Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	Research Methodologies in the History of Medicine
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Birmingham Medical School
Module Code	01 21473
Module Lead	Mr R G Arnott
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Intercalated BMedSc (History of Medicine) - compulsory module
Exclusions
Description	This module is concerned with both training in historical method and methodological approaches (e.g. historiography) as well as approaching particular issues in the history of medicine. Students will explore a number of topics and seek to introduce themselves to different research techniques in the field, particularly withy a view to providing them with the necessary research skills. In doing so, they will focus on a number of concepts of health and disease, from, antiquity to the present day, stressing the relationship between practitioner and patient and healthcare systems through the ages.
Learning Outcomes	On completion of the module the student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of historical research methodologies; 2. Show competence in the critical appraisal of the literature; 3. Demonstrate a general understanding of the relevance of the history of medicine to medical practice and research; 4. Apply critical argument skills in essays and presentations; 5. Demonstrate the use of the skills developed in essays, presentations and dissertations.
Assessment	21473-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,000 word bibliographical essay - 50% 1 x written essay (3,000 words) - 50%
Other
Reading List	Carr, E H. 1990. What is History? 2nd ed. Harmondsworth. Evans, R J. 1997. In Defence of History. Chapter one. London. Webster, C. The Historiography of Medicine in Corsi, P & Weindling, P J (eds). 1983. Information Sources for the History of Science and Medicine. London.