iBSc Clinical Sciences

About the programme

The iBSc in Clinical Sciences is designed to develop your interest, knowledge and understanding of clinical science and its application to medicine, with a focus on translational medicine towards new therapeutics. 

The course offers an insight into state-of-the-art biomedical and translational science, including exposure to leading research scientists and clinicians, research methodology, clinical trial design, the translation of basic science research into novel therapies for human disease, and the philosophy, governance and social implications of health research. There is also basic training on clinical examination, history taking and clinical skills. Teamwork and communication are also emphasised through stimulating and creative activities designed to hone your skills. 

All students will undertake an original research project.

Programme outcomes

The programme provides you with theoretical knowledge and some practical  in the following areas:

• Research methodology including statistical methods as applied to medical research
• Translational clinical research
• Ethics and governance of applied health research.

By the end, you will have an understanding of:

• The key concepts of clinical science as applied to medicine
• The interface of basic and clinical science
• Clinical research methodology and translational medicine.

You'll also gain:

• An appreciation of ethical and governance requirements of research
• The ability to evaluate scientific literature
• The ability to design and complete a research project, including practical experience in laboratory, clinical or epidemiological research.

Course structure

The IBSc in Clinical Sciences is made up of 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits optional modules (taken as either one 30 credit module or as two 15 credit modules). Optional modules can only be undertaken in Term 2 due to the course structure.

Core modules

1. Clinical Transitions - 15 credits
2. The Basics of Clinical Science - 30 credits
3. Clinical Research Project - 45 credits

Optional modules

You can choose from a wide range of 15 and 30-credit modules drawn from other BSc programmes. Details of available optional modules, plus their parent BScs and codes, are provided before the start of the year. We select these for their interesting content and rigorous assessment which allies with the core Clinical Sciences iBSc modules. 

Optional modules contribute 25% to your overall degree mark. This is either 2 x 12.5% for two 15 credit modules, or 1 x 25% for a 30 credit module.

The optional modules are your own personal choice. You do not need to choose a theme or even modules that tie in with your research project.

Achievements

Student success

The course has been running since 2006 and is extremely successful. Students are regularly offered PhD studentships and a number of students have been awarded places on academic foundation programmes. Students have frequently received co-authorships on scientific papers and high-profile conference presentations on the back of their research projects. Former students tell us that the clinical tuition and practice they receive puts them ahead of other students in Year 4.

National / International Awards

• Core Pharma Prizes worth £1,000 have been awarded to various students for their project proposals.
• Students have been awarded research prizes of £500 each by the Medical Council on Alcohol.
• BASL prizes have been awarded to students for the best clinical research poster presentation and for best clinical research oral presentation.
• EASL prizes have been awarded for the best poster presentation at a monothematic meeting.
• Travel scholarships were awarded to facilitate participation in national and international conferences to present research findings including AASLD, BASL, BSG, EASL, and International Neuroscience Society.