Unlike the rest of the curriculum, Student Selected Components (SSC's) offer students the chance to choose what they study. They also allow us the opportunity to drive innovation across the curriculum. Some of the SSC's on offer are designed as an extension to material in the 'core' course whilst others allow wider study to broaden overall perspective as a doctor. Although the SSC outcomes mapped to 'Tomorrow's Doctors' (2009) are covered in other areas of the curriculum, SSC's provide an additional learning environment to nurture these broader skills required to graduate as a medical professional. A list of subject areas is provided below, with a brief introduction. More information on the rationale and selection process is given in the Handbook, along with more details of each SSC. Each SSC is assessed separately and must be passed in order to progress, and assessment criteria are also described in the Handbook.
To view the complete mapping of the MB ChB curriculum towards 'Outcome for Graduates' (2015) outcomes use the MB ChB Learning Outcomes Matrix.
This SSC aims to allow students to demonstrate intellectual development through exploring a subject of their choice in depth. It will also allow development of skills in presentation, particularly post presentation.
- Lecturer: Kenny Langlands
At the end of the Dermatology SSC, students will be able to describe the basic anatomical structure of the skin and relationships between the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and subcutis) and its appendages (hair follicles and glands). They will also be able to demonstrate understanding of the following:
the structure and function of the skin and its associated organs, and their development
the complex relationships with other organ systems of the body and the consequences of skin organ failure (for example in toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythrodema).
the mechanisms by which the integrity of the dermoepidermal junction is maintained and the results of the failure of this mechanism (e.g. epidermolysis bullosaand acquired autoimmune disorders)
skin pigmentation, the development of melanocytes and the development and maturation of melanocytic naevi and the features of carcinogenic change in these lesions (e.g. melanoma)
the importance of skin as an immunological organ and the role of individual cell types in the cutaneous immune system (e.g. contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis)
the process of wound healing and the clinical implications for failure of wound healing (e.g. scars and fibrosis)
the social and psychological role of the skin (particularly in disfigurement and mental health issues)
- Lecturer: Joanne Selway
The major aims of this option are to engage tomorrow's doctors, collectively and as individuals,
- with the humanistic dimensions of the study and practice of medicine;
- with a range of striking visual and textual treatments of matters of medical importance--for example,
- human suffering and the effects of disease, pain and bereavement at both the individual and societal level
- medical breakthroughs and the ethical dilemmas they pose;
- with the developing history of the medical profession in Britain since the Enlightenment;
- with the importance of visual and/or verbal storytelling in communicating health narratives and inculcating compassion
- Lecturer: John Drew
At the end of the Medical Law and Ethics SSC, students will be able to identify key legal issues as related to current healthcare practice in the UK, as well as identifying ethical issues which affect healthcare on a global dimension, in particular the advancement of biotechnology and its role in society.
This SSC aims to prepare students for the challenges facing all healthcare systems. The curriculum informed by core areas identified by the NHS Leadership Academy in their healthcare leadership model, and provides medical students with the opportunity to acquire an overview of principles of healthcare management and leadership. This will enable future graduates to develop an understanding of issues related the administration and leadership of international healthcare systems, with a particular emphasis on the NHS. Students will gain insight into the values that underpin effective health service management, such as critical thinking, as well as the impact of economic, environmental, social, technological, political, legal and ethical concerns.
- Lecturer: Jonathan Ellis
The Medical School is able to offer a limited number of projects to students who wish to gain practical experience in laboratory methods, including (but not limited to) histology, microscopy, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular techniques. A list of projects and supervisors will be made available, and supervisors will provide mentorship for the duration of the project.
- Lecturer: Claire Stocker