Program Overview

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Introduction to the Medicine MBChB Program

The Medicine MBChB program at the University of Dundee is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become a qualified doctor. The program is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying the human body and to develop the professional skills required for a successful medical career.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods on the program include:

• Lectures
• Small group teaching
• Case-based teaching
• Interactive quizzes
• Formative assessment
• Hands-on dissection sessions
• Simulation-based learning
• Ward-based experience
• Clinical placements
• Digital resources

Assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Case discussions
• Self-directed research
• Online exams (usually multiple choice)
• Anatomy spot tests
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exams)
• Portfolio

Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs)

OSCEs are designed to test clinical capabilities through a series of scenarios. Students are presented with a problem in a simulated ward setting and are assessed on their response. This may involve performing a clinical task or responding to an actor simulating patient symptoms. OSCEs are an effective way to evaluate knowledge and practical skills, as well as the ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.

Professional Portfolio

Each year, students are required to reflect on their progress, ensuring they have developed core skills and aspects of professional practice. This reflective practice is a crucial component of the program, facilitating personal and professional growth.

Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)

The MLA is a mandatory assessment for all doctors practicing in the UK. It consists of two parts: an applied knowledge test and a professional skills assessment. Students undertake this assessment to ensure they are licensed to practice as doctors upon graduation.

Modules

The program is structured into levels, each with its specific focus and learning objectives.

Levels 1-3

• Foundations of Medicine Block: An introductory block covering the scientific principles that underpin human body function.
• Systems-Based Teaching: Focuses on the body's organ systems, with themed weeks according to common patient presentations.
• Clinical Skills: Developed through clinical skills practice, meeting real patients, and ward experience from the start of Level 1.
• Spiral Curriculum: Dundee's approach to curriculum design, where foundational knowledge is laid from day one and built upon throughout the course.

Clinical Skills Centre (CSC)

The CSC is a purpose-built, simulation-based education facility equipped with replica wards. It provides a realistic environment for students to develop clinical skills, including:

• Taking a case history
• Blood sampling
• Infection control
• Assessing and documenting vital signs
• Communicating with patients and healthcare professionals

The CSC also features a multipurpose simulation suite for participating in simulated exercises, such as dealing with trauma victims, cardiac arrest scenarios, and managing a deteriorating patient. A mix of mannequins, actors, and real patients is used throughout simulation training.

Student Selected Components (SSCs)

SSCs are self-directed opportunities for students to focus on an area of medicine that interests them. This can be achieved through placements or projects under the supervision of a subject expert. Examples include:

• Clinical placements in different specialties
• Community outreach projects
• Project collaborations with other schools
• Quality improvement projects
• Development work in innovation and technology

SSCs are delivered in years 2, 3, and 5 of the program.

Levels 4-5

Clinical Teaching

These levels focus on developing practical skills in preparation for the role of a junior doctor. The program includes:

• A transition block to optimize ward-based learning
• Clinical attachments in various hospitals and primary care centers
• Exploration of a wide range of clinical problems, focusing on the patient as a whole

Clinical Attachments

Students rotate through a series of clinical attachments, spending time in all clinical specialties taught earlier in the program. In Level 5, this includes working as a Foundation Assistant for 8 weeks, shadowing and learning from ward doctors.

Electives

During Level 5, students have the opportunity to undertake an 8-week elective, which can be overseas. This period of clinical practice is self-organized, allowing students to focus on their objectives.

The Medicine MBChB program at the University of Dundee is designed to provide a comprehensive medical education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience to produce well-rounded, competent doctors ready to embark on their medical careers.