MD1B1-15 Concepts in Health and Medical Sciences.
Introductory description
As this is the core concepts module that starts the course, students will be introduced to a range of topics and concepts spanning health, biomedical and medical sciences.
Module aims
This module aims to give students a basic grounding in key topics, theories, principles, language, nomenclature and learning activities which will underpin ongoing study in the health and medical sciences. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the different skills, techniques and perspectives that will frame ongoing study.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Throughout the module, students will be introduced to concepts and terminologies used by the biomedical, medical, and health sciences disciplines. The module will cover key topics, theories, and principles, and will enable students to develop the confidence and capability to build on their pre-existing knowledge while gaining a new perspective to navigate and integrate information within these disciplines.
In the biomedical and medical sciences, students will be introduced to core biological concepts from the level of atoms to systems within the human body. Students will develop an enhanced appreciation for the complex molecular mechanisms that underpin the normal function of cells and the consequences of disrupting these processes. Students will also start building on their knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology preparing them for modules to come.
In the health sciences, core concepts in health and illness including psychological and sociological perspectives will be introduced along with key considerations informed by health economics. Incidence and prevalence are important concepts in disease and will be introduced alongside an introduction to epidemiological concepts and methods. The concept of patient perspective in research and healthcare will also be explored. Concepts in medical and health sciences will invoke a consideration of the ethical and medical legal dimension of health and how important these fields are when considering equitable human health and wellbeing.
Students will be introduced to effective skills for academic writing, study skills and case-based learning including its application as a pedagogical approach and the chief instructional method of this course.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- 1. Describe and explain the key concepts, theories and principles which will underpin an understanding of health and medical sciences
- 2. Demonstrate appropriate use of standard terminology and nomenclature across disciplines of health sciences, biomedical science and medical science.
- 3. Extract, compile and interrelate relevant information from a variety of resources
- 4. Demonstrate integration of information and concepts across the disciplines of health sciences and medical sciences
- 5. Apply academic writing skills appropriate for scientific audience and context
Indicative reading list
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Knowledge of health and medical sciences specific language, terms and nomenclature
Knowledge of the underpinning concepts of health and medical sciences, and their basic interrelationships
Transferable skills
Self-directed learning, group learning, evidence-based approach to problem solving, time management, integration of information
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 sessions of 1 hour (14%) |
| Seminars | 16 sessions of 1 hour (11%) |
| Practical classes | 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 14 sessions of 1 hour (9%) |
| Private study | 34 hours (23%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Students will be expected to engage in 94 hours of self-directed learning outside of other learning and teaching activities outlined above. We anticipate that ~60% of this time (60h) is spent on preparation for assessments and background reading.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessed Coursework | 70% | 40 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Written report on a case scenario containing glossary of terms |
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| Locally Timetabled Examination - Synoptic Paper | 30% | 20 hours | No |
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Integrates information across four modules (Concepts, systems, illness, wellbeing modules). Questions will be single best answer and short answer questions. |
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Feedback on assessment
Students will receive feedback on case scenario (Word count: 500) as well as undertaking a writing exercise. Both activities will support the students with their summative assessments. Both summative assignments will be marked using standardised rubrics, which will provide constructive feedback to the students (including individualised feedback) in line with WMS assessment criteria (including submission to Plagiarism software). Further verbal feedback will be available to students on request. Every student who fails an element will be offered an appointment for face to face feedback.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences