james cook medical school guide

7/25/2019 James Cook Medical School Guide

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TownsvilleCampus

FACULTY OFMEDICINE,HEALTH &MOLECULARSCIENCES

School of

Medicine &Dentistry

Handbook for

New and Prospective Students

2011

Bachelor of Medicine

Bachelor of Surgery



Handbook for New and Prospective Students. Updated 24 January 2011

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Contents

WELCOME............................................................................................................................... 4

APPLYING FOR MEDICINE .................................................................................................... 5

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND FORMS................................................................................................................ 5 COURSE INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................... 5

PREREQUISITES ............................................................................................................................................... 5 ONCE OFFERED A PLACE ................................................................................................................................... 5

COURSE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE INFORMATION ...................................................... 5

COURSE OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................... 5 PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION OF COURSE ....................................................................................................... 5 C AREER OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................................................... 5 COURSE STRUCTURE........................................................................................................................................ 6 COURSE DOMAINS ............................................................................................................................................ 6 INDIGENOUS HEALTH ......................................................................................................................................... 6 SUBJECT AND PLACEMENT STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................... 7 MODULE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................................ 8 HOME GROUP PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................. 9

CLINICAL SKILLS ............................................................................................................................................... 9 STUDENT CLINICAL PRACTICE EXAMINING OTHER STUDENTS .................................................................................. 9 UNDERTAKING INTIMATE EXAMINATIONS AND LEARNING ABOUT OTHER GENDERS ..................................................... 9 PLACEMENTS AND RELOCATIONS TO SITES OTHER THAN TOWNSVILLE .................................................................... 9 FITNESS TO P ARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL PLACEMENTS ............................................................................................. 9 STUDENT REGISTRATION WITH THE MEDICAL BOARD OF AUSTRALIA ......................................................................10 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ...........................................................................................................................10 ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................................................10 MD1010 WEEK 1 TIMETABLE 2010 ...................................................................................................................11 MD1010 WEEK 2 TIMETABLE 2010 ...................................................................................................................12 MD2010 WEEK 1 TIMETABLE 2010 ...................................................................................................................13 MBBS ACADEMIC C ALENDAR FOR 2011 ............................................................................................................14

GENERAL MEDICINE COURSE INFORMATION ................................................................. 15 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED ............................................................................................................................15 CLOTHING ......................................................................................................................................................16 COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH STUDYING MEDICINE ...................................................................................................16 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .............................................................................................................................17 STUDENT LOGIN ID NUMBERS ...........................................................................................................................17 LEARN JCU ....................................................................................................................................................17 STUDY AND WORKLOAD ....................................................................................................................................17 J AMES COOK UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ...................................................................................................................18 STUDENT GROUPS ..........................................................................................................................................18 WHERE TO GO ON THE FIRST DAY ......................................................................................................................19 WHAT TO BRING TO BE ABLE TO COMMENCE STUDY .............................................................................................19

GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION .................................................................................. 20

ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS .....................................................................................................................20 ID C ARDS .......................................................................................................................................................20 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS .............................................................................................................................20 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ...............................................................................................................................20 JCU INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE AND NEW STUDENTS..................................................................................20 JCU IMPORTANT DATES ...................................................................................................................................20 P ARKING ........................................................................................................................................................20 RELIGIOUS WORSHIP ........................................................................................................................................20 SUPPORT SERVICES .........................................................................................................................................20 CHANGES TO ENROLMENT ................................................................................................................................20

MAPS – CAMPUS AND SCHOOL ........................................................................................ 21

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY ROOM LOCATOR .....................................................................................22




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Welcome

Welcome to the James Cook University School of Medicine and Dentistry. We are delighted thatyou are pursuing a career in medicine and are looking to study with us.

The medical program at James Cook University is highly regarded, producing skilled, work-readygraduates with a strong foundation of scientific and medical knowledge. We value social justice,innovation and excellence. The School is a leader in our focus areas of rural and remote health,tropical medicine and the health of Indigenous Australians. Our graduates can work as internsanywhere in Australia or New Zealand and pursue further training in any medical discipline. Thecourse is particularly suited to those with an interest in health care for underserved populationsand in an adventurous medical career that makes a difference.

The six-year, full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree is a comprehensiveprogram with integrated instruction in biomedical sciences, professional practice and clinical

medicine. Students attend the Townsville campus for the first half of the course with clinicalexperience from year one. The James Cook University medical precinct is opposite The TownsvilleHospital, the largest teaching hospital in regional or tropical Australia. In later years, studentshave a base at one of the James Cook University clinical schools that include Townsville, Cairns,Mackay or Darwin. Students undertake rural and remote clinical attachments throughout thecourse and have opportunities to pursue international interests, in places as diverse as Norway,North Dakota, Papua New Guinea, South America and many others.

I wish you every success for the future.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Richard Murray

Dean and Head of School

School of Medicine and Dentistry

James Cook University




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Applying for Medicine

Application procedure and forms

Applying for Medicine has several steps and deadlines. Go to the following site to view these:http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/forms/index.htm

Course information

For course names, numbers and other information go to:http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/courses/JCUDEV_013622.html

Prerequisites

For pre-requisites go to: http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/courses/JCUDEV_013622.html

Once offered a place

This has several phases so read letters of offer and follow instructions carefully. For generalinformation go to: http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/newstudents/index.htm

Course Content and Structure Information

Course overview

The School of Medicine and Dentistry at James Cook University (JCU) offers a six-year full timeundergraduate degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS). The course aims to produce graduates ofthe highest academic standards, who can progress to medical practice and to further studies inmedical specialties. The course places special emphasis on rural, remote and Indigenous healthand tropical medicine.

The course is based at the Townsville campus for the first three years. From 2011, Year 4 will berun in both Cairns and Townsville, with approximately half of their time spent in classroom basedactivities and half spent in hospitals and health services, including an eight week rural placement.The majority of students in Years 5 and 6 relocate for the entire two years to other School ofMedicine and Dentistry teaching sites such as Cairns, Mackay and Darwin. In Years 5 and 6,students spend most of their learning time in hospitals and health services.

Professional accreditation of course

The MBBS course at JCU has been accredited by the Australian Medical Council – the nationalaccreditation and standards body. Medical graduates are eligible for professional registration withall medical boards in Australia and New Zealand, which enables them to enter supervised medicalpractice as interns anywhere in Australia, and prepares them to progress to any medical specialty.

Career opportunities

Doctors and surgeons are in high demand. James Cook University graduates with a degree inmedicine and surgery are eligible for professional registration with all medical boards in Australiaand New Zealand. This enables them to enter supervised medical practice as interns anywhere inAustralia, and prepares them to progress to any medical specialty. International students shouldbe aware that there is no guarantee of securing an internship in a Queensland or other AustralianHospital.

http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/forms/index.htm


http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/courses/JCUDEV_013622.html





http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/newstudents/index.htm









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Course Structure

The curriculum is integrated, systems-based, modular, clinically oriented and organised intoDomains. Integration means that the building blocks of the medical program are taught together,rather than as individual subjects.

For example, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and psychology are taught at the same time, sothat students understand the relationships between them and how they are applied in medical

practice.Systems-based means that the integrated material is presented in relation to human bodysystems, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal etc.

Modular means that the integrated material is presented in units, such as the systems-basedmodules and others e.g. Human Biology and Rural, Remote, Indigenous and Tropical Health.These modules are often placed in a particular sequence, such that later modules build on earliermodules.

Clinically oriented means that, where possible, material is presented in a way that links it toclinical health care. This ensures relevance to medicine and is also more interesting.

Domains are conceptual groupings of curriculum content that assist curriculum development andassessment. Material from the Domains is also integrated, although may be present to varyingdegrees in different subjects.

Course Domains

This medical program has four Domains:

App l i e d Ba s i c a n d Cl i n i c a l S ci e n c e : includes the application to medical practice of theknowledge and understanding of anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology,physiology, psychology and sociology.

Com m un i c a t i o n , Cl i n i ca l , Cr i t i c a l R e a so n i n g a n d I n f o r m a t i o n M a n a g em e n t S k i l l s: includesa range of thinking and manual skills.

T h e H e a lt h o f R u r a l a n d R em o t e , I n d i g e n o u s a n d T r o p i ca l Com m u n i t i e s : as examples ofcommunity and population health that are important to the region James Cook University serves.This Domain includes understanding health needs, illness prevention, health promotion andepidemiology.

Et h i cs , P e r s o n a l a n d P r o f e s si o n a l D e v e l o pm e n t : includes demonstration of the attitudes andbehaviours necessary for competent medical practice.

