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Most of the BSc courses in the Faculty of Medical Sciences have a shared first year. This gives you core knowledge and techniques but also the flexibility to switch degrees if your interests change.
One start point with a range of possibilities
Our BSc / MSci degrees offer a flexible structure to meet your needs. These courses begin with a shared first year, giving you the chance to experience a broad range of topics. We equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to choose the path you are most interested in.
This not only provides all students with core knowledge and techniques, it also creates the flexibility for you to move degrees if your interests change. (Some restrictions may apply if a course is externally accredited. Contact us for more details: med.ams@ucl.ac.uk.)
About the first year
The first year covers the foundations of human biology and clinical medicine. It lays a foundation for human health and disease, and it covers each human system in detail. Teaching of cellular biology, physiology and basic anatomy is integrated within each system (e.g. the cardiovascular system).
You will take seven shared modules and one programme specific module. (BSc Applied Medical Sciences students can choose any programme-specific module.)
Shared core modules
- Foundations in Human Physiology and Cellular Biology
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function in Health and Disease
- The Gut, Liver and Drug Metabolism
- Kidneys, Hormones and Fluid Balance
- Infection, Inflammation and Repair
- Musculoskeletal Systems in Health and Disease
- Data Interpretation and Evaluation of Science
Programme specific modules
- Principles of Pathological Science
- Functional Anatomy and Medical Imaging
- Cancer Medicine in Society (BSc Cancer Biomedicine)
- Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology (BSc Infection and Immunity)
- Medical Innovation and Enterprise (BSc Medical Innovation and Enterprise)
- Nutrition and Metabolism (BSc Nutrition and Medical Sciences)
- Functional Anatomy and Medical Imaging (BSc Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences)
Most of the first year is based at the Royal Free Campus in Hampstead, with some practical sessions based down at Bloomsbury.
How you learn
We use the latest technology and teaching methods. For the sort of learning that’s best done online, you will do in your own time and at your own pace. Our short online lectures and interactive content (videos, quizzes, etc.) will give you the chance to learn about topics and review them.
You then apply this knowledge in a variety of learning environments, including Flipped Learning, Problem-Based Learning and Peer Instruction. You can bring questions and ideas to seminars, creating interactive sessions that meets your needs. We encourage you to think independently and to get the most out of your time with tutors.
All your learning can be collaborative with other students. Even during online studies, our students contribute to forums and shared spaces, sharing knowledge and learning from their peers. You also team up with other students to work on competitive team-based projects, contribute to scientific discussions, and meet UCL scientists.
Equipping you for the workplace
This programme isn’t all about book-learning - we want you to be prepared for the first day of your future job when you graduate. We use small group tutorials throughout Year 1 to teach the practical skills you need in the workplace, such as:
- giving talks
- presenting data
- contributing to scientific debate
- grant-writing
- taking part in peer review (an essential element of scientific practice).
We also have a strong focus on practical lab skills. Our graduates will be adept at the laboratory work that underpins all scientific research. This will give you an advantage when seeking future roles.