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University of Exeter Medical School

Translational Medical Science

Module titleTranslational Medical Science
Module codeCSC3019
Academic year2022/3
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Patrick Hamilton (Lecturer)

Dr Daniela Souto Patinha (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

180

Module description

Translational Medical Science (TMS) teaching builds on the biomedical knowledge you obtained in previous modules such as Integrated Human Physiology, Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics and Experimental Design and Statistics . During years 1 and 2 you explored normal physiology and function and applied your learning to mechanisms of disease. The technologies and techniques available for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease were also discussed. TMS is centred on the critical appraisal of cutting-edge research and new developments in clinical and medical technologies. The timetabled sessions include presentations and interactive discussions led by experts in the subject of each topic, in combination with structured small group learning (SSGL) centred on clinical science ‘trigger’ scenarios. In addition, there are workshops to improve your critical analysis and writing skills.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module enables you to practise:

• Applying fundamental research to contemporary healthcare problems.

• Evaluating current healthcare practice and its associated underpinning research evidence, to synthesise potential new healthcare solutions.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Apply key medical science principles underpinning the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • 2. Demonstrate an awareness of key human science principles associated with human health and disease.
  • 3. Discuss the fundamental contemporary theoretical, cultural and ethical bases of basic and applied medical research practice within the UK and wider global community contexts.
  • 4. Evaluate the key principles and challenges for healthcare planning and delivery, including the development and implementation of new health technologies.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Demonstrate an integrated and detailed knowledge and understanding of the core biomedical science principles
  • 6. Apply skills of critical thinking, problem-formulation and problem-solving to medical science practice.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 7. Manage time, workload, ambiguity, change and stress effectively.
  • 8. Demonstrate professional competence in communicating with peers, academic staff and/or healthcare professionals.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
You will explore and discuss evidence-based solutions to a variety of clinical problems by identifying, critically interpreting and refining pertinent questions and appropriate technologies which may offer effective solutions to clinical trigger scenarios. There will be an emphasis in linking basic science to the clinical management of key illnesses/diseases and the exploration of emerging research articles that may be of potential future clinical benefit.

Indicative topic areas:

Diabetes, inherited/genetic diseases, epigenetics, respiratory disease, autoimmunity, viral triggers of disease, cancer, renal and cardiovascular disease, aging, personalised medicine, neurology, obesity, stem cell therapy, gene therapy and nutrition and sports in health.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
54246

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching1Introductory lecture
Scheduled Learning & Teaching26Student led small group sessions (1hr (30min+30min) intro SSGL + 10 x 1hr + 10 x 1.5hr)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching20Expert facilitated sessions (10 x 2hr)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching4Workshop sessions (2 x 2hr)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities3Small group sessions with literature review provider (2x1.5hr)
Guided Independent Study10Introductory lectures and learning (10x1hr)
Guided Independent Study85Preparation for small group learning
Guided Independent Study74Researching and writing literature review
Guided Independent Study77Exam revision

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Peer evaluated group workAcross 10 sessions1-8Feedback via peers

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
55450

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Written Review404.5 pages (~2500 words)1-8Written
Contribution Element, consisting of:
1) Completing short on-line quizzes 51) about 20-301-8Oral or written (on request)
2) Creating short resources for the SSGL sessions 52) minimum of 101-8Oral or written (on request)
3) Group presentation53) 2 presentations, one each term1-8Oral or written (on request)
Short Answer Examination453 hours1-6Written (on request)

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written Review (40%)Written Review (4.5 pages)1-8Ref/Def period
Contribution Element, consisting of:
1) Completing short on-line quizzes (5%)1) Completing short on-line quizzes (about 20-30)1-8Ref/Def period
2) Creating short resources for the SSGL sessions (5%)2) Creating short resources for the SSGL sessions (min of 10)1-8Ref/Def period
3) Group Presentations (5%)3) Individual presentation1-8Ref/Def period
Short Answer Examination (45%)Short answer examination (3 hours)1-6Ref/Def period

Re-assessment notes

Please also refer to the TQA section on general Referral/Deferral guidelines: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/  

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

The recommended texts for the course are posted on ELE. Students are also expected to read and appraise critically contemporary landmark original research articles.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Resources for each two week topic will be available on ELE.

Key words search

Medical science, medical technologies, diseases, bioscience, diagnosis

 

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

CSC2012 Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics or alternative prior biomedical science learning

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

16/04/2012

Last revision date

28/02/2022