Developing learning outcomes and integrated curricula across a health sciences faculty

ABSTRACT

Every student should have a clear understanding of what is expected of them during their course of study and at the time of graduation. Improving the clarity for both students and teachers of the intended learning outcomes using outcomebased- education [OBE] will increase the relevance of learning opportunities and additionally provide a framework to help unify a curriculum. This paper describes how the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Western Australia approached the specification and documentation of learning outcomes for its undergraduate courses, using examples from the Medicine course. It discusses how the Faculty began the journey of shifting the culture of the learning environment towards one focused on learner outcomes. The challenges faced and successes experienced offer insights into the adoption of OBE for others