Setting up a unit

If you wish to host an AMS placement, you need to submit a proposal for an AMS unit. To do this, please request an electronic application proforma by addressing an email to:

ams-adm@ unimelb.edu.au

The subject or the body of the email should have the text "AMS proforma request." The document (in MS word format) will be sent as an attachment by return email.

AMS unit descriptions should preferably be submitted electronically to the above email address. Units are then reviewed by the AMS team. Generally speaking, units are approved after minor amendments have been negotiated with you. These amendments are primarily to maintain uniform standards across units.

You may wish to refer to current Unit Descriptions as a guide. The proforma request basic information but we do need to see the following items:

Research methods training

All students need to have some form of research methods training. You are free to provide this training yourself. Alternatively, you may elect for students to attend one of the research methods training courses run by The University of Melbourne (quantitative or qualitative). These intensive courses usually run for 2 weeks at the beginning of the AMS year.  We would deduct a fee of A$400 from the A$5000 that you would receive for hosting an AMS placement. If you are providing your own training, this needs to be mentioned somewhere in your proforma, and also whether the training is to be assessed or not. 

Assessment

Assessment for AMS is broken down into two components: research and coursework. Assessment is based on a 12.5 point system, with the minimum amount of research set at 50 points. A 12.5 point subject would roughly entail 40 hours of contact per semester. If your unit does involve coursework, then the assessment needs to be clearly outlined in the "Assessment Breakdown" section of the proforma.

The one compulsory element to this course is that students produce a research report/thesis at the completion of the year. The word limit corresponds to the number of research points you allocate to your unit, as follows:

Research points/ Maximum report length
50:    7,000 words
62.5: 7,500 words
75:    8,000 words
87.5: 9,000 words
100: 10,000 words

The max. report length needs to be included in the research component section of the "Assessment Breakdown." You may also wish to include in this section an oral presentation and/or a supervisor evaluation (weighted at no more than 15% of the research component). The latter is highly recommended.

Coursework

Many units offer coursework. Often these are existing subjects at an institution, and may form part of the medical curriculum, but at a more advanced level than is normally covered. Coursework that forms part of the AMS unit should be clearly described. In many cases this simply means providing the handbook entry for such subjects. Where customised coursework is being offered, a handbook-style description should be provided. It is important that contact hours and a clear statement of the assessment are provided. This would include word limits for written assignments and form and length (in hours) of any examinations.