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Undergraduate School Of Medical Sciences 2021-2022

SM1001: INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL SCIENCES

15 credits

Level 1

First Term

  • Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
  • Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
  • Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.

SM1501: THE CELL

15 credits

Level 1

Second Term

  • cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science;
  • this course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies;
  • all practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology;
  • employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise

SM2001: FOUNDATION SKILLS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES

15 credits

Level 2

First Term

  • this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science; 
  • feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability;
  • numerical, analytical, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio;
  • this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have been commended by employers and students alike.


SM2501: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES

15 credits

Level 2

Second Term

  • this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
  • it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
  • you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
  • these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways

SM3001: FRONTIERS OF MOLECULAR MEDICAL SCIENCES

30 credits

Level 3

First Term

  • This course covers many of the core technologies that are essential for advanced research in molecular medical sciences and will demonstrate how they have allowed us to push the boundaries of medicine beyond anything we could possibly have imagined just a few years ago
  • You will gain in-depth and focussed knowledge of core experimental approaches and technologies and their practical applications
  • Most especially, you will see how these cutting edge technologies have led the fight against Covid-19 and have allowed us to develop stunningly-effective vaccines in a fraction of the time normally required, and how gene therapies are allowing us to develop treatments and deliver hope to those suffering from previously-incurable genetic disorders  
  • (Hopefully), you will see the incredible future and opportunities this subject offers for the development of treatments for any number of unmet medical needs, and the potential benefits to humanity waiting to be tapped into (in your future careers!)  
  • You will acquire core practical laboratory skills
  • This course will prepare you for advanced study of molecular medical sciences
  • Wider transferrable skills such as creativity, independent research, analytical thinking, problem-solving and advanced laboratory techniques are interwoven strands aimed at developing graduate attributes and employability

SM3002: FRONTIERS OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

30 credits

Level 3

First Term

  • this course covers many of the core concepts which form the foundations for advanced study in Biomedical and related sciences;
  • you will gain cutting edge, in-depth and focussed knowledge of cell function and cell signalling delivered in a research-driven environment in preparation for advanced study of similar material in the honours year; 
  • you will research a topic of choice and prepare a scientific review in a similar fashion to academic staff; 
  • problem solving exercises designed to illustrate the application of your knowledge in the wider world and advanced laboratory techniques are interwoven strands aimed at developing graduate attributes and employability

SM3003: FRONTIERS OF APPLIED MEDICAL SCIENCES

30 credits

Level 3

First Term

  • this course covers many of the core concepts which are essential for advanced study in Applied Medical and related sciences; 
  • you will gain cutting edge, in depth and focussed knowledge of applied human physiology and adaptation delivered in a research-driven environment in addition to core practical skills; 
  • this will prepare you for advanced study of exercise physiology in the context of performance, health and disease; 
  • wider transferrable skills such as employment preparation, problem solving, and advanced laboratory techniques are interwoven strands aimed at developing graduate attributes and employability

SM4901: MEDICAL SCIENCE DATA ANALYSIS PAPER

0 credits

Level 4

Second Term

Data Analysis examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.

SM4902: MEDICAL SCIENCE GENERAL ESSAY PAPER

0 credits

Level 4

Second Term

General Essay examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.

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