medical literature. This three year program is intended for international medical graduates wishing to further develop their knowledge base and their practical skills in a particular medical or surgical specialty along with their research knowledge and skills. The first two years consists of coursework with a blended learning approach using seminars, on line learning activities, simulation and anatomy lab work as well as the opportunity to observe clinical work in Macquarie University Hospital and associated clinics. The final year is a research year in which students will engage in lab, clinical or educational research in medicine and involves the completion of a research project and submission of papers for publication. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. apply a comprehensive understanding of the structures and systems within the human body to clinical practice (K,C,J)
2. apply cognitive reasoning skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information to enable diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice (K,T,P,C,E,J)
3. proficiently apply an extended understanding of recent developments to critically evaluate existing literature and theoretical knowledge in clinical practice (K,T,P,C,J)
4. utilise a comprehensive knowledge of applicable research principles and methodologies, plan and implement a substantial research project with a high level of autonomy (K,T,P,C,J)
5. independently implement research proposals to produce a substantial body of scholarly works (K,T,P,J)
6. effectively communicate research plans and intended outcomes (P,C,E,J)
7. use expert knowledge gained from research to enable critical reflection of clinical practice (K,T,P,C,E,J)
8. apply a range of non-technical skills including professionalism, collaboration, communication, scholarship, management, and health advocacy to effectively communicate complex concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences e.g. patients (K,T,P,C,E,J)
9. competently and systematically perform a range of simulated technical and non-technical skills relevant to chosen specialism, with a high level of autonomy and accountability (K,T,P,J)
10. evaluate and adapt self-directed learning approaches to enhance lifelong learning strategies (T,P,C,E,J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
This program encompasses a great variety of teaching and learning methodologies. Learning will be based around clinical case studies in medicine and surgery, creating a problem based learning environment. You will be presented with cases in tutorial sessions and through self study, forums and informal drop in sessions you will work through these cases. For each one, you will have activities related to that case to complete. iLearn resources will be available to facilitate self study and it is a requirement that you attend journal club meetings which will tie in with current research in the area of medicine or surgery upon which the case study is based.
There will be roundtable discussions with expert clinicians and you will approach the case from both a clinical and research perspective. You will engage in simulation training, acquiring generic skills in surgery and medicine and observe clinical practice in action in the hospital and clinic environments.
Through problem based learning case studies you will revise and build upon an advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgical skills and CANMEDs competencies.
In preparation for the research thesis component, you will complete 3 preparatory units which will develop your independent research skills. You will work collaboratively with others and develop through class presentations an ability to articulate a cogent argument to a variety of audiences. You will learn a range of practical laboratory techniques through shadowing a senior PhD student, developing skills which will later benefit your own research. |
| Assessment |
For the Doctor of Medical Practice program you will be assessed formatively throughout your journey through each clinical case study. You will be given regular feedback on your contributions to tutorials, round table discussions with experts etc., which will help you to fully prepare for summative assessments. For each of the units you will be assessed by giving class presentations, producing written reports related to developments in diagnosis and treatment, online quizzes and by formal examination which will consist of short answer and multiple choice questions.
For the assessment of the research focused units you will be assessed through presentations at journal club meetings, completion and publication of research papers and participation in human and animal ethical debates and applications. You will produce a self reflection report and engage in a critique exercise of research essays produced by your peers. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The cohort of students is expected to be international graduates with a MBBS or similar. These graduates may wish to upgrade their qualifications to a level equivalent to a Medical Doctor degree of a Masters or MD, which may offer a greater degree of employment opportunities in their home country. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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