CQUniversity Unit Profile
BMSC11003 Professional Practice in Medical Sciences
Professional Practice in Medical Sciences
All details in this unit profile for BMSC11003 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit supports you to identify and develop core professional practices and skills required by all graduates to succeed in your chosen career in the field of Medical Sciences. You will learn about medical science disciplines and develop foundation skills and knowledge. You will learn about your personal attributes; and develop study, organisational and planning skills which can be applied to your future career. An inter disciplinary, integrated approach will be provided so that you will understand the interrelationships across all disciplines of medical science and how each one is associated with clinical work, research and education. You will learn about your chosen profession and career options and plan your course and overall study path to build the knowledge and skills to reach your desired career outcomes. Throughout this unit, your academic, critical and creative thinking skills will be enhanced so that you can effectively engage in future studies.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2026

Bundaberg
Mixed Mode
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Laboratory/Practical
Weighting: 30%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Student interactions were low and may require more attention through the term

Recommendation

Continue to encourage students to engage by asking questions particularly during tutorial time. Emphasise the importance of engagement to get the most out of the unit.

Feedback from Staff feedback

Feedback

The Assessment 1 rubric was not clearly written

Recommendation

Rewrite rubric so requirements are clearer. This will make marking easier and improve student understanding of assessment requirements.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students enjoyed the inclusion of relatable examples and real-life scenarios

Recommendation

Maintain content and look to add more real-life or theoretical scenarios to content.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
  2. Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.
  3. Develop requisite discipline knowledge, underlying principles and concepts as a basis for career success.
  4. Create and maintain a professional e-Portfolio that synthesises knowledge of self, careers and disciplines to map academic, career and learning paths.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Laboratory/Practical - 30%
3 - Portfolio - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - First Nations Knowledges
11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

An Introduction to Medical Statistics

Edition: 4th (2015)
Authors: Martin Bland
Oxford University Press, Incorporated
Oxford Oxford , England
ISBN: 0199589925
Supplementary

Medical Statistics from Scratch: An Introduction for Health Professionals

Edition: 4th (2019)
Authors: David Bowers
John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated
Newark Newark , NJ , USA
ISBN: 9781119523888

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Noor Jarbou Unit Coordinator
n.jarbou@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026

Module/Topic

Introduction and Foundation Academic Skills

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026

Module/Topic

WHS in Medical Science

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Internal Students

3-hour practical

On Wednesday 

Location: 

Rockhampton North campus, Room ROK 33/G.25   09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bundaberg campus, Room BDG 09/G.01    08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026

Module/Topic

Bioethics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Internal Students

3-hour practical

On Wednesday 

Location: 

Rockhampton North campus, Room ROK 33/G.25   09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bundaberg campus, Room BDG 09/G.01    08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026

Module/Topic

Industry standards, professional conduct & privacy

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Internal Students

3-hour practical

On Wednesday 

Location: 

Rockhampton North campus, Room ROK 33/G.25   09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bundaberg campus, Room BDG 09/G.01    08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026

Module/Topic

Professional Communication Skills

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Internal Students

3-hour practical

On Wednesday 

Location: 

Rockhampton North campus, Room ROK 33/G.25   09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bundaberg campus, Room BDG 09/G.01    08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Break Week Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026

Module/Topic

Australian Healthcare System and Socioeconomics in Health/Medical Science

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026

Module/Topic

Introduction to Cross-Cultural Concepts for Medical Sciences

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 May 2026

Module/Topic

First Nations Health

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 – Written Case Study Analysis Due: Week 8 Friday (8 May 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 11 May 2026

Module/Topic

Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice for Medical Sciences

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 18 May 2026

Module/Topic

Careers in Medical Science

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 25 May 2026

Module/Topic

WIL and Planning Your Study Load

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026

Module/Topic

Revision and Assessment

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 – Professional Branding on LinkedIn: Portfolio of Skills and Achievements Due: Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation/Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

There are no prescribed textbooks for this unit. All weekly readings, content and activities will be uploaded to the unit Moodle site.

Each week students will be expected to complete the following:

  • 1 hour lecture (online, face to face, or recorded)
  • 1 hour tutorial (online, face to face, or recorded)
  • 3-5 hours of self-directed study
  • 3-5 hours preparing assessments


Online sessions will be facilitated via Zoom and meeting links will be provided on the Moodle site. Recordings of lectures and tutorials will be made available on the unit Moodle site. 

 
This unit contains mandatory practical classes which are associated with Assessment 2 (Laboratory/Practical). Internal students are to attend a 3-hour practical class in weeks 2, 3, 4 and 5. Mixed mode students will attend a 2-day residential school.  All students must attend and complete the assessment to pass the unit. Please check the timetable for dates and times of internal practical classes and the residential school. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1 – Written Case Study Analysis

Task Description

In this assessment, you will respond to a case study. This task is designed to develop your foundational academic research, writing, communication, and organisational skills, while assessing your understanding of the Australian healthcare system, ethical principles, and relevant cultural and social considerations.

Students are introduced to scenarios that reflect common professional challenges encountered across medical science–related disciplines, including pathology, biotechnology, nutrition, medicine, and clinical measurement. The ability to interpret such scenarios, identify key professional and ethical issues, and propose appropriate responses is fundamental to professional practice in health and medical science.

This assessment draws upon foundational knowledge introduced in unit modules covering ethics, professional standards, socioeconomics, and cultural competency. Students are expected to apply this knowledge in a reflective, structured, and evidence-informed manner, appropriate for first-year level study. A minimum mark of 50% is required to pass this assessment.

Detailed instructions and a marking rubric are provided on the unit Moodle site.

Level of GenAI use allowed: 

Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You 
must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (8 May 2026) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (22 May 2026)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on the following criteria:

1- Understanding of the Case Study Context

    - Accurate interpretation of the case study and identification of relevant professional, ethical, and contextual issues.
   

2- Application of Ethical and Professional Principles

   - Appropriate application of ethical frameworks, professional standards, and relevant policies discussed in the unit.

3-Consideration of Cultural and Social Factors

  - Demonstrated awareness of cultural, social, and socioeconomic factors relevant to the case study scenario.

4- Problem Identification and Response Development

  - Clear identification of key issues and development of appropriate, realistic, and professionally informed responses.

5- Use of Evidence and Unit Content

  - Effective use of unit materials and, where appropriate, relevant sources to support responses.

6- Academic Writing and Structure

  - Clear, well-structured written responses using appropriate academic language and conventions.

7- Organization and Clarity

  - Logical organization of ideas, clarity of expression, and adherence to assessment instructions.

8- Scientific Referencing 

  - Harvard or APA referencing style


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
  • Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.

2 Laboratory/Practical

Assessment Title
Assessment 2 – Laboratory and Practical Skills Assessment

Task Description

This assessment evaluates students’ ability to demonstrate professional, safe, and effective laboratory practice, which is fundamental to success in the medical sciences. Students are assessed across four supervised practical sessions on their capacity to work safely, professionally, and collaboratively within a laboratory environment.

Assessment is conducted through direct observation by teaching staff and the completion of written and/or verbal tasks associated with laboratory activities. Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour, preparedness, and adherence to laboratory safety protocols throughout all practical sessions.

This assessment is conducted during the 3-hour internal practical sessions in Weeks 2–5 for internal students/ or /across two scheduled laboratory sessions in Week 8 for mixed-mode students.

As a result, assessment due dates differ by cohort. For internal students, the assessment is due in Week 6, Monday 13 April at 12:00 pm. For mixed-mode students, the assessment is due in Week 9, Monday 11 May at 12:00 pm.

Due to the practical and observational nature of this assessment, late submissions are not permitted, and a minimum mark of 50% is required to pass.


Assessment Due Date

Assessment due date depends on cohort: • Internal students: Week 6 – Monday 13 April, 12:00 pm • Mixed-mode students: Week 9 – Monday 11 May, 12:00 pm


Return Date to Students

Assessment will be returned within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on the following criteria:

1- Professional behavior and preparedness

2- Laboratory safety practices

3- Organization and workflow management

4- Completion of laboratory tasks and workbook

5- Safe and effective use of laboratory equipment

6- Chemical handling and waste disposal

7- Hazard minimization and infection control

8- Interpersonal and professional communication


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate learning success and resilience utilising introductory academic writing, critical thinking, organising, problem-solving and planning skills.
  • Develop requisite discipline knowledge, underlying principles and concepts as a basis for career success.

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Assessment 3 – Professional Branding on LinkedIn: Portfolio of Skills and Achievements

Task Description

This assessment requires students to develop a professional portfolio that documents and evidence skills, competencies, and achievements relevant to professional practice in medical science.

Students will construct a professional LinkedIn profile. This task is designed to support career readiness, encourage professional self-reflection, and develop your ability to effectively communicate your skills, achievements, and employability attributes to potential employers and professional networks.

The portfolio should demonstrate learning and skill development achieved throughout the unit and may include relevant artefacts, such as written assessments, reflections, certificates, skill summaries, or other evidence of professional capability. Students are encouraged to continue building and refining their portfolio throughout their degree.

A PDF version of the completed LinkedIn portfolio must be submitted via the unit Moodle site. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (12 June 2026)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on the following criteria:

1- Professional identity and career alignment
2- Evidence of skills and competencies
3- Quality and relevance of artefacts
4- Reflection and skill articulation
5- Organization and presentation
6- Communication and professional tone
7- Compliance with submission requirements


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Reflect on individual personal skills and capabilities necessary to develop the attributes expected of graduates in a chosen medical science profession.
  • Create and maintain a professional e-Portfolio that synthesises knowledge of self, careers and disciplines to map academic, career and learning paths.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?