Table 1.
Summary of a revised curriculum implemented at the University of Auckland.15,16
| Traditional curriculum | Curriculum revisions | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching and learning | ||
| Year 2 and Year 4 | No formalised clinical scenarios database | Clinical scenarios database – used to effectively define the core curriculum of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme Greater emphasis on delivering content in an interdisciplinary manner |
| Year 2 | Lecture-based delivery of content | Increased opportunities for small group learning Reduction in the proportion of lecture-based delivery of core material and increased clinical content |
| Year 4 | Didactic campus-based lectures in addition to clinical rotations | Reduction in didactic campus-based lectures and greater emphasis on symposia for interdisciplinary learning Introduction of formal learning sessions at hospital-based clinical schools (synchronous learning) |
| Assessment | ||
| All year levels | No single exam for all year levels | Progress testing for all year levels |
| Year 2 | Final exams | End-of-module tests with module grades and online formative self-tests. These are in parallel with the progress tests |
| Year 4 | No end-of-year clinical OSCE | End-of-year clinical OSCE |
| Curriculum domains | ||
| Acquisition and application of medical knowledge Professional, clinical, and research skills Hauora Māori (indigenous health) Population health and primary care |
Aspects of the previous domain of clinical, professional, and research skills were integrated to create a new personal and professional skills domain Addition of health and well-being’ subtheme, and inter professional learning themes |
|
| Clinical attachments | ||
| Year 4 | Rotation through medical and surgical specialties during the course of the academic year | Half year of medical specialty rotations and a half year of surgical specialty rotations |
| Year 4 | Students rotated throughout different clinical campuses | Students remain at one clinical campus |
| Year 4 | General practice teaching on campus and in general practice clinics or in rural locations | General practice teaching on campus only |
Abbreviation: OSCE, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.