Medical Sciences Pathway

The Medical Sciences Pathway focuses on the scientific basis of medicine, and aims to train the medical researchers of tomorrow. As such, the programme places a high value on understanding the fundamental basis of human biology and behaviour but has a strong emphasis on academic study skills.

This pathway is flexible as it will prepare you for a number of clinically-related degrees. This includes Medical Science (BMedSci) that introduces students to the wide range of biological sciences such as molecular and cell biology, physiology and pharmacology that underpin medicine and medical research. Alternatively, a degree in Biomedical Materials Science combines aspects of biological processes and materials science to allow students to understand the development of the artificial materials and devices used in medical or dental practice, for example, artificial hips, heart valves or contact lenses. We also offer progression to Pharmacy (MPharm), the professionally-regulated degree that links the chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and healthcare sciences to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines and promote patient safety.

These degrees provide an excellent foundation for career development, with many of our science graduates going on to use their skills in employment, for example in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. In addition, a large proportion of our students go on to further study, either in medical research by studying at PhD or Masters level, or in the clinical professions.

The Medical Sciences Pathway will lead you towards an undergraduate degree in one of the following:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Materials Science
  • Human Biology
  • Medical Science
  • Pharmacy
  • Psychology 
  • Sport and Exercise Sciences

Please note: This pathway does not lead to Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Nursing (BNurs) Dental Surgery (BDS) or BSc Physiotherapy.

Special conditions apply to progression to Pharmacy (MPharm). Further information regarding progression to Pharmacy will be added soon. Please e-mail us directly if you are interested in progression to Pharmacy on foundation-academy@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Dental Surgery (BDS) and Nursing (BNurs) is unfortunately not available for International students.

If you are interested in studying Medicine and Surgery, or Physiotherapy, you will need to apply through direct undergraduate entry only. The University of Birmingham accepts A’Levels, International Baccalaureate or the American high school system. Please check if your qualification is accepted for direct entry to the undergraduate programmes at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/country/index.aspx. Applications for direct entry to UK undergraduate programmes can be made through UCAS: www.ucas.com

See the Medical Sciences Pathway progression table 2013 for more information about the undergraduate degrees available for a Foundation Academy student choosing this pathway and the compulsory and optional modules to undertake.

Course fact file

Duration: 1 year / 4 years

Start date: September 2013

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us at:

Email: foundation-academy@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 9292

Details

Medical Sciences pathway modules

Medical Sciences modules
Modules  Credits
Academic English and Study Skills (Term 1)   20
Academic English and Study Skills (Term 2)   20
Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences   20
Introductory Chemistry   10
Introductory Organic Chemistry   10 
Introductory Mathematics   10
Organic Spectroscopy   10
Physical Chemistry   20
Biology   20
Human Biology   20

Module descriptions

Academic English and Study Skills for modules are detailed here.

Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences 

This module will build upon the initial Academic English and Study Skills module to introduce you to the specialist study skills specific to the biological sciences. The focus of this module will be data analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and presentation skills (verbal and written in various formats). Much of your learning will be via student-selected topics that allow you to explore your own interests within the broad field of biology, working in groups and individually.

Introductory Chemistry

This module aims to develop a number of fundamental concepts associated with the discipline of Chemistry. The module will introduce fundamental features of atomic structure, before extending towards compounds, introducing concepts of bonding and oxidation states. The module will then proceed to introduce the general background on physical and chemical changes, in particular what factors need to be considered in such processes.

Introductory Organic Chemistry

This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in basic organic chemistry. Topics you will study include: nomenclature, isomerism, arrow-pushing mechanisms, reactivity of sp,sp2 and sp3 carbon centres and basic organic reaction schemes.

Introductory Mathematics 

This module is aimed at developing your confidence and knowledge in basic mathematical techniques and skills. Topics you will study include: indices and logarithms; basic algebra; elementary geometry; trigonometry functions; vectors; and an introduction to differentiation and integration.

Organic Spectroscopy 

This module is linked to the module Introductory Organic Chemistry. It aims to develop further some of the concepts presented in the introductory module, such as isomerism and arrow-pushing schemes. It also covers structure determination using spectroscopic techniques.

Physical Chemistry 

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry. Topics you will study include: gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. It also includes coverage of acids and bases, solubility and electrochemistry. You will also practise some mathematical techniques within a chemical context.

Biology

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of evolution, genetics, organismal and environmental biology. The focus of the module is on animal, plant and microbial biology but, where necessary, it draws comparisons and makes reference to human biology.

Human Biology

This module will examine the biological mechanisms that underpin the workings of the human body and mind. You will study a broad range of topics, from fundamental cell biology and biochemistry to the function and regulation of tissues and the biological bases of behaviour.

Fees and funding

The Birmingham Foundation Academy Package

The cost of the Birmingham Foundation Academy Package for 2013–2014 is £13,300.

This includes:

  • One year’s tuition fees
  • Books and all classroom equipment

Please note: Accommodation fees are not part of the Birmingham Foundation Academy Package, and will be at your own cost.

Entry requirements

International students:

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in the Birmingham Foundation Academy, a specially structured programme for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on the foundation academy web pages.

How to apply

Learning and teaching

Pharmacists at work

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner, capable of formulating your own ideas and engaging critically with your subject. A key benefit of this approach is that you gain the skills that employers are looking for, such as initiative, teamworking, problem solving and time management.

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that you will be guided and supported to make the transition to become an independent and self-motivated learner. You will have access to a comprehensive academic support system that will assist and encourage you, inlcuding a tuor in your college who will provide help and advice with any study-related issues, and will help you to monitor and reflect on your progress.

Your learning will take place in a range of settings, from scheduled teaching in seminars, lectures and small group tutorials, to peer group learning in which you may, for example, be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation with your classmates.

For more information, please visit Learning at Birmingham

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us at:

Email: foundation-academy@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 9292