Medical Sciences BSc

Programme structure

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Our Medical Sciences degree prioritises the science that underpins medicine and clinical practice, preparing you to translate scientific discoveries and technological advances into improved healthcare. To achieve this, the first part of the programme gives you a wide-ranging insight into how the human body normally works. We study this through small-group sessions (in the Integrated Clinical Science and Expanding Horizons modules), lectures and hands-on laboratory practicals.

We then build upon this foundation to see how things can go wrong in the body due to disease and trauma and how normal function might be restored. We are keen that you develop a holistic understanding of human health. For example, whilst pharmaceutical intervention may be appropriate in some conditions, other conditions might be helped more by using technology or engineering. You will be able to see this for yourself, thanks to the wide range of placements that run throughout the programme.

Your final year will be spent specialising in the area that interests you most, tailoring your degree to match your specific career ambitions. You’ll also undertake a two-term long independent research project under the supervision of an academic.

Year 1

In your first year you will explore the science that underpins the advancement of modern medical practice. The emphasis is on understanding the normal functioning of the human body, from enzymes through to whole biological systems. Without this core knowledge of how the body works, it would be impossible for us, as scientists, to devise the new diagnostic tests, drugs or treatments that will best benefit patients.

Alongside traditional lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, you will engage in small group work where you are given the freedom to explore a scientific topic under the expert guidance of one of our tutors (in the Integrated Clinical Science and Expanding Horizons modules). Further tutor-guided learning occurs within our Life Science Resource Centre, supported by state-of-the-art technology-enhanced learning resources (the Integrated Clinical Science module). Your core laboratory skills will be developed through laboratory-based practicals that run alongside and support your other sessions. Some sessions also involve a doctor, scientist and patient to explore key clinical cases from three different perspectives.

You will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio, in which you chart your progress from a new student to a professional individual ready for the world of employment. You will do this by analysing your academic performance and the frequent feedback offered by the school to identify opportunities for personal and professional development to help you achieve your career goals. Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your Personal Tutor and through various workshops and training sessions.

Compulsory modules CodeModuleCredits CSC1001 Integrated Clinical Sciences 1 30 CSC1002 Expanding Horizons 1 15 CSC1003 Fundamental Principles for a Medical Scientist 15 BIO1341 Biochemistry and Genetics 30 BIO1342 Microbiology and Cells 1 30 Year 2

The second year focuses on the scientific basis of important diseases, beginning with some fundamental insights into the ways in which human biology goes awry in disease. This knowledge is then used to explore how cutting-edge scientific technologies can be exploited to advance disease diagnosis and treatment.

Within a variety of learning environments, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals and small group learning, you will have opportunities to investigate and debate how disease develops and how healthcare can be improved. Key aspects of applied research are explored, including clinical research methods and its design and setting within healthcare environments. Your understanding of these areas develops through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities which enhance your practical research skills and knowledge of contemporary medical research issues.

Compulsory modules CodeModuleCredits CSC2001 Integrated Clinical Sciences 2 30 CSC2002 Expanding Horizons 2 15 CSC2003 Principles of Good Clinical Practice and Research 30 BIO2098 Microbiology and Cells 2 30 CSC2009 Anatomical Sciences 30 Optional modules

Students will need to select ONE of the following modules:

CodeModuleCredits BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene 15 BIO2090 Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry 15 BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics 15 BIO2094 Molecular Microbiology 15 CSC2008 Immunopathology 30 Year 3

In your final year you have opportunities to study and undertake research to help improve current medical knowledge and practice. In addition to the core modules, you can select from a range of optional specialist advanced modules, enabling you to tailor your degree to match your own specific interests and career ambitions.

You will look at authentic and complex clinical case scenarios and, working as a team, apply evidence-based scientific theory and explore emerging new health technologies to help improve patient health. During this year, you will undertake a clinical/medical research project, closely supervised by an expert research professional.

You will complete your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio. Support will be provided to help you consider your career options and help consolidate your CV and interview technique.

Compulsory modules CodeModuleCredits CSC4001 Integrated Clinical Sciences 4 30 CSC4002 Expanding Horizons 4 (Independent Research Project and PDP) 45 CSC4003 Psychology Applied to Health 30 Optional modules

Students may select 45 credits of optional modules.

CodeModuleCredits CSC4004 Managing Clinical Trials: Putting Science into Practice 15 PAM2901 Medical Imaging-Principles and Applications 15

Subject to confirmation, Biosciences hope to offer the following options to Medical Sciences students:

CodeModuleCredits BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity 15 BIO3079 Molecular Basis of Infection 15 BIO3085 Horizons of Biochemical Research 15 BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease 15 BIO3095 Parasitology 15 BIO3041 Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry 15 BIO3077 Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology 15 BIO3080 Microbial Effectors of Disease 15 BIO3092 Bioinformatics 15 BIO3093 Energy Metabolism 15