Medicine A100 BSc (Hons)

In the first year of the course, the modules emphasise the interrelationships between the pre-clinical sciences.

• Foundations of Medicine 1: provides a general overview of the structure and functions of the body systems from the microscopic to the macroscopic level, and includes strands of microbiology, public health and health psychology. This module:
  • reviews fundamental aspects of molecular and cellular medicine.
  • gives a preliminary introduction to medical ethics and communication skills relevant to medicine.
  • uses clinical problems to develop an understanding of the levels of consciousness and the assessment of health status.
  • includes an anatomical overview of the major body systems and the dissection of the back.
  • provides opportunities to speak to patients with chronic health problems in the Medical School environment.
  • provides the opportunity to attend a community-based clinical placement.
• Foundations of Medicine 2: continues the introduction of fundamental topics, including the principles of disease mechanisms and therapy, and the development of communication skills. The first body system (themusculo-skeletal system) is visited in detail. This module:
• provides an in-depth study of the musculo-skeletal system, including nerve and muscle physiology. The anatomy of the upper and lower limbs will be studied by dissection and lecture.
• develops an understanding of principles of disease mechanisms and therapy.
• introduces particular topics in behavioural sciences (e.g. stress, coping and pain).
• introduces concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacy.
• reviews genetics and the effects of genes on development and disease.
• provides further opportunities for exposure to clinical problems relevant to the teaching.

The Honours programme, which runs through both second and third year, focuses in detail upon the normal function and dysfunction of specific physiological systems.

The two modules in second year take an integrated approach to the scientific basis of medicine in Honours. They build upon the material delivered in first year and introduce new concepts.

• Medicine Honours 1: covers the structure and functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Medicine Honours 2: covers the renal, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems.

Both second year modules:

• introduce the disease mechanisms and therapy of disorders pertinent to the body systems covered.
• cover the body systems through cadaveric dissection, including the integration with clinical imaging.
• use relevant clinical problems and clinical skills to provide a clinical context.
• integrate the ethical, moral and behavioural aspects relevant to these systems.
• provide a series of community attachments in primary health care settings.

In third year, the first semester focuses on complex integrative physiological systems (central nervous system and endocrine organs). Semester 2 is focused on a significant student-selected research project, and Semester 3 is focused on applying medicine and developing clinical skills.

• Medicine Honours 3: revisits foundation knowledge and progresses to more complex systems. This module:
  • provides in-depth coverage of normal structure and function of the central nervous system and endocrine systems.
  • introduces diseases and possible therapies pertinent to these important control systems.
  • presents case studies associated with the central nervous system and endocrine systems to highlight appropriate clinical skills for the identification of neurological and endocrinological disorders.
  • utilises cadaveric dissection, including covering aspects of radiology.
  • integrates ethical issues and behavioural science with clinical medicine.
  • provides hospital (secondary care) clinical attachments.

• Medicine Honours 4 (Student-Selected Component): you will undertake a student-selected component in the form of a research project. The research project will enable you to pursue an area of your own particular interest at an advanced level and further develop critical appraisal skills. Research projects will provide the opportunity for:
  • developing an understanding of scientific methods.
  • gaining competency in using literature searching methods.
  • developing an inquisitive and questioning attitude and ability to apply rational thought processes.
  • preparing a scientific research dissertation demonstrating critical thinking and analysis.
  • giving an oral presentation on the research findings.
  • developing reflective practice using a portfolio entry for a significant learning event.

• Medicine Honours 5 (Applied Medical Science): consolidates knowledge acquired throughout the course and introduces new advanced skills to stimulate clinical development. This course is taught primarily by clinicians (including Honorary staff), and case studies will be used extensively to direct student learning. This module:
  • reviews clinical anatomy in preparation for later clinical training.
  • provides the opportunity to significantly advance student clinical and communication skills in terms of patient examination techniques and associated procedures.
  • provides an opportunity for multi-disciplinary team working through a ward-simulation scenario involving other health professionals.
  • develops the ability to recognise disease patterns and clinical reasoning.