Health and Biomedical Sciences

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for all your course-related queries. We can assist with:

  • course advice and creating a study plan
  • checking your enrolment
  • advising on global and extra-curricular experiences
  • directing you to student support services
  • helping you with complex matters regarding special consideration, credit transfer, approved leave, academic progression, graduation eligibility and other requests

The HMS Student Office is located in the Maths Link Building, main campus. Visit us during our office hours of Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, or get in touch using the details below.

Featured opportunity

Population Health Seasonal School

Undertake a one-week intensive, out-of-semester unit to gain course credit or for your professional development. Units include Food and Nutrition in Population Health, Clinical Epidemiology and more.

Get involved

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Discover a number of student-run faculty societies through UWA's Student Guild.

These clubs and societies represent and support members across the various disciplines of health and medical sciences.

Join up to enjoy a range of social, sporting, volunteer and academic functions throughout the year.

Some of the clubs and societies include:

View clubs

Mentoring programs

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<h4>Student MeDMentor </h4>

In the first few weeks of the course, you'll be paired with a senior medical student mentor – your Student MeDMentor. These are senior students who have volunteered and undertaken UniMentor training. The aim is that you develop an ongoing mentor relationship with them to assist you in transitioning to life as a UWA MD student and eventually becoming a qualified doctor.

You can approach your Student MeDMentor to discuss issues and ideas that develop as part of the MD course. You may ask for feedback or advice to clarify situations. We recommend meeting with your Student MeDMentor at least twice a year. It is important that you have a Student MeDMentor for all of Year 1. Beyond Year 1, you can choose not to continue to have a Student MeDMentor.

Having a Student MeDMentor provides you with:

  • Pastoral care (orientation to the University and MD course, encourage good self-care habits, meeting regularly)
  • Assistance with your professional development (attitudes and behaviour, reflective practice, legal and ethics)
  • Feedback on how to achieve your professional and academic goals e.g. leadership, educator, advocacy, clinician and/or scholar
  • Respect for your beliefs and opinions but also encourage you to reflect and consider alternative viewpoints

For more information, contact the Professional Development and Mentorship Academic Services Officer on ppdmed-fmdhs@uwa.edu.au or +61 8 6457 1886.

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<h4>Clinician-student mentoring</h4>

UWA is the only Australian medical school to have a longitudinal mentoring program where all medical students have a clinical mentor involved in the student’s professional development for the duration of the course. 

The program comprises a minimum number of meetings and activities that must be completed for each academic year. As your mentor is a qualified doctor, they have an important role in providing you with feedback and identifying if you need assistance.

You can approach your mentor to discuss issues and ideas, complete assigned tasks, or ask for feedback or advice. Your mentor's questions and comments may help you see another perspective, consider other options, and review your plans or actions.

Minimum requirements

  • Meet with your mentor at least once (twice in Year 3) to discuss your development.
  • Ensure your Interview Record Sheets are submitted to the Faculty. Your forms must be submitted to the mentoring administrator.

Choosing a mentor

We encourage you to choose your own mentor. Many students find this leads to a more rewarding experience and ensures you have a mentor in your preferred area of focus.

When nominating a mentor on your own, ensure the following criteria are met:

  • A medically qualified clinician (not a direct family member), qualified for a minimum of three years. 
  • A person who is agreeable about meeting you officially for personal and professional development.
  • This person must be able to follow the timetable as set out in the Guidebook.

For more information, contact the Professional Development and Mentorship Academic Services Officer on ppdmed-fmdhs@uwa.edu.au or +61 8 6457 1886.

Support for postgraduate research students

For general information on research degrees, visit our Research page or head to the Graduate Research School website.

Computer access

New full-time HDR students have access to a dedicated UWA laptop/computer, and part-time HDR students have shared access to a UWA computer. Current HDR students may also request a UWA computer and these requests will be supported on a priority basis. To arrange access, contact IT-hms@uwa.edu.au.

Email accounts

We send official correspondence to your email, so check your messages regularly. You'll need an active Pheme account to access your emails. In addition to your general UWA email address, you are also eligible for a research email alias. The default format is: firstname.lastname@research.uwa.edu.au. Visit the FAQ on askUWA for more.

Photocopying

Access to a photocopier/printer, subject to monthly limits, is available to all full-time HDR students. Your UWA computer will be networked to a printer and your Academic Services team can provide you with a personal photocopier access code, where applicable.

Study spaces

Specific workstations have been set aside across the Faculty for you to use. If you'd like to access one of these spaces, contact your Academic Services team to check availability.

HDR Support Grant

Allocations of up to $1,500 per student per annum (when justified in a budget in the proposal document): 

  • 3 years for PhD and 2 years for Masters by Research; 
  • Full-time and part-time students receive their full allocation within 3 years of candidature (to make the process efficient, carry-forward of funds across the years until thesis submission);
  • Students will receive their first allocation within 2 months of commencing; 
  • Any surplus funds will be rolled up 6 months after completion, to be used for future HDR student allocations;
  • Students will continue to have access to computing equipment via IT;
  • Students can apply for a travel grant of up to $1,850 through the Graduate Research School; and
  • Existing students will have their current funding arrangements grandfathered.

How to access your funds

To request a purchase or reimbursement, complete the HDR Student Expense form and have it approved/signed by your coordinating supervisor. HDR Student Expense forms should be submitted directly to finance-hms@uwa.edu.au.

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Contact us

More for HMS students

Faculty computer resources

  • Computer lab locations

    The Faculty has computer labs where you can use:

    • Microsoft Office
    • EndNote
    • Internet
    • 2GB of secure, backed-up data storage assigned to you, accessible as the H: drive on any of the lab PCs on campus
    • Printers
    • UNIFI wireless service

    Some labs also have SPSS, Stata and SAS available for use. This software is provided by the associated school.

    Fiona Stanley Hospital Perkins

    • South Lab, Lower Ground Area, Perkins Building, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch
    • Four computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Perth campus, Anatomy and Human Biology, computer room G45

    • 24 computers
    • Laser printing
    • 24-hour access – contact the IT ServiceDesk online or by telephone (+61 8) 9346 7325 to arrange swipe card access to this lab

    FJ Clark, QE2 Medical Centre

    • FJ Clark lecture theatre complex
    • 24 computers
    • Laser printing
    • 24-hour access – contact the IT ServiceDesk online or by telephone (+61 8) 9346 7325, to arrange swipe card access to this lab

    Fremantle Hospital

    • Fremantle Hospital T Block,room T5.14
    • Four computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Joondalup Health Clinic

    • The University of Western Australia, Community Clinical School, First floor, Joondalup Private Hospital
    • Seven computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    King Edward Memorial Hospital

    • King Edward Memorial Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, A Block, level 2
    • Eight computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Nedlands campus

    School of Population Health computer labs, corner of Clifton Street and Stirling Highway 

    • 50 computers
    • Laser printing
    • 24-hour access 

    Osborne Park Hospital

    • Osborne Park Hospital, Level 2, student resource room
    • Three computers
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Pharmacology and Pathology

    • M Block Computing Suite, Ground Floor, M block, QE2 Medical Centre, Nedlands
    • 170 computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Podiatric Medicine Unit 

    • Rooms G17 and G19 (Undergraduate) and G02 (Postgraduate), Park Avenue Building, corner Park and Crawley Avenues, Crawley
    • 13 computers
    • 24-hour access with campus card for Podiatric Medicine students

    Princess Margaret Hospital

    • Department of Paediatrics, Administration Building, Level 4, Room 4.22
    • Six computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

    Royal Perth Hospital

    • Royal Perth Hospital Colonial House, above the library
    • Four computers
    • Laser printing
    • 8am to 5pm access

