JE5003 - Medical Academic Communication (HLS/AS).

This module combines self-directed learning with face-to-face engagement. Each week, you will either complete an individual activity or you will attend a synchronous session. You will learn through a variety of methods, including discussions, workshops, reading and writing exercises, collaborative learning, online learning, lectures, and reflection. This module places a strong emphasis on learning as a process; as such you will be provided feedback on all activities, and you are expected to incorporate that feedback in future activities. This is aligned with the assessment and feedback pillar in the program framework for Northumbria University. You will also interface with the electronic course management site where you will submit assignments and retrieve the resources posted for this module. This technology-enhanced environment also includes online quizzes, forum discussions, and interactive polling questions.

Academic members of staff provide support during office hours and via email to clarify concepts and/or direct you to relevant resources. All teaching and assessment material is posted on the electronic course management site, and announcements regarding any changes in scheduled delivery will be posted on the module site and emailed to all students.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding :


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Demonstrate ability to clearly, concisely, accurately, and professionally express ideas in both oral and written communication
2. Demonstrate ability to apply analysis and reasoning skills to evaluate and apply information, improve reading comprehension, and develop strong arguments
3. Apply academic literacy skills to complete tasks and assignments.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Demonstrate ability to communicate in ways that meet the sociocultural norms within academic, professional and medical contexts

Formative Assessments

You will complete formative assessments in the form of Directed Learning Activities (DLAs) as part of your assessment portfolios. These DLAs include independent work, in-class activities such as reading, writing and analysing. The DLAs will take approximately one hour per week and you will receive feedback electronically or in-class to aid in your learning. Your level of engagement with these tasks will be marked and will contribute to the final unit portfolio score (see below).

Summative Assessments

The assessment portfolio for each unit of study consists of two parts: (1) engagement both inside and outside the class and (2) performance on the end-of-unit assessment. The engagement component will assess attendance, in-class participation, and engagement with formative activities. The end-of-unit assessment will assess learning against standards. To pass each unit, you must score 80% on the engagement component and meet all standards on the the end-of-unit assessment.

Professional communication (portfolio) [MLO 1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Unit engagement: synchronous/asynchronous sessions and DLAs
2. End of unit assessment:
a. Write a professional email request on a given scenario (80-100 words)
b. Record a role play of office hours based on a given scenario (4-6mins)

Argument development (portfolio) [MLO 1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Unit engagement: Engagement with synchronous/asynchronous sessions and DLAs
2. End of unit assessment: Write an argumentative essay (600 words)

Critical reading (portfolio) [MLO 1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Unit engagement: synchronous/asynchronous sessions and DLAs
2. End of unit assessment: Demonstrate use of reading strategies through a thing aloud recording (8-10mins)

Concise writing (portfolio) [MLO 1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Unit engagement: synchronous/asynchronous sessions and DLAs
2. End of unit assessment:
a. Revise a given text to be more concise
b. Write an essay demonstrating use of concise language (200-250 words)

You will receive feedback electronically via the eLP for each assessment.

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Medical Academic Communication (MAC) is a unique module that helps you develop the academic literacy, language and communication skills, cultural competencies, and critical thinking skills that are vital for success not only in medical school, but in your future as a healthcare professional. Effective, culturally appropriate academic and professional communication skills are a crucial aspect of studying and practicing medicine. You are required to demonstrate academic literacy skills, critically read large volumes of text, and write clear and concise emails, arguments, and reports. MAC helps you develop these skills.

MAC covers four main topics: professional communication, argument development, critical reading and concise writing. MAC consists of a mix of independent study activities and synchronous, interactive sessions. This allows more class time to be spent collaborating with peers applying the new skills.