Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	Foundations of Medical Science and Practice 1: Cell Science, Endocrinology, Neurones and Society
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Birmingham Medical School
Module Code	01 26398
Module Lead	Antje Lindenmeyer
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-89 hours Tutorial-20 hours Practical Classes and workshops-24 hours Guided independent study-267 hours Total: 400 hours
Exclusions
Description	The first in a series of 4 ‘core’ modules spanning both the Biological Sciences and Medicine in Society elements of the course. Comprising of the following components: Molecules to Medicine: This component will begin by looking at cells as the building blocks of tissues and organs. The basic cellular processes that are essential to the formation, maintenance and function of tissues will be considered. Leading on from this, the events of early development, from fertilisation and implantation to establishment of the body plan and formation of the major organ systems, will be reviewed. The structure of DNA and the process of DNA replication will be considered, followed by a look at how DNA is packaged into chromosomes. The principles of gene expression and a consideration of how DNA sequence information is converted into protein by transcription and translation will be explained. The final section of the component will show how basic genetic concepts, can explain clinical problems encountered by individuals and families, building on the structure, function and transmission of DNA. This will be coupled with a consideration of how an understanding of the modes of inheritance is vital for clinical care. Cellular Communication, Endocrinology & Pharmacology: This component introduces the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which cells communicate, and goes on to cover the normal function of the endocrine system and the causes, effects and treatment of endocrine disease. The component also covers the basic principles of pharmacology. Neurones and Synapses: The component starts with an account of the unique properties of neurones and their relationship with glia. This will lead on to considering the ways in which neurones are organised into networks and how they communicate with each other by chemical and electrical means. The component will primarily focus on the actions of the peripheral nervous system and the different muscle types that it innervates. This component will introduce the fundamental principles of neuroscience that will act as a foundation, both for other modules within the 1st year and for the more complex neuroscience concepts that will be studied in the 2nd year component, “Brain and Behaviour”. The component content will be covered from the standpoint of a variety disciplines physiology, pharmacology and anatomy can be integrated and will also be applied in case-based scenarios. Clinical Applications: Several recent studies show that medical students and junior doctors do not feel confident about assessing the neurological system and perceive the management of neurological conditions as difficult. Such disorders are common, and with the ageing population and increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disease, are set to increase still further. A key prerequisite to confident assessment of the nervous system and appropriate clinical management of neurological disease is a sound understanding of basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, such as the student will obtain from this component People, Patients and Populations: This component will introduce students to; the relationship between health and illness; the communication, epidemiological, ethical and legal, psychological and sociological factors that influence individuals’, patients’ and populations’ experience of health and illness; the factors that mediate between individuals, patients and healthcare providers. The component will also introduce the theoretical principles of ethics and law, psychology, public health and epidemiology, and medical sociology that are relevant to these issues.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Doctor as a Scholar Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, structure and function of cells Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation and function of tissues, recognising their importance to the operation of systems Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in embryology, recognising their importance to an understanding of body systems Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the genome, how it is maintained and expressed Appreciate the general organisation of the human nervous system Demonstrate an understanding of the basic functional organisation of the peripheral nervous system Demonstrate an understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms by which the function of the peripheral nervous system may be modified Demonstrate an understanding of the structure, function and innervation of different muscle cell types and consequences of trauma and dysfunction Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major processes involved in the development of the nervous system. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of cell to cell communication in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Demonstrate an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which cells communicate. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the properties of the endocrine system Demonstrate an understanding of the pathological processes that may affect cell communication and their clinical manifestations and management Recognise that there is a relationship between health and illness that has psychological, social and ethical dimensions Demonstrate an understanding of the different ways in which health and ill-health can be described in populations, and how these relate to the provision of health services Demonstrate and understanding of the theoretical principles that underlie ethical, legal, epidemiological, psychological and sociological concepts that define people, patients and populations Describe the social, epidemiological and psychological factors that are major determinants of health and health behaviour Doctor as a Practitioner Demonstrate an understanding of genetics, recognising the increasing importance of the discipline in medicine. Demonstrate an initial understanding of the fundamental concepts of pharmacology and its importance to the practice of medicine Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the doctor/patient relationship and the process of the consultation, and the factors within these than impact on effective health care Doctor as a Professional Recognise the boundaries between lay and professional beliefs and behaviours and that these can sometimes generate conflict
Assessment	26398-01 : Foundation 1 Overall Mark : Exam (School Arranged) - Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	EXAM: MCQ (N=100), VSAQ (N=30), SAQ (N=13) ABREVIATION KEY: MCQ = multiple choice question//SAQ = short Answer question//VSAQ = very short answer question
Other	None
Reading List