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Medical Sciences Programme KP/JPS(K3193)2/08
Bachelor of Medical Sciences Degree
Duration Two semesters (1 year) in addition to Phase 1 of the Medical programme
Eligibility A medical student who has passed all the examination in Phase 1 of the medical programme is eligible to undergo an additional year of study to obtain the Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree.


Philosophy
The opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSc) degree will encourage motivated students to spend an additional two semesters during their medical training that will differ from their mainstream undergraduate studies. During this intercalated year, a student will be introduced to the principles of scientific research and given the opportunity to undertake a small research project. In order to enter the BMedSc programme, a medical student must have passed all the examinations in Phase 1 of the medical programme.

The BMedSc programme will emphasise the personal development of the student and will be student-centred, i.e. the responsibility of learning lies with the student. Students will be assigned to a supervisor who acts as a mentor in the design and execution of the project. However, the students will be responsible for drawing up their own study and project agenda.


Aims and Objectives:
    Aims:
  • To enable medical students to step aside from their professional course in order to gain experience in medical research.
  • To introduce students to the principles of medical research including the statistical handling of results.
  • To develop the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the conduct of medical research


    Objectives:
    Knowledge Outcomes:
    By the end of the BMed Sc course the student will have acquired a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Scientific research methodology, including knowledge discovery and evaluation of results;
  • Statistical methods relevant to research;
  • The application of information technology to research;
  • Ethical issues pertinent to research;
  • Health and safety issues in laboratory and experimental practice;
  • The original literature and experimental techniques related to his/her project


    Skill Outcomes:
    At the end of the BMed Sc course, the student will have acquired and demonstrated his/her proficiency in essential skills required for research, which includes:
  • Obtaining information from books, journals and the internet;
  • Assessing the validity of information;
  • Experimental design including collecting, organising and analysing information in relation to a specific problem;
  • Using generic experimental techniques to conduct analyses of research data;
  • Presenting and communicating results of a research project in both written and oral form.


    Attitudinal Outcomes:
    At the end of the BMed Sc course, the student will have acquired and will demonstrate attitudes related to the conduct of a research project including:
  • An attitude to learning based on intellectual curiosity and exploration of knowledge rather than passive learning;
  • An awareness of his/her own limitations and a willingness to seek help when necessary;
  • The ability to cope with the problems and uncertainties of research;
  • An awareness of moral and legal implications of research;
  • The ability to work as a team member;
  • An awareness of the need to continue learning and where possible contribute to the advancement of knowledge.


    Course Structure:
    The BMed Sc programme will last for 2 semesters commencing at the beginning of March or September each year. At the end of the course the student will submit a dissertation based on the research project carried out. In addition to undertaking the research project, the student will be required to take 3 modules, namely, Research Methodology, Statistical Methods and Use of Statistical Packages, and Role of IT in Research.