Global UNE Links:

Sub sections:

Bachelor of Medicine

Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program

The following link provides you with information about the Bachelor of Medicine, the Joint Medical Program, between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England:

Bachelor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

An Overview

The Bachelor of Medicine - JMP is characterised by an innovative problem-based, integrated curriculum with early clinical exposure and substantial community involvement. Emphasis is placed on understanding clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, learned in the context of the relevant basic science concepts and mechanisms.  The program is integrated, which means students make connections between the different areas in medicine and the basic sciences in order to apply them to specific medical problems.  The curriculum differs from traditional programs in its integration of basic and clinical sciences and its early orientation towards clinical practice in medicine.  The curriculum centres on problem-based, self-directed learning where students work in small tutorial groups to analyse clinical problems, and to gain an understanding of relevant scientific data.

Early clinical experience is a feature of the Bachelor of Medicine.  Clinical explosure (i.e. visiting hospital wards, outpatient clinics and private practices, contact with patients, and spending time with doctors in practice) begins in first year and continues throughout the subsequent years.  Many hospitals in the Hunter/New England region and throughout New South Wales are involved in the JMP's education program, as are various community health units operated by the New South Wales Department of Health.

The program is community oriented.  Students are expected to understand and respect the commuity as a living entity and to identify their roles in serving the needs of the community.  For instance, experience in general practice occurs throughout the program.  The program emphasises the promotion and maintenance of health, both of individuals and of communities.  Preventive care is pursued as the most effective approach to complement treatment of the individual patient.  Students are encouraged to see the individual in context, treating the patient as a whole person and in a manner consistent with his/her social or physical environment.

All the academic disciplines associated with a medical program are represented.  The program's particular orientation towards serving the needs of the community is reflected in an emphasis on general practice, public health and communication skills.

Students admitted to the program must possess not only the intellectual ability needed for success in university education; they must also have certain personal qualities considered important for the practice of medicine.  As a result, the admission procedures are designed to select applicants who have not only reached a high academic standard, but who also have the necessary personal qualities.

Admission and Enrolment Enquiries

Phone: 02 4921 5000
Fax:  02 4921 2020
Email:  EnquiryCentre@newcastle.edu.au

or