Course coordinator
Dr Christian Gray
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (01/07/2024 - 09/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This course is specifically designed for MD students intending to sit Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). It is a required course for students enrolled in the MD-Ochsner Program and available as a Selective to other MD students. This course includes peer tutorials and lectures, supported by individualised learning plans. The examinations held within this course are National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examinations. The formative examinations held during July and the mid-semester examination period are the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA). The summative end-of-semester exam is the Comprehensive Basic Science Exam (CBSE).
The purpose of the course is to provide protected and focused time for preparation for Step 1 of the USMLE. Question and answer (Q&A) sessions focus on suggested study approaches, reflective practice, learning plans, strategies for managing test-taking anxiety and preparation for Step 1. Tutorials will provide the opportunity for discussion of difficult concepts and test-wise strategies. The course supports your self-directed learning with the opportunity to receive targeted learning advice.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
Course evaluation data and student feedback have informed changes and improvements to the 2024 offering. All learning activities will be delivered online. Peer tutorials will be facilitated by Year 4 MD-Ochsner students who have successfully completed this course and passed USMLE Step 1.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course provides the opportunity for you to revise and consolidate your learning from Years 1 and 2, in particular the Clinical Science and Clinical Practice courses. You are encouraged to review notes and learning resources from earlier courses as appropriate during the course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MEDI7211 and MEDI7221
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
MEDI7212 and MEDI7222
Restrictions
Only offered to MD students intending to sit USMLE Step 1
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Christian Gray
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Participation
You should be aware of and adhere to the Medical Program Participation Guidelines. You can find the absence notification form for the course here .
Aims and outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate your preparedness to successfully undertake the USMLE Step 1 Work
- Learn independently and in a collaborative environment.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field of study with particular emphasis on areas within USMLE Step 1.
LO2.
Demonstrate the ability to reflect and revise your approach to learning in response to feedback, and to develop an individualised learning plan.
LO3.
Further develop clinical reasoning skills to support taking USMLE Step 1.
LO4.
Demonstrate the ability to self-direct learning and to effectively communicate within and contribute to a teamwork environment.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
July Formative STEP 1 Self-Assessment
|
Compliance hurdle |
15/07/2024 5:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Individualised Learning Plan
|
Compliance hurdle |
29/07/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Mid-Semester Formative Examination CBSSA
|
Compliance hurdle |
Week 7 |
| Examination |
Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE)
|
Performance hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
July Formative STEP 1 Self-Assessment
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Compliance hurdle
- Due date
15/07/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
A STEP 1 Self-Assessment included within your UWorld subscription provides a self-evaluation of your readiness to take the USMLE Step 1 examination. The STEP 1 Self-Assessment contains four sections of 40 items; 160 total multiple-choice items. The items are similar in format to USMLE Step 1. Taken as ‘Standard-Paced’ provides up to 1 hour to complete each section (total of 4 hours). At the end of exam, you will be provided with a USMLE Step 1 equivalent score and will have the opportunity to review each item.
An attempt for the STEP1 Self-Assessment is defined as completion of the STEP1 Self-Assessment within UWorld.
Learning Advice:
Students who receive a score <170 in the STEP1 Self-Assessment will receive an invitation from the Course Coordinator to discuss their score report and learning plan.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be submitted on time to meet the course requirements.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 240 minutes |
| Calculator options | (online) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
To pass this assessment you are required to undertake the STEP1 Self-Assessment and submit your score to the Course Blackboard site by the submission deadline.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Application for an extension must be received prior to the submission deadline.
Late submission
Non-completion of the STEP1 Self-Assessment by the due date, without an approved extension may result in a ‘Marginal Fail’ grade.
Individualised Learning Plan
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- Compliance hurdle
- Due date
29/07/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04
Task description
Participation is demonstrated through engagement and preparation of an individualised learning plan. Answering Step 1 style questions and engagement within near-peer learning is important in the development of an effective test-wise strategy. It is important to develop your own individualised learning plan to ensure you are on track and that you identify additional learning opportunities early. Example learning plans will be made available on the Blackboard course site, although students will be expected to develop their own individualised plan. Students will be required to provide evidence of how they will plan their self-directed learning to prepare for Step 1.
An attempt is defined as a submission of brief outline of a learning plan that can be objectively assessed and align with the learning objectives.
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt this assessment task to meet the course requirements.Submission guidelines
Additional information will be made available via Learn.UQ (Blackboard) course site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Application for an extension must be received prior to the submission deadline.
Late submission
Non-submission of the learning plan by the due date, without an approved extension may result in failure of the participation compliance hurdle.
