Please note this is not a foundation course.
The Pre medical programme (A104) enables students who have no, or limited experience of, laboratory based science and have not studied Chemistry to undertake a years study where they can aquire the necessary science background before they are admitted onto the standard MB ChB course.
Applicants are required to achieve AAA/A*AB with no more than one lab based science at A2 Level or equivalent, or an upper second class degree and BBB/ABC, in non-science subjects. Those applicants who have studied Chemistry to A2 Level standard, in combination with an additional laboratory based science, can apply for direct entry to the five year medical programme, A100. (A2 level General Studies is not included in the terms of conditional offers).
Students studying A104 (the Premedical year) will be required to take three units:
An introduction to the basic anatomical organisation, tissue structure and development of mammals, including the human. Emphasis is placed on understanding how structures are adapted for the functions they perform (e.g. limbs, for locomotion or manipulation).
Illustrations include comparing specialisations of different species. Introductions are given to genetics and physical anthropology. In laboratory classes anatomy is studied through microscopy, by dissection and by the inspection of pre-dissected specimens.
The unit aims to bring students to a standard broadly equivalent to A2 Level chemistry. It defines the tools of the subject, chemical constitution and stoicheiometry. The electronic structure of atoms and bonding in molecules are introduced and used in discussing molecular shape and in outlining the properties of key elements and inorganic compounds.
The concepts of energy, equilibria and chemical kinetics are explored. The properties of colloids and electrolyte solutions are discussed. Structural Organic Chemistry is introduced through a study of hydrocarbons. Simple functional groups and mechanisms of organic reactions are discussed, and features of biologically important molecules are outlined.
This unit is designed for students in biological and earth sciences or for students intending to proceed in medical, dental or veterinary training whose background in physics and mathematics is limited. No calculus is assumed. Lectures cover mechanics and general physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics. There is a laboratory class for 3 hours per week and informal tutorial sessions.
Students who have covered Physics to A2 Level standard will be exempt from this unit. An additional unit equivalent to 40 credit points must be substituted.
On successful completion of the Pre Medical Year students are automatically accepted onto A100, the standard MB ChB programme.
Further information:
For further information please contact the Medical admissions assistant.