This unit provides students with theory and application of techniques to confidently perform a clinical skin assessment at the level of a professional Dermal Clinician. This includes thorough understanding of the theory and demonstration of competent practical application of common technological devices/equipment and techniques used in both clinical research and dermal clinical practice.  These include: standardised (medical) photography, clinical skin scoring methods and scales used to classify skin types, conditions and dermatological disorders, including, acne, rosacea, pigmentation, photo sensitivity, photo damage and ageing.  Students will also learn to implement the use of algorithms for differential diagnosis to recognize when skin presents with suspicious, unusual or severe symptoms that require referral to medical professionals.  Students will apply learning to provide a detailed skin assessment and consultation, demonstrating effective communication, with clients, peers, academics, and health care professionals as well as meeting legal and ethical requirements.

Unit details

Location:
City Queen
Online
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HBD3102

Prerequisites

HBD2202 - Dermal Sciences 2

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Contextualise clinical skin analysis to dermal therapy procedures;  
  2. Exhibit the ability to perform a clinical skin analysis and document the process to the level required of a professional dermal clinician;  
  3. Critically review and select appropriate assessment tools and techniques for clinical practice and research activities;  
  4. Adapt theory and practice of skin assessment and referral when required if skin conditions present outside the scope of the dermal clinician.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Case Study Written Case Study (1000 words) 20%
Journal Weekly Journal Activities (3000 words) 40%
Exercise Clinical Skin Evaluation Report (60 mins) 40%
To pass this unit, students must achieve an aggregate score of 50%, and pass the practical assessments. The practical assessments are a hurdle requirement that assesses a student's capabilities to perform the relevant modalities. An additional hurdle requirement is that students attend a minimum of 90% of clinic sessions to further demonstrate their practical skills and capabilities in a clinical setting.

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