Indigenous health

It is recognised that teaching Indigenous Australian health in medicine is an emerging field and,as such, James Cook University is committed to delivering high quality medical education that willgo some way to developing student knowledge, skills and attributes in this field. Our integratedcurriculum is an investment in the future of not only the health and well-being of Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, but the training of a more competent medicalworkforce and an improvement in the health status of all Australians.




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Subject and placement structure

Information is current at the time of publishing and is subject to change without notice.

YEAR 1Study Period 1

Subject code: MD1010:12 - InternalSubject Name: Introduction to Integrated Medical Studies Part1 of 2, with 5 main module learning areas:-

• Human Biology• Molecules to Cells• Cells to Life• Ecology of Health I• Clinical Skills

C o mm u n i t y

O r g a n i s a t i o n V i s i t

1 x 3 hrs-organised bySchool

GP v i s i t 3 x ½ daysduring mid-year break,organised by student


Subject code: MD1020:12 - InternalSubject Name: Introduction to Integrated Medical Studies Part2 of 2, with 5 main module learning areas:-

• Musculoskeletal Systems• Genetics and Health• Gastrointestinal Medicine and Nutrition• Ecology of Health II• Clinical Skills

2 w e e k H e a l t h El e ct i v e

P l ac em e n t

After end or year examsorganised by student


Subject code: MD2010:12 - InternalSubject Name: Integrated Human System PathophysiologyPart 1 of 2, with 5 main module learning areas:-

• Cardiovascular Medicine• Haematology and Renal Medicine• Respiratory Medicine• Rural, Remote, Indigenous and Tropical Health

(RRITH)• Clinical Skills

e - M e n t o r supporting theRRITH subject project

4 w e e k R u r a l P l ac em e n t in mid or end of yearbreak, organised bystudent


Subject code: MD2020:09 - InternalSubject Name: Integrated Human System PathophysiologyPart 2 of 2, with 4 main module learning areas:-

• Neuroscience• Endocrinology• Human Development and Behaviour• Clinical skills

andSubject code MD2008:03 - InternalElective subject - student’s choice, with School ratification


Subject code: MD3010:12 - InternalSubject Name: Introduction to Clinical Healthcare: Part 1 of 2,with 5 learning areas:-

• Tissue Injury and Neoplasia• Infection, Inflammation and Immunity• Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology• Preventive Medicine and Addiction Studies• Clinical Skills


Subject code: MD3020:12 – Internal

Subject Name: Introduction to Clinical Healthcare: Part 2 of2, with 5 learning areas:-

• Infectious Diseases• (Introduction to) Emergency Medicine• Skin and Special Senses• International Health• Clinical Skills

2 w e e k A c u t e Ca r e

E le c t i v e P l a cem e n tend of year break,organised by student

YEAR 4Study Periods1 and 2

Subject code: MD4010 and MD4020: LimitedLocation: Cairns or Townsville, or other possible sites infuture.Subject Name: Integrated Pathology and Clinical MedicineParts 1 and 2Year 4 involves rotations to public and private hospitals,

general practices, other health services and rural areas.Students study pathology concurrently

8 w e ek r u r a l r o t a t i o n

Located at a rural siteoutside of the Townsvilleand Cairns. Students havesome choice of locationfrom School arranged

sites.

https://secure.jcu.edu.au/app/studyfinder/?subject=MD1010
































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YEAR 5Study Period3, 1 and 2

Subject code: MD5010, MD5020 and MD5030: PlacementLocation: Cairns, Darwin, Mackay or Townsville, or otherpossible sites in future.Subject Name: Integrated Clinical Practice, Parts 1, 2 and 3Multi Disciplinary Adult Health 1 and 2 (incorporating Medicineand Surgery)Mental HealthChild and Adolescent Health

Reproductive and Neonatal Health

YEAR 6Study Periods3, 1and 2

Subject code: MD6010, MD6020 and MD6030 : PlacementLocation: Cairns, Darwin, Mackay or Townsville, or otherpossible sites in future.Subject Name: Advanced Clinical Medicine, Parts 1, 2 and 3

• Multi Disciplinary Adult Health 3 (incorporatingMedicine and Surgery)

• Aged Care and Rehabilitation• Critical and Crisis Care• Rural Internship• Clinical Elective/Clinical Corrective

8 w e ek R u r a l

I n t e r n s h ip

-Located at a rural siteoutside of the majorclinical schools. Studentshave some choice oflocation from Schoolarranged sites.8 w e e k C li n i c a l El e c t i v e

Student choice (withinplacement requirementsand subject to ratification

by the School)

Years 5 and 62 year Honoursprogram

Subject code:Year 5: MD5110, MD5120, MD5130: PlacementYear 6: MD6110, MD6120, MD6130: PlacementProgram offered to high academic and professional performersin Years 1-4.Location: Cairns, Darwin, Mackay or Townsville, or otherpossible sites in future.

Subject NameYear 5: Integrated Clinical Practice (Honours) Parts 1, 2 and3Year 6: Advanced Clinical Medicine (Honours) Parts 1, 2 and 3

Students complete all ofthe standard requirementsfor Year 5 and 6 as listedabove (including rural andelective placements)

In addition to standardrequirements studentscomplete additionresearch based activitiesincluding a literaturereview and written thesis.

Module structureIn a typical week for years 1,2 and 3 a module will have the following sections. The IntegrativeSession is shared by up to four modules.

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Introductory Lecture

1 hour

Childbirth

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Guided Learning Session

3 hours

Childbirth

Activities:

1. Tute: The initiationand stages of labour

2. Review of articles:Cultural perspectives ofchildbirth

3. Workbook activity:Hormones and labour

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Synthesising Session

1 hour

The role of midwives

Integrative Session

1.5 - 2 hours

Case study and paneldiscussion: Young andpregnant in a small town.

Examination of variousrelevant issues such asphysiology, hormones,biological, social, ethicaland legal

















































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Home Group Program

Students in Years 1-3 are allocated to a group of approximately 10 students per group, known asHome Groups. These groups help students get to know each other and members mostly worktogether in Guided Learning Sessions. Each group has its own Facilitator and there are rooms andcomputers allocated for use by Home Groups. Year 1 will be allocated their Home Groups in Week1 of the course. Students at JCU for the first time find that Home Groups are enormously helpfulin the settling in period as every student is part of a small group from the start of study.

Clinical Skills

The Clinical Skills Unit instructs students on the clinical skills required to conduct physicalexamination of human body systems. In this context, students will perform both peerexaminations and examinations on volunteer patients.

Student clinical practice examining other students

All students become involved in practising clinical examinations on other students. This has been atraditional way for students to gain experience. This never involves intimate examinations.Students may opt out of being examined in ways that they find embarrassing or culturallyuncomfortable. However, students must be prepared to participate fully in teaching activities and

to be examined by other students in ways that are acceptable to them (examples – eyes, headand neck, legs and feet).

Undertaking intimate examinations and learning about other genders

Students must be prepared to participate fully in all aspects of teaching including learning aboutintimate health problems of other genders and undertaking intimate examinations. Most of thislearning will occur in groups that include male and female students or staff. This is done in anenvironment of confidentiality and respect. Intimate examinations are not performed on students.

Placements and relocations to sites other than Townsville

A condition of entry to the JCU MBBS and MBBS (Hons) course requires that students

acknowledge and agree to be subjected to placement and relocation requirements of the course.All students enrolled in the MBBS and MBBS (Hons) program are advised that many clinicalplacements, rural placements and campus or study locations are outside of Townsville

For the clinical years of the course, about one third of students in Year 4 are allocated to the JCUCampus in Cairns; and more than half of the students in Years 5 and 6 are expected to relocate toJCU Clinical Schools such as Cairns, Darwin and Mackay.

A condition of entry to the JCU MBBS course requires that students agree to undertake theseplacements and relocations. There are NO exemptions from this requirement.

Advanced Standing Entry students who enter the program beyond Year 1 must participate in theplacement and relocation programs. A condition of entry is that some Advanced Standing Entrystudents may be asked to undertake placements scheduled in years earlier that their admissionyear, if a gap in their experience is identified.Our primary aim is to provide high quality medical education that also reflects our focus on rural,remote, Indigenous and tropical health. For this reason and to accommodate the increasednumber of students that are needed for the future, we have a program that is geographicallydistributed across northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Students should be aware that costs associated with placements and relocations are in addition touniversity fees such as HECS-HELP and International student tuition fees.

