BMS1121 · Biomedicine and global challenges

Overview

In this unit, you will be introduced to Biomedical Science through the lens of pressing global challenges and their impacts on health outcomes. You will explore how biological, environmental, social, and technological factors interact to shape patterns of health and disease, and how biomedical science contributes to understanding and addressing these issues in real-world contexts. You will develop an appreciation of how health challenges arise from interconnected systems and how they can be understood from multiple perspectives. Through online modules, interactive workshops, and case-study-based learning, you will engage with key concepts and apply them to contemporary biomedical challenges. Across the unit, you will engage with diverse perspectives and approaches to knowledge to critically examine how evidence is generated, interpreted, and applied in addressing health-related challenges. You will develop and apply teamwork skills as you collaborate to investigate and respond to complex problems in biomedical contexts. You will build skills in sourcing, evaluating, and ethically using information, including appropriate use of artificial intelligence. You will also learn to analyse and communicate information clearly and effectively using visual, oral, and written formats. You will reflect on how biomedical science connects to societal needs and future health priorities, and begin developing your identity as a biomedical professional and your role in addressing complex health challenges.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe and analyse global challenges and their interconnection with biomedicine and health outcomes.
2. Analyse and propose solutions to global challenges through multidisciplinary lenses.
3. Source, evaluate and cite information, demonstrating professionalism, academic integrity and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
4. Communicate scientific concepts and their global health implications clearly and effectively across oral, written, and visual formats.
5. Demonstrate effective teamwork in planning, developing and delivering projects addressing a global biomedical challenge.
6. Critically reflect on how personal and dominant cultural perspectives influence perceptions of and interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and apply culturally appropriate, safe and sensitive communication and advocacy to support equitable outcomes and social justice in regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

Workload

5 hours of teacher directed study per week, including 3 hours of online modules and 2 hours of workshops, plus additional pre-workshop activities. 7 hours per week of self-directed study. Total per week = 12 hours

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.