Course Structure
Four main themes underpin the course and feature throughout the four years:
Basic and Clinical Sciences
This theme provides you with the fundamental knowledge of the structure, function and development of the normal human body that will underpin your medical practice. Consideration will be given to all levels of organisation from the molecular and cellular, to organ systems and the whole individual. Included in this theme are anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and physiology as well as the scientific aspects of all the clinical disciplines, such as cardiology, obstetrics & gynaecology, neurology, urology, orthopaedics and rheumatology etc.
Patient and Doctor
Through this theme, students are equipped with the skills used by a doctor during direct patient contact. Learning will develop the clinical, communication and interpersonal skills necessary for medical practice.
Community and Population Health
Insights from the biological, social and psychological disciplines will be used in this theme to develop a way of thinking and working that considers the social factors underlying various health issues. Public Health Medicine, General Practice and Epidemiology are also prominent in this theme.
Personal and Professional Development
The context of practice has an impact on an individual doctor and on the profession as a whole. In order to function effectively within the medical community, it is essential to relate to the wider world, to recognise forces for change and to be able to understand external views of the profession. This theme covers medical ethics and the law relating to medicine, critical thinking and critical appraisal, interprofessional education, and professional behaviour.
Basic and Clinical Sciences is the largest theme in terms of its content, as it incorporates the majority of the factual knowledge students require to qualify and register with the appropriate regulatory bodies in your country. However, all four themes are of equal importance in equipping the student for a professional lifetime as a medical practitioner.
Teaching is based around six modules:
Life Cycle
Dealing with the key processes in human procreation, development and demise, some of the most fascinating and important aspects of life are covered during this module:
- Reproduction and Development
- Child Health (Paediatrics)
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Sexual Health
- Ageing
- Death
Life Protection
Developing two interwoven concepts, the normal mechanisms which defend the human organism and community from environmental and biological attack, and the disease mechanisms which operate when these defences fail or become inappropriate:
- Immunology
- Infection
- Haematology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health Medicine
Life Support
Challenging you to tackle diseases to the heart, lungs or circulation by teaching the normal structure and workings of these vital organs, how organ malfunctions cause disease, and how medical therapies work:
- Cardio-respiratory system
- Cardiology/Cardiovascular Surgery
- Respiratory Medicine
- ENT
Life Maintenance
Addressing the mechanisms, clinical manifestations and management of renal, gastrointestinal, liver and endocrine disorders which are either commonly encountered or illustrate important scientific or clinical issues:
- Nutrition
- Alimentary System, including liver
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Renal Medicine
- Urology
Life Structure
Providing an understanding of the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and skin at microscopic and macroscopic levels followed by the causes and consequences of injury and illness:
- Musculoskeletal system, including connective tissue
- Rheumatology
- Orthopaedics
- Traumatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Skin and Dermatology
Life Control
Examining the workings of the nervous system as a whole to provide a sound scientific basis for understanding disorders of the nervous system:
- Nervous system
- Neurology/Neurosurgery
- Vision and Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
The curriculum is organised as follows:
| Clinical Science | |
|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Clinical Sciences | Year 1 |
| Clinical Practice | |
| Transitional Year | Year 2 |
| Penultimate Year | Year 3 |
| Final Year | Year 4 |
| Student Selected Components | Years 1, 2 and 4 |
In addition to core activities you will have the opportunity to study a subject of your own, choosing from a range of Student Selected Components.
On this course you can expect to gain clinical experience from the outset, completing your first full-time attachment in Year Two. Clinical attachments will take place in a range of hospital and community settings to ensure that you receive a broad education. The intranet at St George’s will provide you with key resources, regardless of where you are studying.