Important dates

  • Doctor of Dental Medicine
    Year 1
    First semester Mon 13 Jan to Fri 26 June
    Dental Immersion Block (1 week) Mon 13 Jan to Fri 17 Jan
    Orientation Mon 20 Jan
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Sat 30 May to Sat 13 June
    Dental Immersion Block (2 weeks) Mon 15 June to Fri 26 June
    Second semester Mon 6 July to Fri 27 Nov
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Oct
    Examination period Sat 31 Oct to Fri 13 Nov
    Dental Immersion Block (2 weeks) Mon 16 Nov to Fri 27 Nov
    Years 2 and 3
    First semester Mon 13 Jan to Fri 22 May
    Intensive Teaching Block Mon 13 Jan to Fri 17 Jan
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Mon 1 June to Fri 12 June
    Vacation (1 week) Mon 15 June to Fri 19 June
    Second semester Mon 22 June to Fri 23 Nov
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Oct
    Examination period Mon 2 Nov to Fri 13 Nov
    Year 4
    First semester Mon 13 Jan to Fri 26 June
    Intensive Teaching Block Mon 13 Jan to Fri 17 Jan
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Intensive Teaching Block Mon 1 June to Fri 26 June
    Second semester Mon 29 June to Fri 27 Nov
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Intensive Teaching Block Mon 2 Nov to Fri 27 Nov
  • Doctor of Medicine
    Year 1
    Orientation Mon 20 Jan
    First semester Mon 20 Jan to Fri 22 May
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Examination study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Sat 30 May to Sat 13 June
    Vacation (3 weeks) Mon 15 June to Fri 3 July
    Second semester Mon 6 July to Fri 23 Oct
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Nov
    Examination period Sat 31 Oct to Fri 13 Nov
    Year 2
    First semester Tue 28 Jan to Sun 14 June
    First rotation Tue 28 Jan to Fri 17 Apr
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Sat 18 Apr to Sun 26 Apr
    Second rotation Mon 27 Apr to Sun 14 June
    Second semester Mon 15 June to Sun 15 Nov
    Third rotation Mon 15 June to Sun 2 Aug
    Mid semester break (1 week) Mon 3 Aug to Sun 9 Aug
    Fourth rotation Mon 10 Aug to Sun 27 Sept
    Fifth rotation Mon 28 Sept to Sun 15 Nov
    Study break (1 week) Mon 16 Nov to Fri 20 Nov
    Examination period Mon 23 Nov to Fri 27 Nov
     
    Year 3
    First semester Tue 28 Jan to Sun 19 July
    First rotation Tue 28 Jan to Sun 22 Mar
    Second rotation Mon 23 Mar to Sun 17 May
    Mid-semester break (1 week) (except RCS students) Mon 18 May to Sun 24 May
    Mid-semester break (2 weeks) RCS students only Sat 04 July to Sun 19 July
    Third rotation Mon 25 May to Sun 19 July
    Second semester Mon 20 July to Sun 15 Nov
    Fourth rotation Mon 20 July to Sun 13 Sept
    Mid-semester break (1 week) (except RCS students) Mon 14 Sept to Sun 20 Sept
    Fifth Rotation Mon 21 Sept to Sun 15 Nov
    Study break (4 days) Mon 16 Nov to Thu 19 Nov
    Examination period Fri 20 Nov to Fri 27 Nov
    Year 4
    Elective Mon 30 Dec 2019 to Sun 2 Feb 2020
    MRSA Testing Week No later than Tues 4 Feb
    First Rotation Mon 10 Feb to Sun 15 Mar
    Second Rotation Mon 16 Mar to Sun 19 April
    Third Rotation Mon 20 April to Sun 24 May
    Mid-semester break (2 weeks) Mon 25 May to Sun 7 June
    Fourth Rotation Mon 8 June to Sun 12 July
    Fifth Rotation Mon 13 July to Sun 16 Aug
    Sixth Rotation Mon 17 Aug to Sun 20 Sep
    Study break (4 days) Mon 21 Sep to Thu 24 Sept
    Examination period Fri 25 Sep to Fri 16 Oct
    Preparation for Internship Mon 19 Oct to Sun 29 Nov
    Dedication/Graduation ceremony TBA (between 8 - 14 December)
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
    Year 1
    Orientation Mon 20 Jan
    First semester Mon 20 Jan to Fri 22 May
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Sat 30 May to Sat 13 June
    Vacation (3 weeks) Mon 15 June to Fri 3 July
    Second semester Mon 6 July to Fri 23 Oct
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Oct
    Examination period Sat 31 Oct to Fri 15 Nov
    Years 2 and 3
    First semester Mon 3 Feb to Fri 22 May
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Sat 30 May to Fri 12 June
    Vacation (3 weeks) Mon 15 June to Fri 3 July
    Second semester Mon 6 July to Fri 23 Oct
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Oct
    Examination period Mon 2 Nov to Fri 13 Nov
  • Doctor of Podiatric Surgery
    All years
    First semester Mon 3 Feb to Fri 22 May
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 13 Apr to Fri 17 Apr
    Mid-year external placements Mon 4 May to Fri 28 Aug
    Study break (1 week) Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May
    Examination period Sat 30 May to Sat 13 June
    Vacation (3 weeks) Mon 15 June to Fri 3 July
    Second semester Mon 6 July to Fri 6 Nov
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Study break (1 week) Mon 9 Nov to Fri 13 Nov
    Examination period Mon 16 Nov to Fri 27 Nov
    End of year external placements Mon 2 Nov 2020 to Fri 5 Feb 2021
  • Master of Pharmacy
    All Years
    K1A Work Experience commences on or after Monday 2nd December 19 (census 24/1/20)
    K1 First Teaching Period (TP) starts Wed 22 Jan
    Mid-TP break (1 week) Mon 9 March to Fri 13 March
    First TP attendance ends Friday 1 May
    Examination study break (1 week) Mon 4 May to Fri 8 May
    Examination week (1 week) Sat 9 May to Fri 15 May
    Vacation (2 weeks) Mon 18 May to Fri 29 May
    K2 Second TP starts 6 week placement Mon 1 June
    Second TP ends Fri 10 July
    Vacation (2 weeks) Mon 13 July to Fri 24 July
    S2 Third TP^ (Second semester) starts Mon 27 July
    Mid-semester break (1 week) Mon 28 Sept to Fri 2 Oct
    Third TP (Second semester) Teaching ends Friday 23 October
    Study break (1 week) Mon 26 Oct to Fri 30 Oct
    Examination weeks (2 weeks) Sat 31 Oct to Sat 14 Nov
    E5 Fourth TP starts(prereading) Mon 2 Nov
    PUBH5763 Intensive attendance^^ (1 week ) Mon 16 Nov to Fri 20
    PUBH5763 assessment ends Mon 18 Jan 2021

