Detailed information regarding the assessment of the Macquarie MD and unit-specific assessment is available on the MQMDAssess Macquarie MD Assessment iLearn site. 

Grading

In this unit two types of grading will be used and a supervision recommendation will be given where a clinical assessment relates to a Stage 1 Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA). The written examination will be graded numerically with a standardised mark out of 100, while the OSCE will be coarse graded. Coarse grades (P+, P, P-, F) will be assigned to the focused and generic MD Capability Aspects as well as overall task performance. The numeric marks for the examinations and overall coarse grade for the assessment task, weighted according to their contribution, will be used to calculate the overall  Unit aggregate. Unit outcomes based on the unit aggregate will be reported to the University using the standard Macquarie grades (High distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, Fail). A single numerical grade (SNG) will be reported for each University grade. The conversion of the aggregate to SNG are available in the Macquarie MD Rules of Assessment and Progression document posted in the Policies and Guidelines section of the MDCU Doctor of Medicine Community iLearn site.

All final grades in the Macquarie MD are reviewed by the MD Course Board and Faculty Assessment Committee and ratified by the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Faculty Board. Therefore, they are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor. To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, achieve a final mark of 50 or better, and meet any ungraded requirements, which includes professionalism.

Extensions for Assessment tasks

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. 

Professional Expectations

Professionalism is a key capability embedded in the Macquarie MD. Professional Behaviour Notifications (PBN) which can be a breach (PBNB) or a commendation (PBNC) may be awarded. PBNs will be recorded in the student's portfolio. As part of developing professionalism, Macquarie MD students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory and team-based learning activities. If attendance is deemed to be of concern, the student will be referred to the Stage 1 Lead for remediation and recording in the portfolio. Similarly, as part of developing professionalism, Macquarie MD students are expected to submit all work by the due date. Late submission without prior approved extension will result in a professional behaviour notification- breach (PBNB) in the portfolio.

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities. This unit includes a weekly 2 hour masterclass, 4 hours of biweekly tutorials, and formative clinical assessments throughout the session. Masterclasses and tutorials will provide foundational knowledge and are delivered via large and small group sessions which include demonstrations and discussions with clinical specialists. Core skills tutorials will enable students to practice clinical skills covered during the masterclass and tutorials.  

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device.

Recommended readings

The following text is compulsory. Students will be required to have a copy of this text to complete the unit.

• Talley, N., O'Connor, S. (2017) Clinical examination. A systematic guide to physical diagnosis (8E) Elsevier. 

Other useful texts include:

• Ralston et al. (2018) Davidson's Principles and Practice in Medicine. 23rd Ed. Elsevier Saunders
• Silverman JD, Kurtz SM, Draper J (2013) Skills for Communicating with Patients. (3rd Ed.) Radcliffe Medical Press
• Dehn, R & Asprey, D. (2021). Essential Clinical Procedures (4th Ed.) Elsevier Saunders

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning, and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded, however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.