Students

BIOL3661 – Medical Sciences Capstone

2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Michelle Power
Contact via BIOL3661@mq.edu.au
Co-convenor
Melanie Bishop
Contact via BIOL3661@mq.edu.au
Melanie Bishop
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BMedScs and 120cp at 1000 level or above including BIOL1620 or BIOL1610 or BIOL116
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In the Bachelor of Medical Sciences capstone and PACE unit, students will consolidate their learnings from their chosen major and across majors through small group student-led activities and experiential learning to solve industry partner problems and communicate key health messages to the community. Interactive sessions with experts and industry at the forefront of topics currently dominating medical sciences will facilitate students to engage deeply with local and global health issues and research seeking solutions through medical science innovations. Students will apply this knowledge and their experiential learnings to develop information delivery strategies to engage the community. This unit involves active reflection on prior learning and translation to employability and workplace skills, and building linkages with professional communities and industries.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • ULO2: Consolidate information from seminars, discussions and literature on current topics in medical science and report on your evaluation
  • ULO3: Analyse and interpret data on a global health issue
  • ULO4: Appraise strategies for working effectively both as an individual and as part of a team, with knowledge of ethical principles and professional conduct applicable for your career aspirations
  • ULO5: Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

General Assessment Information

Weekly Forum – Topics in Medical Sciences (10%) 

This assessment is an independent learning task for you to explore your areas of interest and communicate them to others.

A discussion forum has been established in iLearn to promote discussion and sharing of information relating to the Health and Medical Science field. Contributions to the forum could include (but are not limited to) links to recent newspaper articles, articles from the Conversation, questions or thoughts on health matters, and scientific papers. This is where you also address posts relating to activities within the employability modules. 

The forums have been divided into Tutorial classes. You should post in the forum and respond to posts once a week at a minimum within the forum for your tutorial class. A weekly video wrap up covering all forums will be provided by teaching staff.

You cannot access the forums until you make your posts. 

Radio MQ – Health Segment (25%) 

This assessment is based on the ABC radio program - Self-improvement. The assessment is undertaken in pairs, however, you are marked for your individual work as the interviewee (10%), the interviewer (5%), and your written submission (10%).  Individual students will choose their own topic (and different from their partners). Interview topics are personnel choice but they must align to the World Health Organisations' list of urgent health challenges for the next decade. You will also need to link your topic to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Each student will make two submissions for marking 

1) your individual written brief encompassing questions and answers on your topic (used to guide the radio interviewer) 

2) individual recording of your interview with your partner performing the interview you. Ensure that you refer to iLearn for complete instructions and the marking scheme which details how marks are awarded for each aspect of this assessment. 

Resource review (15%)

A policy provides companies with a formal statement and framework for how they are going to achieve their goals and operational activities. The content of a policy can be informed by 

guiding principles, mission and values statements, legal requirements, industry standards, and strategic directions. In association with our industry partner, AMMRIC, you will conduct a review of their current research policy. You will undertake activities in tutorials that lead to an individual student submission. Ensure that you refer to the marking scheme which details how marks are awarded for each section. All assessment information is detailed in iLearn.

Partnering with Industry (Total marks 50%) 

This assessment encompasses the activities that you will complete for the PACE partner. The types of assessments vary depending on PACE activities and will range from individual submissions to group projects. Students will also reflect on their experiences in the unit over the session. Detailed information will be available in iLearn. 

My Portfolio (non-graded) 

Throughout the capstone unit, you will start to generate a portfolio. You will need to consider the next steps in your career to determine how to craft your portfolio. 

A portfolio allows you to identify personal experiences and qualities that are desirable in the workplace of potential employers or post-graduate degree admissions such as medicine. Portfolios should display components such as those you generated from the Employability skills reflective task, evidence of education or short courses, work experience, and also your leadership skills and connection to communities. This is an individual activity that reflects your personnel experiences.  

How do you prepare a portfolio? 

  • Describe your activities and achievements in detail including what they involved.
  • Reflect on any outcomes or impact, and how activities affected you for example as a leader, service to the community 
  • Demonstrate your skills and attributes you can bring to the job or post-graduate degree
  • Link your activities, achievements, and experiences to the career area or postgraduate program you wish to pursue
  • Include evidence of achievements (e.g. certificates)

Assignment submission

All assignments will be digitally submitted through the appropriate Turnitin submission link on iLearn.  All assessments need to be written in the student’s own words. 

Academic honesty

All assessments need to be written in the student’s own words. The penalties imposed by the University for plagiarism are serious and may include expulsion from the University. Any evidence of plagiarism WILL be dealt with following University policy. Penalties for plagiarism will be imposed for each assessment and clearly defined in marking guides. Further penalties imposed by the Faculty disciplinary committee may range from a loss of all marks and awarding of a zero depending on the circumstances. 

