UWA Handbook 2025

Extended Major Overview

Description

This extended major will encompass a wide range of disciplines within the health and medical sciences. It will provide students with the background knowledge across all the biomedical scientific disciplines including, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, haematology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and public health. These disciplines will be integrated within level 3 units, where science, clinical and professional content will be presented longitudinally and built around the core clinical conditions and presentations. Communication and research skills for the health professional will be presented throughout the major. The major will include studies on aspects of Australian society and culture, including Aboriginal health and migrant and refugee health. The Dentistry specialisation in Level 3 is taught across two 18 week semesters. This major is only available to students on direct pathways to the Doctor of Dental Medicine 91860 and those offered specific entry at time of admission.

Students should be aware that this major does not provide a pathway to an Honours.

Outcomes

Students are able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the basic human body plan, its biochemistry, anatomy histology, physiology, cell biology and communication systems
2. describe the development, structure and function of the body's cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, epidermal, cardiovascular, endocrine, haematological and immunological systems
3. describe the development, structure and function of the body's sensory organs
4. describe the common disorders of the various body systems and the sensory organs
5. explain the basic body defences and the processes of cell injury, inflammation and healing
6. demonstrate knowledge of blood and blood pathologies
7. define and describe the major classes of infectious diseases, the sources and characteristics of their pathogens, and the relevant treatment approaches
8. demonstrate knowledge of metabolic function and its integration with nutrition
9. explain human embryology and development; (10) demonstrate an understanding of fundamental genomics and genetics; (11) explain the association between genetics and disease, including cancer; (12) explain the principles of drug delivery, drug metabolism and the associated pharmacological aspects of the common medications used in dental practice; (13) explain the clinical signs, symptoms and pathogenesis of systemic conditions relevant to dental practice and the measures required to manage them during dental treatment; (14) classify the most common medical emergencies in dental practice and their management; (15) discuss aspects of public and population health, epidemiology, and the health care systems in Australia; (16) demonstrate an understanding of Aboriginal, migrant and refugee health; (17) demonstrate an understanding of religious, social and cultural differences within Australia; (18) explain strategies for health maintenance, promotion, screening and disease prevention; (19) discuss the importance of appropriate communication in the health professions; (20) explain the formation, composition, function, pathology, virulence and control strategies of dental biofilms, including biofilm-related gingivitis; (21) outline the dental caries process, its diagnosis and management; (22) appraise the biomaterials used for dental restorations, their properties and indications for use; (23) explain dental occlusion and how it relates to dental practice; (24) demonstrate manual skills in pre-clinical operative dentistry and periodontics; (25) explain professionalism, ergonomics, ethics, and infection prevention and control protocols in clinical dental practice; and (26) outline the principles of research design and evidence-based dental practice and statistical analyses.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office. Do always remember, however, that there is no wrong way to broaden your studies as long as you complete at least four units not associated with your Degree Specific Major.

Prerequisites

(1A) Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher; or

(1B) MATH1720 as a bridging unit.

(2A) Chemistry ATAR or equivalent; or

(2B) CHEM1003 as a bridging unit.

(3) Prior to commencing level 3, students must:

(A) comply with the UWA Dental School's Infection Control Requirements; and

(B) show first aid competence

(C) provide a clear current Australian national Police Clearance or equivalent certification.

Courses

Integrated Dental Sciences can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP056 Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units