Mid-Semester Formative Examination CBSSA
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Compliance hurdle
- Due date
Week 7
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA) provides a formative opportunity to evaluation of your readiness to take the USMLE Step 1 under examination conditions. The CBSSA contains four sections of 50 items; 200 total multiple-choice items, in a format similar to USMLE Step 1. Taken at ‘Standard-Paced’ provides up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete each section (total of 5 hours). On completion of the exam, students immediately receive a Score Report which includes an equated percentage correct score and identification of your strengths and weaknesses within USMLE Step 1 knowledge areas. The voucher for this self-assessment will be provided via email. Additional information about how to take this self-assessment will be made available via Blackboard course site.
Learning Advice: Students who receive a score <56% in the CBSSA will receive an invitation from the Course Coordinator to discuss their score report and learning plan. Ochsner students are also strongly advised to contact their Ochsner Society Head for further advice.
Hurdle requirements
You must sit this examination to meet the course requirements.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 300 minutes |
| Calculator options | (online) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
It is anticipated that the exam will be held in Week 7 of the course, however the date, time, and location of the examination will be confirmed and communicated closer to the exam date. Please note these dates may not align with the UQ Central Mid-Semester Exam period; for additional information please contact the Medical School (med.medsch@uq.edu.au).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE)
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Performance hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
The end-of-semester examination is the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) taken under exam conditions. This is 5h 30min duration (including a 15 minute rest break) and contains four sections of 50 items; 200 total multiple-choice items in a format similar to USMLE Step 1.
The CBSE score represents an estimate of your performance on Step 1 if you had taken both exams under the same conditions and with the same level of knowledge.
Criteria & Marking:
To pass the CBSE, students are required to achieve a CBSE equated percent correct score which is equivalent or greater than the Step 1 passing score. The current Step 1 passing score is 196, which is equivalent to a CBSE equated percentage correct score of 62%. The Step 1 passing score and CBSE equivalences are established by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and are subject to change.
Hurdle requirements
Achieve a CBSE equated percentage score equal or above 62%Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 330 minutes |
| Calculator options | (online) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Please note that examination dates for this course may differ from the standard UQ examination period. Please contact the Medical School (med.medsch@uq.edu.au) directly for advice on examination dates for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: See below. |
| F |
Course grade description: See below. |
Additional course grading information
Grade X: No assessable work received.
Non-graded pass: Demonstrated evidence of competency in meeting course learning objectives
Demonstrated evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes:
- Achieved a CBSE equated percentage correct score equal or above 62%*. AND
- The participation compliance hurdle is met including:
- Submission of the individualised learning plan by the due date; AND
- Completion of July Formative Step 1 Assessment (or replacement CBSSA if instructed); AND
- Completion of the Mid-Semester CBSSA.
Non-Graded Fail: Insufficient evidence of competency in meeting course learning objectives.
Non-Marginal Fail: Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes
- Did not attempt the CBSE.
Marginal Fail: Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes
- Did not submit the individualised learning plan by the due date; AND/OR
- Did not complete the July Formative Step 1 Assessment (or replacement CBSSA if instructed); AND/OR
- Did not complete the Mid-Semester CBSSA; AND/OR
- Achieved a CBSE equated percentage correct score below 62%*; OR
- Achieved a CBSE equated percentage correct score equal or above 62%*, but did not meet any of the participation compliance hurdles.
*The CBSE equated percentage correct score of 62% is equivalent to a Step 1 passing score, which is currently 196. The Step 1 passing score and CBSE equivalences are established by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and are subject to change.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Examination Dates:
Please note that examination dates for this course may differ from the standard UQ examination period. Please contact the Medical School (med.medsch@uq.edu.au) directly for advice on examination dates for this course.
Students with previous academic difficulties
Students who have experienced academic difficulties in previous years and/or clinical placements are strongly encouraged to reflect on the nature of these difficulties and discuss any need for extra assistance with their Course Coordinator and clinical teachers at the beginning of the course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Module-specific resources can be found on the University’s learning management system,ﾠBlackboard. The Blackboard eLearning site provides access to a range of learning material, which includes:
- electronic lectures,ﾠlectureﾠnotes,ﾠand lecture recordings
- course and module announcements, including information about the assessment
- resource lists
Access to the course Blackboard site requires a UQ username and password.
For further information concerning the IT tools, services and conditions available through UQ please consult theﾠITS website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Workshop |
USMLE Step 1 advice Reflection and learning plans, Learning advice, Exam anxiety; and Preparing for Step 1. Resources & Readings: As indicated in the relevant Module on MEDI7282 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Peer Learning tutorials Peer learning advice and development of test wise strategies. Peer tutorials will focus on discussion of USMLE Step 1 style Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) from UWorld System area Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Recording of Lectures: Please be aware that teaching at UQ may be recorded for the benefit of student learning. If you would prefer not to be captured either by voice or image, please advise your course coordinator before class so accommodations can be made. For further information see Recording of Teaching at UQ policy.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: