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MBBS Year 1 Programme of Study

Fundamentals of Clinical Science 1

Fundamentals of Clinical Science (Years 1 and 2) provides an underpinning learning experience in basic clinical sciences and the foundations of learning in the vertical themes that run through all years of the curriculum.

Systems based learning is delivered as a series of sequential, integrated, systems based modules.

Each module:

  • is based around a physiological system;
  • provides integrated teaching across disciplines;
  • is integrated with the learning within the vertical modules;
  • and is designed to build on knowledge and skills learnt in previous modules.

There are opportunities for early patient contact and for meeting health professionals, to allow you to keep preparation for the practice of medicine firmly in sight.

The aims of the Fundamentals of Clinical Science years are for you to:

  • gain a firm understanding of the scientific knowledge and principles that are relevant to, and essential for, excellence in clinical practice;
  • develop an understanding of science in the context of its application to clinical medicine, organised according to physiological and functional systems (e.g., Circulation and Breathing), rather than by academic disciplines (e.g., physiology, biochemistry and anatomy);
  • understand the application of science to medicine and have the skills to appreciate the methods of scientific research, thereby enabling you to appreciate and understand future advances in medicine;
  • gain a good foundation for the integrated BSc in Year 3;
  • develop the key skills required for data collection and analysis, information retrieval and use of electronic databases, problem solving, report writing and presentation of information and case reports;
  • have opportunities to appreciate the ethical, social and legal dimensions of medicine;
  • have an opportunity for early patient contact and start to develop the foundations of the professional skills required for good patient care;
  • start to develop an understanding of the value of health education, preventive medicine and the natural history of disease;

This will be achieved in Year 1 through:

  • an Introduction and Orientation Module to Year 1;
  • a Foundations of Health and Medical Practice Module, to provide essential core systems knowledge and an introduction to learning in medicine;
  • systems based learning in horizontal modules: Infection and Defence, Circulation and Breathing, and Fluids, Nutrition and Metabolism that occur in sequential blocks during the year;
  • CPP modules that are ongoing throughout the year and extend into the latter years of the programme;
  • three Consolidation, Integration and Feedback weeks';
  • formative assessments throughout the year, include case of the year (CoTY) practice; 
  • maintenance of a portfolio and practical procedures checklist;
  • online written and an online practical CoTY summative assessment towards the end of the year;

Further information can be found on the Assessment And Feedback Moodle Page

UCL Module Catalogue:

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