Fitness to Participate in Clinical Placements

All students enrolled in the MBBS program attend clinical placements in each year of the program.

Rules specify how students are expected to behave at any of our partner placement locations aswell as classroom settings. Students must take time to become familiar with all the School’spolicies relating to clinical placements, attendance, assessments and the School Code of Conductand to follow these rules at all times. Students must also have completed all of their requireddocumentation prior to commencing their placement.




10

Student registration with the Medical Board of Australia

From March 2011 all medical students will be registered with the Medical Board of Australia (partof the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency-AHPRA) and will be subject to theirprofessional requirements in relation to behaviour and the law. Students will be informed aboutthis process once the process has been finalised or you can visit the Medical Board of AustraliaWebsite for further information at:

http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Student-Registrations.aspx

Student Code of Conduct

James Cook University requires students to follow the student code of conduct. Medicine studentsare required to sign an agreement which emphasises reliability, honesty and integrity, puttingpatients first, non-discrimination, mutual respect and teamwork.

Assessment

From Year 1 of the course medical students are assessed in a number of ways.

Assessment is integrated . This means the module areas are assessed together, not in separateexams or assignments.

Assessment may be formative – tasks designed to help students and staff work out how thestudent is getting on. In formative assessment the marks do not count in the final result. Sometasks are hurdles where students are required to complete the work to a satisfactory standard.

Other assessment is summative – tasks designed to help students and staff work out how thestudent is getting on. Marks in summative assessment count in the final result.

The following gives an overview of the type of assessment.

Exams

Exams are held at the end of the first and second study periods. Exams are a combination ofwritten papers using cases, multiple choice questions and practicals. In the practicals studentscomplete activities such as taking a history and examining patients, demonstrating practical skillssuch as taking a blood pressure or using a microscope and analysing information.

Midyear examinations assess work from study period one, while end of year examinations assesswork from both study period one and two.

Quizzes

Students are given a series of short tests during the study period in the multiple choice format toassist students in early identification of their strengths and areas for improvement. Marks inthese quizzes count in the final result.

Assignments

Students produce assignments on a variety of medical, health and science related topics. As

students become more senior, assessment includes more and more clinical case studies andpresentations related to clinical care and community-based health issues.

Continuing Professional Development Portfolios

Students are required to produce a portfolio of work, achievements, study plans and theirreflections. Marks for the Continuing Professional Development Portfolios contribute to the finalresult.

Group Assessments

Students undertake a number of group presentations both in regular classes and in special events.

Assessment on Placement

Students attend placements and produce reports or submit reflective writing tasks. While theseare formative tasks, they are coursework requirements.







11

MD1010 Week 1 Timetable 2010

(This is an example only and will be updated in early 2011)




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13






14

MBBS Academic Calendar for 2011Week Commencing YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

February 14 Orientation - “O” week program

21 Week 1 Week 1 Week 1

March 28 Week 2 Week 2 Week 2





April 4 Week 7 Week 7 Week 7


Good Friday 18 Lecture Recess Lecture Recess Lecture Recess

Easter Monday/Anzac Day 25 Week 9 Week 9 Week 9

May Labour Day 2 Week 10 Week 10 Week 10




30 Exam prep Exam prep Exam prep

June 6 Examinations Examinations Examinations

Queen’s Birthday 13 Examinations Vacation Examinations

20 Vacation Vacation Vacation


July 4 Vacation Vacation Vacation




August 1 Week 2 Week 2 Week 2





September 5 Week 7 Week 7 Week 7



26 Lecture Recess Lecture Recess Lecture Recess

October 3 Week 10 Week 10 Week 10




November 31 Exam prep Exam prep Exam prep

7 Examinations Examinations Examinations

14 Examinations Examinations Examinations

21 November-11 December - Vacation

December 12 Supp Examinations Supp Examinations Supp Examinations

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/newstudents/domestic/JCUTST_056866






15

General Medicine Course Information

Documentation Required

The following qualifications, certificates and documentation are required as a condition of astudent’s enrolment in Medicine at JCU. Students who have been offered a place should

commence organising these requirements as soon as possible.First Aid certificate and CPRStudents are required to present current certificates in First Aid and Cardio-PulmonaryResuscitation (CPR) (Course HLTFA301B) as a requirement of enrolment in the course. The FirstAid qualification is valid for 3 years. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) refresher courses(HLTCPR201A) are required every 12 months. It is the student’s responsibility to maintaincurrency of their First Aid and CPR. All qualifications are to be obtained through an Australiantraining provider.

Hepatitis B immunisationThe following documentation is required showing that:

i. a course of Hepatitis B immunisation has been commenced,

or,

ii. a student is immune. This requires proof – a letter from the GP – of a blood test after thecourse of immunisation is complete, showing that the immunisation has ‘taken’ and that thestudent is immune. This should be from an Australian pathology lab. If a pathology report is fromoverseas, JCU will accept it. If, however, the report shows S or E antigen Positive, the blood testmust be re-done in Australia.

or,

iii. the student has completed the course of immunisation but has not sero-converted. Immunised

students who have not become immune should submit documentation from their medicalpractitioner to this effect.

Blue Card - Working with ChildrenAny student enrolled in the course is required to have a Working with Children card from theQueensland Commission for Children and Young People.

Medicine Student Code of ConductAgreement is sought from students regarding codes of conduct expected of Medicine students.Some of these are related to placements and others are concerned with oncourse expectationssuch as room use, professionalism and confidentiality.

Placement Deed RequirementsAll placements in Queensland Health facilities are officiated under a placement deed between JCUand Queensland Health. Students must acknowledge & agree to the deed by signing the followingdocuments:

- Student Orientation Checklist- Student Deed- Terms of Agreement- Clinical Student ID

James Cook University provides students with a Clinical Student ID card in Year 1 andagain in Year 4. It is valid for 3 years. Stickers in indicate the year of study are available atSEPU.




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Clothing

• Clinical and placement activities, including classroom based clinical skills:• Clothes – a typical outfit might be a polo shirt, trousers or skirt and closed shoes.• The School has logo shirts available through the Bookshop once semester starts.

• Laboratory sessions (including all sessions run in Building 46: Rooms 103,104AandB and 113AandB):

• White lab coat for anatomy sessions: Can be purchased from the JCU Bookshop.• Classroom activities (other than labs and clinical placement/skills)

• Casual clothing• Shoes:

• Clinical placements and Clinical Skills sessions: Professional looking, closed inshoe, not trainers.

• All laboratory sessions: Closed in shoe that covers the toe, heel and arch of footsuch as trainers.

• Lectures: Shoes must be worn; sandals and flip-flops/thongs are ok.

Students may wear dress adopted by their culture, so long as it complies with School dressrequirements

Costs associated with studying medicineThere are a number of costs associated with studying medicine that are above and beyond thestandard HECS-HELP fees or international student tuition fees. Below are some of the costs thatyou should expect, note that this is not a comprehensive list and should only be used as a guide.

1. For information on HECS-HELP and other associated fees go to the following site:http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/newstudents/JCUPRD1_052605

2. Living expenses – accommodation, food, transport etc. See also the Accommodation link.3. Advanced First Aid Certificate: details can be obtained from accredited providers of this

training course. The cost for First Aid training is approximately $165 and $70 for CPRrefresher courses.

4. Textbooks: about $1000.00 for the whole year. Can be purchased from the JCU Bookshopa textbook list can be found at the School website and is updated for each academic year.

5. Equipment:a. Computers, printers and internet accessb. Stethoscope: cost approx. $20.00 - $200.00 depending on quality.c. Keepads: available from the JCU library on loan. No cost unless damages occur.d. Printing and photocopying: Each student is allocated an amount for printing and

copying at the start of their enrolment and they can increase this allocation by pre-paying for additional credit using cash or a credit card. Further information can befound at: http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/JCUPRD_034366

6. Clothinga. White lab coat: approx $25.00; Can be purchased from the JCU Bookshop.b. JCU Shirts – JCU students should obtain JCU shirts, especially for wearing while on

official placement. There are many available at the Bookshop or if students want

the discipline “Medicine” included on their shirt, an order can be placed at theBookshop using the School of Medicine and Dentistry shirt order form. The cost isapproximately $35.

7. Placement Costsa. Students are reminded that all placement activities occur at their own cost. There

are subsidies available for travel to some rural placements; however they do notcover the entire cost associated with the placement.

b. Students who relocate for their clinical years do so at their own cost.c. Year 1 GP Visit: students will complete a number of visits to a GP clinic. Costs

associated with the placement are the student’s responsibility.d. Year 1 Health Elective: placement costs are the responsibility of the student and

vary according to the location of the elective placement. Other costs such as extra

police checks, placement or administration fees etc, may be applied by individualhealth facilities - students will need to ensure they understand their financialcommitments relating to the placement.

e. There are similar placements in Year 2 and Year 3 of the course. Costs associatedwith these placements are the student’s responsibility.

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/newstudents/JCUPRD1_052605


http://www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation/



http://www.jcu.edu.au/smd/inforfor/prostudents/index.htm



http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/JCUPRD_034366










17

Information technology

Student login ID numbers

When a student receives a written offer of a place at JCU an 8 digit ID number will be includedwith this. This becomes their personal JCU ID number.

Once enrolled, JCU login ID details are available from JCU Library and Computing Services website

at http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/JCUPRD_017466 or contact InfoHelp (07) 4781 5500.Students need login details to access LearnJCU.

Learn JCU

Subject and course information is on LearnJCU. LearnJCU is an online space where students canfind subject requirements, assessment information, staff contact details, subject readings andlecture documents plus a range of tools that can facilitate group and individual work includingdiscussion forums, wikis, blogs, audio recordings and tests. The JC login and password are usedto access this secure learning tool.

The Medicine Course Site is located in LearnJCU. A link can be found at the bottom of the menu inthe subject in which students are enrolled. It can also be found on the Communities tab once

students have logged on to LearnJCU. This site contains all the policies and information relevantfor all students in the MBBS.

Computers, printers and internet access

Computers, printers: Many students, who are able to afford it, choose to have their own laptopor desktop and printer.

James Cook University, the residential colleges and the School have computers, printers andinternet access for students to use and many students use these very successfully to studymedicine. There is a Medicine Computer Lab located on the ground floor of Building 39. Studentsare required to meet the expectations and follow the rules of use.

Internet: James Cook University has wireless access and wired points are widely available in theSchool, library and colleges. An allocation for internet access is granted upon enrolment into yoursubjects. Additional download quota can be purchased if students exceed their initial allocation.

Student login ID numbersWhen a student receives a written offer of a place at JCU an 8 digit ID number will be includedwith this. This becomes their personal JCU ID number.

Once enrolled, JCU login ID details are available from JCU Library and Computing Services websiteat http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/JCUPRD_017466 or contact InfoHelp (07) 4781 5500.

Students need login details to access LearnJCU.

Study and workload

Most students find Year 1 to be much more work and more complex than high school.

James Cook University offers a number of excellent, free, short courses designed to help studentsbe effective learners. For more information go to: http://www.jcu.edu.au/learningskills/index.htm

(This site is usually updated over the end-of-year break).







https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp



http://www.jcu.edu.au/learningskills/index.htm










18

James Cook University Library

BooksA substantial medical and health care collection is held in the JCU Library. Essential texts andrequired readings are held in Closed Reserve. There are many on-line books.

JournalsThe library has many journals, including most major journals on-line. However, it does not hold orhave access to all journals. If students require an article not held by JCU they will have to requestand pay for this ahead of time.

A link to a select list of resources is found on Medicine LibGuide maintained by the JCU Library asfollows: http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/medicine

Reserve online for reading accessStudents can now access readings in ‘reserve online’. This system is available 24 hours a day andreplaces the print based reserve section in the Library. The following web address is the access toreserve online. Students must select Enable Remote Access each time they logon as a remote

user from an off-campus site http://cms.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/resources/resonline/index.htm

Student Groups

Student representatives on School CommitteesThe School of Medicine and Dentistry is committed to ensuring that students are represented inkey committees that will determine the direction and development of the medical program. Atvarious stages during their study, students will be invited, through the James Cook UniversityMedical Students Association (JCUMSA), to represent students in most school committees.

James Cook University Student Association

Information regarding the James Cook Unviersity Student Association and the services theyprovide can be found at the following website: http://www.jcu.edu.au/studentassoc/

James Cook University Medical Students Association (JCUMSA)This association provides social support and represents students’ views to the management of theSchool. All medical students are eligible for membership with information, committee membershipand contact details for JCUMSA found on their website at http://www.jcumsa.org.au

Australian Medical Students Associat ion (AMSA)Medicine students from JCU are eligible to join AMSA. This organisation has members acrossAustralia and often represents medical students in major public forums. Contact details are:[email protected]

Rural Health in Northern Outback (RHINO)This is a student-run club that fosters an interest in rural health careers. Membership is open tostudents in all of the University’s health science programs. The club provides a forum fordiscussion and activism in issues of rural health as well as being a social club. Information,Committee Membership and contact details for ClubRHINO can be found on their website athttp://www.clubrhino.org.au

Supporting All Nations Towards Equality (SANTÉ)Supporting All Nations Towards Equality (SANTÉ), is French for Health, and is a student run globalhealth group at JCU. Their aim is to create and support projects to assist developing communities

abroad, to create interest amongst students in global health and development issues, and to helpstudents to gain knowledge and skills pertaining to developing communities. Supporting AllNations Towards Equality (SANTÉ) is connected to other global health groups around Australia viathe Australian Medical Student's Association Global Health Network (AMSAGHN).

http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/medicine



http://cms.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/resources/resonline/index.htm



http://www.jcu.edu.au/studentassoc/



http://www.jcumsa.org.au/



mailto:[email protected]


http://www.clubrhino.org.au/











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General Practice Student Network (GPSN)The General Practice Student Network (GPSN) is an organisation run by medical students, formedical students, which seeks to foster a greater awareness of General Practice as both a lifestyleand a career.

Where to go on the first day

Students will be given a Week 1 timetable in O week or go to the School Website or LearnJCU /year/ timetable.

Students who do not attend O Week can get information on where to go from the StudentEducation and Placement Unit (SEPU) on the Ground Floor in Building 39 or obtain the informationfrom LearnJCU.

What to bring to be able to commence study

• Documentation as described in the relevant section• Photo ID• Clothes for clinical placements and labs• Textbooks – can purchased at JCU•

Equipment. See Information Technology and Costs Associated with Study




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General Student Information

Accommodat ion for students

Information on accommodation options for students is available at the following site:http://www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation/

ID Cards

Once enrolled, students are issued with a JCU Student photo ID card. This is best organised in OWeek. Students also need a Medical School Clinical ID Card. The School will inform you about theprocess to obtain this Clinical ID.

Information on JCU Student ID cards:http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/enrolment/JCUDEV_007130.html

Information for parents

The Following site contains information for parents:http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/study/parents/index.htm

International students

The following site contains helpful information for international students:http://www.jcu.edu.au/international/

James Cook University information for prospective and new students

The following site contains general information for prospective and new students:http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/study/index.htm

James Cook University important dates

JCU dates for withdrawing without academic or HECS penalty dates:http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/calendar/index.htm

Parking

Traffic and parking on campus at Townsville and Cairns are regulated under the authority of theTraffic Act. Parking fines are applicable at JCU. Students may purchase a parking permit from theBookshop during the weeks of prior to O week and the week of O week. Free parking can befound on the other side of the road, opposite the Coffee Cart. The forms for this can be found at:http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmo/services/parking/forms/index.htm

Religious worship

There is a room for prayer and religious worship shared by all faiths on the ground floor ofBuilding 40.

Support services

The School has a well organised system of Student Support with staff that can assist studentswith issues related to their academic work and its interaction with personal lives. Dr TeresaO’Connor is the Senior Lecturer in Student Academic Support. Appointments can be made onlinevia the booking service link in LearnJCU once you are enrolled as a student.

For more information on support services go to:http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/support/index.htm

Changes to enrolment

Students wanting to change their enrolment at JCU must do so through the Faculty Student Office

contact [email protected]. Students wanting to withdraw from Medicine must make anappointment to see the Senior Lecturer in Student Academic Support for advice and to discuss thecorrect process



http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/enrolment/JCUDEV_007130.html


http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/study/parents/index.htm


http://www.jcu.edu.au/international/


http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/study/index.htm


http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/calendar/index.htm


http://www.jcu.edu.au/fmo/services/parking/forms/index.htm


http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/support/index.htm

















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Maps – campus and SchoolGo to the following site: http://www.jcu.edu.au/maps/

45

Medical

School

Health Precinct

http://www.jcu.edu.au/maps/







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School of Medicine and Dentistry Room Locator



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Building 39 Ground Floor

Building 39 First Floor

StudentEducationandPlacementUnitSEPU

MedicineStudentComputer

Lab

james cook medical school guide

Documents