Four Year Doctor of Medicine (MD4)

In this first module, you will learn about the biological molecules associated with cells, tissues and organs from biochemical and cellular discussions towards a molecular understanding of human disease and pathology. You will learn about normal and abnormal physiological states including homeostasis and how it is controlled via biochemical and genetic means. Cellular control of proliferation, senescence, apoptosis and necrosis will be explored. Histological, biochemical, physiological, and genetic aspects of cancer will be synthesized to develop a comprehensive analysis of the principles of this disease state. You will increase your knowledge of human patterns of genetic inheritance beyond Mendelian concepts with the objective of seeing patients through a genetic lens. Genetic and genomic tests for diagnosis and characterization will be taught so that students will have a broad understanding of the advantages and limitations of these technologies. An overarching theme of this module is to introduce you to the language embedded in pathology tests and to provide an understanding and interpretation of the results. To this end, biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of pharmacology will also be introduced.

This module is an interdisciplinary study of the anatomical, histological, physiological and pharmacological principles of this organ system. The overall goal of this module is to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for understanding the normal gross anatomical and microscopic structures as well as the development and functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Case studies, practical laboratory sessions and small group discussions are an integral component throughout the entire module. The module also exposes you to cadaveric prosections and ultrasound simulation sessions with standardized patients to aide in their understanding of key anatomical concepts and allows them to apply this knowledge to a clinical setting.

This module is an interdisciplinary study of the anatomical, histological, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological principles of these organ systems. The overall goal is to provide you with a sound comprehensive knowledge base for understanding the normal anatomical and microscopic structures, biochemical processes, and functioning of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal organs. Case studies and practical laboratory sessions are also presented as an integral component throughout the entire module. An introduction to inflammation, various cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal acid-base disorders will be explored to aid you with the application and integration of the normal basic science principles into the pathological disease process.

This module provides you with the knowledge and understanding of the gross and microscopic structure, physiology, biochemical processes and metabolic disorders in relation to the endocrine organs. This will include the study of gross and developmental anatomy, physiology, microscopic anatomy and cell biology of the male and female reproductive sytems. You will learn to integrate and apply this knowledge to the cadaver in wet lab sessions and micrographs and radiological images in small group sessions. At the end of each system two to three pathological conditions will be explained through micrographs and imaging relevant to the specific organ systems. You will also cover developmental genetics, genetic screening techniques and facts about nutrition in relation to neonates, infants and the elderly. You will be able to appreciate the normal structure and functions of these organ systems and will be able to correlate pathological outcome due to abnormal changes within the respective tissue.

In this module you will learn about the anatomy and histology of the digestive system and actively integrate it with the biochemistry and physiological function of this organ system. You will familiarise yourself with the digestion and metabolism of the macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their nutritional significance. Special emphasis will be placed on the inborn errors of metabolism associated with each of these metabolic pathways and the lab tests and the molecular basis for the clinical signs and symptoms of these disorders. The module will be interspersed with clinical cases and study of imaging and histology of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical cases on inborn errors of intermediary metabolism and metabolic disorders will enhance your understanding of the importance of these aspects of metabolism.

This module is an interdisciplinary study of the function of the head, neck and nervous system, simultaneously addressing the anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry and some pharmacology and pathophysiology. Behavioural science (psychopathology), life span development and learning theory will also be covered. Neurological and psychiatric case studies will be presented as an integral component. The overall goal is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the effects of damage to the head, neck and nervous system as presented in general clinical medicine as well as in specialties such as Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Ophthalmology.

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Further developing self-reflection skills.