The two courses, Society and Health and Society & Health B are complementary vertically integrated components in phase 1 of the Medicine program. The following description refers to the areas of study students will encounter upon completion of both courses. Depending upon the year of enrolment, the exact content allocated to either component will vary.
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 and genetics, 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 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 genetics, microbiology, cell biology, immunology and inflammation. In one year there will also be a focus on the haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, as well as skin and structural elements of human tissues, while in the alternate year the focus will be on the respiratory system. Each course will 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.