MSci Clinical Sciences (Reproduction and Women’s Health)

The University of Birmingham

This undergraduate masters degree should benefit you both in the short term, in relation to career progression, but also in the long term by broadening your understanding of academic medicine. The Clinical Sciences degree introduces you to translational research; clinical and laboratory research that is aimed at moving laboratory research to the bedside. In particular, the course involves a seven month extended research project in your chosen specialist subject stream allowing you to gain substantial, direct experience of modern medical research. A wide range of projects are available to choose from including both laboratory based and data analysis designs. Many students present their findings at national conferences or have had their work published. In addition you will receive a range of lectures that highlight topics of current debate.

Upon successful completion of both taught elements and the research project, students will graduate with MSci Clinical Sciences or a specialism. The specialist streams currently available are: • MSci Clinical Sciences (Endocrinology and Metabolism) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Reproduction and Women’s Health) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Cardiovascular Sciences) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Cancer Sciences) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Geriatric Medicine and the Biology of Ageing) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Immunotherapy) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Microbiology & Infectious Diseases) • MSci Clinical Sciences (Ophthalmology)

The course consists of:

• a research project which leads to a thesis to be submitted in March/April. Students spend approximately 60% of their time on their research projects

• a 20 credit module in your specialist stream subject area

• a 20 credit taught module (Clinical Bioinformatics and Statistics) which will provide you with training in analysis of large clinical and laboratory data sets, including genomics

• a 20 credit taught module from a selection in the various disciplines of Clinical Sciences

Examples of optional modules that have previously been run are: Immunology and Liver Disease: Applications of Immunotherapy; Cancer:

Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Endocrinology and Metabolism; An Overview of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science; Reproduction and Women’s Health; Ophthalmology; Rheumatology and Orthopaedics; Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Geriatric Medicine and the Biology of Ageing.

The Reproduction and Women’s Health module comprises taught sessions and observation days following specialists in women’s health which may include foetal medicine, reproductive health, and IVF clinics. The module adopts a life course approach to Women’s Health via teaching across three themes: foetal, maternal/reproduction and women’s health. There are two cross-cutting themes of Global health and ethical and legal aspects. Taught learning will focus on the following aspects: 1) Foetal stream – embryology, congenital anomalies, screening and diagnosis in pregnancy, genetics, pre-pregnancy care; 2) Maternal/Reproduction theme – advances in diseases of pregnancy, placental pathology, post-partum care, reproductive health and care; 3) Women’s Health – cancer, menopause, infertility.

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of how understanding the endocrinology of reproduction, embryology, placental development and pathology and genetics can help to direct the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in Women’s health.

• Identify areas of current active research within Women’s Health and explain the methodologies being used.

• Examine the factors that lead to the development of complications of pregnancy and women’s health and current treatments available

• Evaluate the rationale of the current treatment strategies by using your knowledge and understanding of endocrinology, reproduction, the placenta and genetics

• Display the ability to critically analyse scientific literature in this field of research.

Entry Requirements

Building on work already undertaken within your medical studies, you may take the programme between the third and fourth, or fourth and fifth years of a medical degree. Applications are also accepted from pharmacy and dental students and students who have completed their medical degrees.

To be considered for the programme you will have to demonstrate that your performance in your current degree is equivalent to a 1 or 2.1 in a standard classified degree.

Details and application deadlines of bursaries and awards are sent to all students at the start of the programme. At the end of the year prizes are also awarded to the top performing students in a number of categories.

How To Apply To apply, please complete our online application form found here.

Current University of Birmingham students should use this form.

Further information can be obtained from Fiona Collard (Programme Administrator), email: intercalclinscience@contacts.bham.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)121 414 8190

Closing Date

Please contact our Intercalation team mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk to make enquiries and apply.