Advanced Medical Science

The Advanced Medical Science (AMS) subject is a research year undertaken by all school-leaver entry students during the medical course in semesters six and seven. Students are introduced to the formal processes of research and develop key skills in literature appraisal, data collection, analysis and presentation.

The Department of General Practice provides AMS students with an opportunity to experience clinical research in the community setting of general practice and primary care. Most health care is delivered in the primary care setting. Our research focuses on common conditions such as depression, diabetes, asthma and hypertension. We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods and our research includes a strong focus on psychological, social and cultural issues in addition to firm foundation within physical clinical medicine.

As an AMS student within our Department you will be encouraged to become a member of one of our research teams. You will be allocated a supportive supervisor who will guide you in your choice of a research question, literature review, choice of research method and data analysis. You will have the opportunity to participate in answering an important clinical question.

Think about joining us if you:

• Wish to research a common problem.
• Would like to find out what it is like to work as an 'academic' and a doctor.
• Want to improve your written, oral and reasoning skills.
• Have an interest in:
  • Youth health.
  • Chronic disease (diabetes).
  • Mental health (depression, partner abuse & substance abuse).

Further information on AMS placements is available at the Advanced Medical Science website www.medicine.unimelb.edu.au/ams