Students
MEDI8101 – Clinical Practice 1
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Cleon Pinto
Janani Mahadeva
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MD
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
(MEDI910 or MEDI8100) and (MEDI912 or MEDI8102)
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces you to the principles underpinning the clinical practice of medicine. You will have the opportunity to develop and practise consulting (communication and history taking) skills, physical examination skills and basic procedural skills within a simulated learning environment. You will be introduced to key history taking, communication and physical examination concepts. Clinical knowledge relating to several body systems and regions will be developed by studying the medical disciplines of cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, urology and nephrology. Clinical skills training will occur in both small and large group experiential learning activities. You will progressively develop and integrate basic consulting, communication and procedural skills with a focus on the mastery of normal systems. |
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: Design and conduct a concise and accurate medical history of people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- ULO2: Plan and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including the appropriate procedural skills, on people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- ULO3: Competently perform basic procedural skills on people simulating health conditions including respectfully adapting communication to address environmental and personal factors (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- ULO4: Interpret and analyse information obtained from a comprehensive history and examination to generate a list of differential diagnoses, impairments and activity limitations (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- ULO5: Explain scientific and clinical information effectively to peers and tutors using the most appropriate scientific sources (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
- ULO6: Formulate relevant clinical questions about diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of conditions for which people seek healthcare (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- ULO7: Explains how psychological, social and cultural issues affect the health of individuals and populations and how these might be mediated, while respecting diversity (Capability 3: Engaged Global Citizen)
- ULO8: Participate effectively in classes and peer teams, by seeking feedback on own performance and reflecting on the feedback to generate strategies that improve individual and team performance (Capability 4: Professional)
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) | 0% | No | Individual | No | Observed | |
| Integrated written examinations | 50% | No | Individual | No | Observed | |
| Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) | 0% | No | Individual | No | Observed | |
| Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) | 50% | No | Individual | No | Observed |
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due:
Weighting: 0%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
Mini-CEX assessments are formative and are designed to provide you with personalised feedback to improve your clinical skills. Assessment for overall performance and of focused capability aspects and Stage 1 Entrustable Professional Activities will be recorded in your Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and conduct a concise and accurate medical history of people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Plan and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including the appropriate procedural skills, on people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Interpret and analyse information obtained from a comprehensive history and examination to generate a list of differential diagnoses, impairments and activity limitations (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Explain scientific and clinical information effectively to peers and tutors using the most appropriate scientific sources (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
- Participate effectively in classes and peer teams, by seeking feedback on own performance and reflecting on the feedback to generate strategies that improve individual and team performance (Capability 4: Professional)
Integrated written examinations
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due:
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
Integrated written exams: The end of session written examinations are integrated with MEDI8100 Applied Medical Sciences 1. The examinations assess all content delivered during the session. The MEDI8101 components include two written papers: Paper 1 Multiple choice questions and Paper 2 Short answer questions. Questions will be mapped to specific focused capability aspects with results for these aspects being recorded in your Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and conduct a concise and accurate medical history of people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Plan and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including the appropriate procedural skills, on people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Interpret and analyse information obtained from a comprehensive history and examination to generate a list of differential diagnoses, impairments and activity limitations (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Formulate relevant clinical questions about diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of conditions for which people seek healthcare (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Explains how psychological, social and cultural issues affect the health of individuals and populations and how these might be mediated, while respecting diversity (Capability 3: Engaged Global Citizen)
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due:
Weighting: 0%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
DOPS assessments are formative and are designed to provide you with personalised feedback to improve your clinical skills. Assessment for overall performance and of focused capability aspects and Stage 1 Entrustable Professional Activities will be recorded in your Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Competently perform basic procedural skills on people simulating health conditions including respectfully adapting communication to address environmental and personal factors (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Explain scientific and clinical information effectively to peers and tutors using the most appropriate scientific sources (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
- Participate effectively in classes and peer teams, by seeking feedback on own performance and reflecting on the feedback to generate strategies that improve individual and team performance (Capability 4: Professional)
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due:
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The OSCE will assess all content delivered during the session. It will include multiple stations with differing clinical scenarios. Assessment for overall performance and of focused capability aspects and Stage 1 Entrustable Professional Activities will be recorded in your Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and conduct a concise and accurate medical history of people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Plan and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including the appropriate procedural skills, on people simulating health conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urological systems (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Competently perform basic procedural skills on people simulating health conditions including respectfully adapting communication to address environmental and personal factors (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Interpret and analyse information obtained from a comprehensive history and examination to generate a list of differential diagnoses, impairments and activity limitations (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Explain scientific and clinical information effectively to peers and tutors using the most appropriate scientific sources (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
- Formulate relevant clinical questions about diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of conditions for which people seek healthcare (Capability 2: Clinical Practitioner)
- Explains how psychological, social and cultural issues affect the health of individuals and populations and how these might be mediated, while respecting diversity (Capability 3: Engaged Global Citizen)
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
- Academic Success 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Artificial Intelligence Tools
Macquarie University recognises that artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, is rapidly reshaping education and the modern workplace. As AI becomes increasingly accessible, the University and your teaching staff are committed to preparing you to use these tools effectively, ethically, and with strong professional judgment. Rather than restricting technology, the emphasis is on helping you understand when and how AI can be used to enhance productivity, support learning, and reflect real-world professional practice. Across your degree, we will support you to develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and values-based decision-making skills required to navigate evolving AI tools responsibly, including acknowledging their use appropriately. You should always appropriately acknowledge when you have used AI tools within assessment tasks, including which AI tools you have used and how you have used them.
To provide clarity, Macquarie University uses a simple, two-tiered approach to AI in assessment:
- AI Open assessments allow you to fully incorporate AI, reflecting authentic tasks where AI would normally be used in professional settings.
- Observed with AI Optional assessments involve tasks where you either demonstrate essential knowledge without technology or show how you apply AI under supervision.
Across both categories, the goal is to ensure you build foundational knowledge, exercise sound judgment, and engage with AI in ways that uphold ethical, cultural, and university values.
Unit information based on version 2026.01R of the Handbook