Information for Doctor of Medicine students

Professional behaviour policy

Personal and professional development is one of the main themes of a health professions degree at UWA. The School of Health and Medical Sciences Professional Procedures have been developed to facilitate a consistent and equitable approach to the recording, monitoring and evaluation of misconduct in the area of professionalism and professional behaviour of all students enrolled in coursework programs of study offered by the Faculty.

While the Professional Procedures do not include students undertaking undergraduate majors and research degrees, it is recognised that all UWA students are governed by related policies at the University level. It is intended that the School Policy on Professional Behaviour for Students be read in conjunction with the UWA Regulations for student conduct and discipline and UWA Policy on Academic Conduct. The Professional Procedures can be found in the Schedule of the University Policy on Courses - Experiential Learning.

MD professional behaviour assessment procedure

All MD units have professional behaviour outcomes and assessment components. Identifying concerning or unsatisfactory behaviours is essential for ensuring MD students can receive appropriate support to enable them to graduate with the high standard of professional behaviours essential for doctors.

Progress Rules – Doctor of Medicine

The Progress Rules sit supplementary to the Doctor of Medicine course rules. They govern what constitutes satisfactory progress in the course and what rules are applied in cases of unsatisfactory progress.

Medical student involvement in patient care

This protocol has been developed by the Medical School to ensure appropriate consent is obtained for medical student involvement with patient care and focusses on medical student-patient examinations, as the legal implications of performing an examination without consent are significant.

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Scholarly activity in the MD

Scholarly activity is a distinctive feature of the UWA Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

It allows students to explore the development and application of scholarship in a strikingly diverse range of contexts, broadly grouped into three streams:

  • Service
  • Research
  • Coursework

Students choose their preferred stream, which becomes the focus of their scholarly activity undertaken in years three (Semesters 1 and 2) and four (Semester 1) of the program.

Service

Students who select service learning will be matched with a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation for years three and four of the program. Students will work on relevant project identified by the host organisation.

Research, Audit and Systematic Review

Students who choose research as their scholarly activity will be matched with a research supervisor and project for years three and four of the program. Ideally the student will have prior research training or work in a group with a research-experienced MD student.  Note that for students planning on a PhD in the future, a solo research project is recommended. For less-experienced students, a clinical audit or systematic review could provide entry into improving clinical knowledge and practice.

Coursework

Students who choose coursework are now able to complete units towards a further approved degree in Public Health, Health Professions Education or the Master of Aboriginal Health. Students can choose units that will contribute 18 points towards a master's qualifications as a core part of their degree. Students who choose coursework will undertake approved units for years three and four of the program.

Scholarly Activity Database

The Scholarly Activity database will be open for viewing available projects in July. It will open for applications from 11 September to 25  September 2020.The database can be accessed online.

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