Extensions, penalties and Disruptions to Studies

The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. If an assignment is submitted late a penalty of -10% of the mark allocated for the assignment will be deducted per day that any work is submitted late (i.e. 5 days late = -50% of marks available).

If you experience a serious and unavoidable disruption to your studies and require an extension for an assessment please submit a Disruptions to Studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentation, and a Professional Authority Form completed by your health care professional. If you anticipate a potentially serious and unavoidable disruption (e.g. upcoming surgery) speak to the unit convenor early and apply for an extension before the due date.

Unit completion

To pass this unit students need to:

  1. achieve an overall minimum grade of 50%,
  2. attend a minimum of nine tutorial classes. Note that the work undertaken in tutorial classes forms the basis of assessments, which cannot be completed without participation in relevant classes. A role will be taken for each class. 
  3. Complete of all hurdle assessments to a satisfactory level or defined mark, is required 

 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Topics in medical sciences forum 10% No Weeks 2-12
Radio MQ - Health segment 25% No Week 5
Resource review 15% No Week 8
Partnering with industry 50% No Week 12 (group) & week 13 (individual)
My Portfolio 0% Yes Week 12

Topics in medical sciences forum

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Weeks 2-12
Weighting: 10%

Students will contribute to discussion forums relating to fortnightly 'big questions in Medical Science' learning activities.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • Consolidate information from seminars, discussions and literature on current topics in medical science and report on your evaluation
  • Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

Radio MQ - Health segment

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 25%

Students will identify a pressing health issue or future health issue for communication in the form of a radio interview and prepare a pre-radio interview summary.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • Analyse and interpret data on a global health issue
  • Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

Resource review

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 15%

 

Students will submit recommendations for updating industry partner resources used to engage inform the public of health issues.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • Analyse and interpret data on a global health issue
  • Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

Partnering with industry

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Week 12 (group) & week 13 (individual)
Weighting: 50%

Student groups will undertake a work integrated activity with an industry partner


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • Consolidate information from seminars, discussions and literature on current topics in medical science and report on your evaluation
  • Analyse and interpret data on a global health issue
  • Appraise strategies for working effectively both as an individual and as part of a team, with knowledge of ethical principles and professional conduct applicable for your career aspirations
  • Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

My Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Students will develop a portfolio suitable for use in applying for jobs and postgraduate degrees.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reflect and articulate key knowledge and skills gained throughout the Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and apply learnings to devise strategies for transitioning from university to the workforce
  • Appraise strategies for working effectively both as an individual and as part of a team, with knowledge of ethical principles and professional conduct applicable for your career aspirations
  • Effectively communicate key information, innovations and issues in the medical sciences in written and verbal form to a variety of stakeholders / audiences

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY

Students have the option to complete this unit fully online, however, given the major group projects that will be undertaken across the session, you must: 

  • Ether do the online (Monday class) or face to face (Tuesday classes) tutorials - you cannot mix modes.
  • Attend your registered class 
  • If you cannot attend campus you can enrol in Monday’s online tutorial or the Infrequent mode which is now fully online.

Tutorials Weeks 1-4

All tutorials (Monday and Tuesday classes) for weeks 1-4 only will delivered online 

Tutorials Weeks 5-13

Monday’s tutorial – delivery will remain online

Tuesday’s tutorials – these two classes require on-campus attendance from weeks 5-13, online classes will not continue for these classes.

Teaching model

This unit is delivered in a flipped classroom mode where students are required to do pre-class tasks that are outlined in iLearn for each week. Completing these tasks before class will ensure that you get the best from the unit, your team activities and our industry partners. 

Lecture overview

There are two lectures per week. The format of lectures is atypical with each comprising a short talk and discussion on a topic of relevance to the units themes. In addition to lectures there are also pre-recorded videos (5 minutes or more with….) that have been established for this unit.

Over 80% of the lecturers in this unit are external to Macquarie University and work at other institutes. These scientists, postdocs, students and professionals are giving up their time to present information to you, and assist with the next stages of your career. Please endeavour to attend lectures and respect the time and contributions that the lecturers are providing for you. 

Tutorial overview

There is a weekly tutorial that students must attend. Students must participate in group activities to count as having attended. 

A role will be taken for each class. Students must also keep track of their own class attendance and if they miss classes.

The content in tutorials is linked to assessments, especially those associated with industry partners. An absence from four or more tutorials without acceptable reasons will result in a fail grade.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

This is the first time that BIOL3661 Medical Sciences capstone will be delivered.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
29/07/2021 Added BIOL3661@mq.edu.au as a contact email, as requested by Sharyon O'Donnell. - Julian May
18/07/2021 I have removed staff involved in iTeach administration (here Laura and Caitlin) to prevent emails with unit questions going directly to them. cheers

Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook