The human life cycle is used as the theme of the course. Students are introduced to the key physical, psychological, social and developmental factors and issues that shape the human life cycle from conception to death.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is the central learning activity of the course. Each student is allocated to a PBL group that meets regularly to discuss and analyse a number of carefully designed cases illustrating the key objectives of the course. In addition, students are provided with a range of activities (e.g. lectures and

practical sessions) to support their learning.

At the conclusion of this course, students will have gained an introductory overview of the human life-span as well as the necessary core knowledge and skills from a range of disciplinary domains (e.g. anatomy and physiology, psychology and sociology).

DP requirements: To qualify to undergo the end-of-course written assessment and the basic health sciences (BHS) practical examination, students are expected to meet the following DP requirements:

Attend all lectures; problem-based learning sessions; tutorials; BHS practical sessions; and complete all written assignments and in-course assessment activities.

Students may not miss any PBL sessions, tutorials or BHS practical sessions without the written permission of the academic staff responsible for these

activities, as attendance of these activities is compulsory. A medical certificate or an explanatory letter from a medical professional, parent, relative or guardian

must support absence on the ground of illness or personal/ family difficulties.

Assessment: Students are required to write a number of in-course assessments and end-of-course assessments. The assessment components include written and

practical assessments. The written assessments use a case-based format.

In cases where students are unable to sit a written in-course assessment, for what are considered to be legitimate reasons, a deferred assessment may be given.

In instances where students fail to provide legitimate reasons for being unable to complete an assessment activity, or fail to take a scheduled deferred

assessment, a mark of zero will be given for that assessment. A student will not be allowed to miss more than one assessment or have more than one

opportunity to take a deferred assessment.

The weighting of in-course assessment components is 40% (practical tasks and test: 10% and written class tests: 30%) and of end-of-course components is 60%

written theory examination: 50% and structured practical