Integrated Medical Sciences

Background

Integrated Medical Sciences (iMS)

The first year for all the BSc courses within the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) is run as part of the Integrated Medical Sciences programme. This includes a comprehensive overview of the major body systems and the development of essential scientific skills. The advantage of this approach is that in addition to providing all our students with core knowledge and techniques, it also allows the flexibility for students to move between degree courses within FMS if their interests change.

Applied Medical Sciences (AMS)

This biomedical science degree in which graduates develop a deep understanding of the biomedical sciences underpinned by a strong understanding of how the body works, how it goes wrong and Therapeutics. You can find out more about this degree through this website or the UCL online prospectus: Applied Medical Sciences BSc Prospectus / Applied Medical Sciences MSci Prospectus

Nutrition and Medical Sciences (Nutrition)

This programme examines nutrition at all stages of life and associated problems including obesity, disease-related malnutrition and eating disorders. These incidences arise from several causes and have worldwide impact. UCL is a global leader in research on nutrition and obesity, child health, epidemiology and the psychology of disordered eating. You can find out more about this degree through this website or the UCL online prospectus: Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc Prospectus

Other affiliated programmes

There are also four other programmes that all share the iMS year, you can find more information about them and links to their own pages through this website or here are the links to their UCL online prospectus:

• Cancer Biomedicine BSc
• Infection and Immunity BSc
• Medical Innovation and Enterprise BSc
• Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences BSc

Structure

The first year will be demanding and will cover 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 will be integrated as a whole within each system (e.g. cardiovascular system). 

There are 7 shared modules in the first year, and a programme specific module. In the case of Applied Medical Sciences the students have a choice between any of the programme specific modules listed below. Further information for each module from the UCL module catalogue is available by clicking on any of the module titles.

Prize Winners

People

Innovative Teaching

This course will be truly trailblazing, using the latest technology and new teaching methods to produce the best academic results and the widest all-round skills in our graduates.

New Teaching Tools

The teaching in our course doesn’t simply “bend” traditional methods around online activities: instead, we have completely rebuilt the way we teach from the bottom up so that you get the best of both worlds. This means you will do the sort of learning that’s best done online at the computer – in your own time and at your own pace.  Our short, attractively-produced online lectures and interactive content will give you the chance to learn about topics and review them. This content includes videos, quizzes and animations as well as images and slides, produced in a professional and engaging style.  

You will then exercise this knowledge in a deep way in a varierty of learning environments, including Flipped Learning, Problem-Based Learning and Peer Instruction. These will allow you to bring questions and thoughts to the seminars, creating a more interactive and responsive session that is customized to your needs. This will encourage you to think independently and get the most out of their time with the academic tutors.  

Sharing Ideas

Working a lot of time online doesn’t mean you are going to be alone.  Even while working online, students will contribute to a wiki and forums, sharing their knowledge and learning from their peers, helping them to cement difficult ideas in their minds and see new perspectives and ideas on familiar topics.  And away from the computer, you will team up with other students to work on competitive team-based projects, contribute to scientific discussions, and meet outstanding UCL scientists.

Equipping you for the scientific and medical workplace

Most courses teach you all the book-learning you need to get your degree, but leave many other skills – the ones you will need from the first day of your first job  – to be picked up later by trial and error. This course is different. As well as giving you a solid academic grounding, we use small group tutorials throughout year 1 to teach the students the practical skills that they really need in the workplace, such as giving talks, presenting data, contributing to scientific debate and grant-writing.

Scientific Skills

We will have a strong focus on practical lab skills. Our graduates will be proficient in the laboratory work that makes up the ‘bread and butter’ of scientific research, and we believe this will give them an advantage when seeking internships and jobs.

Students will also be asked to review the work of their peers, training them for the practice of peer review which is an essential element of scientific practice.

Enrichment

Perhaps the most striking element of the Applied Medical Sciences course is the level of enrichment activity and wider teaching built into the course. We are not simply teaching students facts, but how to think, communicate and develop themselves. Enrichment activities include:

• Developing creativity outside and alongside science through workshops and activities. View the famous TED talk about creativity by Sir Ken Robinson which provided some of the inspiration for our focus on creativity: Ken Robinson's Talk
• Developing superb written communication skills, an essential prerequisite for a successful scientific career. For example, we will ask students to write a dummy grant application - a key skill researchers need to get funding for their work
• Attending talks from early-career and consolidated scientists that will provide students with inspirational examples of career prospects. 
• Competition on science related projects for inventions, teaching students how to innovate and work as a team and providing a chance to win real prize money

Outside of the course, UCL offers an exceptional range of activities that fit every lifestyle and interest, and ensure your time at university will be tremendously enjoyable. You can view a (very long!) list of all the clubs and societies available to UCL students - from sports and drama to dinosaurs and political activism - on the UCLU Website

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not sure I have the grades to apply, what should I do?

Can I come and meet with you?

Will I get to spend much time at the main Bloomsbury Campus?

Answers

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I'm not sure I have the grades to apply, what should I do?

In the first instance you should contact us in the Applied Medical Sciences administration team: contact us

We may redirect you to UCL admissions who might be able to provide more information: UCL Admissions

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Can I come and meet with you?

We run regular Open Days for applicants prior to January and for those that have received offers from February. If you would like to attend an Open Day look out for details on this website or contact us.

We can also arrange individual meetings for students who are based overseas or in different parts of the UK where you can talk to the directors as well as other members of the team and have a tour of the campus. 

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Will I get to spend much time at the Bloomsbury Campus?

Most of the first year is based at the Royal Free Campus in Hampstead, but you will have some practicals based down at Bloomsbury and will be welcome to join in with student life as normal at Bloomsbury.

In the other years there are more modules based on the Bloomsbury Campus so you are likely to be split between the two sites somewhat. 

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