As a first step to choosing the degree, I asked myself the following questions:
1. What are my interests? 2. What are my career aspirations? 3. What do I want to improve on? 4. What elective modules are available for each course? From this, I shortlisted Neuroscience, Surgical Sciences, Anatomy and Pharmacology. I drew up a pro/cons table for each, and organised a meeting with the Third Year Co-ordinator who was extremely helpful in guiding my decision. Ultimately, I decided on anatomy, for the following reasons: · I was keen on the opportunity to dissect – I struggled to fully understand the human body from the prosection-based teaching in years 1 and 2 and felt dissection would help this. · I hope to pursue a career in surgery, to which anatomy is directly relevant · Through various modules, I was able to tailor the degree to my interest in neurosurgery: o I took a module from the Neuroscience BMedSci, building on the knowledge gained in the Year 2 Neurosciences block o My dissection module focussed specifically on head and neck anatomy o My dissertation project was neuroanatomy-based. How the course was structured The course for Semester 1 consisted of 3 modules: · Anatomy & Development Core: session once per week covering scientific principles (molecular techniques, experimental design, critical appraisal) and current anatomical research. Assessment was through two pieces of coursework (a short press-release in Semester 1 and a 3000-word grant proposal at the beginning of Semester 2), and two papers in May (a paper analysis exam and a synoptic essay exam, the latter which was cancelled due to COVID). The anatomy team were really keen to take onboard feedback, and made sure we had access to practice papers before the exams. · Elective Module 1: Anatomy of the Head & Neck: two 3hr slots per week of a lecture followed by dissection. Really well structured, with excellent teaching and feedback. Assessment was through a 2000-word report and a spot exam (both before the exam diet begun, and both with practice formatives) · Elective Module 2: Developmental and Clinical Neuroscience: two 3hr slots per week of lectures covering neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease. At first I felt I was playing catch-up with the basic science required for the module, but found DCN fascinating and wholly rewarding. Assessment was through one in-class presentation in week 10 (we had a practice earlier on), and a 3hr essay exam. An example week in Semester 1: Monday: 0930-1045 DCN: Clinical epilepsy: an overview (lecture) 1100-1215 DCN: Genetics of epilepsy (lecture) Tuesday: 0930-1045 DCN lecture: Synapse dynamics and disease (lecture) 1100-1215 DCN lecture: Inhibitory circuits and epilepsy (lecture) Wednesday 0900-1000 Anatomy Core: Research highlight 1 (lecture & discussion) 1000-1200 Anatomy Core: How to read a paper (workshop) Thursday 0900-1200 Head and Neck Anatomy: Muscles of facial expression (lecture & practical) Friday 0900-1200 Lecture & Dissection: Muscles of mastication (lecture & practical) In Semester 2, we only continued with the once-per-week Core teaching, with other days dedicated to our honours project (the dissertation). What I thought of my intercalated year I thoroughly enjoyed the Anatomy and Development BMedSci and would really recommend it. Overall, the degree was really well structured, with supportive tutors, and I learnt a great deal from each of the modules. The dissection module allowed me to more fully understand and enjoy human anatomy, and the knowledge I gained will be greatly applicable to my future in medicine and surgery. In fact, I found the ENT specific anatomy to be so interesting that I’m now considering pursuing ENT surgery - a specialty that I hadn’t known too much about prior to the course. Anatomy also covered manual skills which were directly relevant to surgery - our first session covered handling a scalpel and dissection tools and we later were shown how to suture. Importantly, the tutors were often surgeons - meaning I could quiz them about national selection, academic surgery and my portfolio. While the dissection module felt very familiar to medicine in its structure and assessment, the Anatomy Core and Developmental & Clinical Neuroscience modules both felt a far cry from medicine to begin with. They were both extremely science-based, heavily focussing on recent research, critical appraisal and experimental design. Nonetheless, once I’d understood the basic scientific principles, I began to love learning about medicine from the more critical, researcher’s point of view. Not only did it deepen my understanding and love for neurology, but it gave me a scientific grounding meaning I’d be more confident pursuing an academic career. Because I’d had some practice with scientific writing in Semester 1 (e.g. from the Head and Neck report), I felt well prepared for my honours project, which was an image analysis project focussed on the comparative anatomy of the NMJ between species. Ross Jones, my supervisor, was excellent - he made sure I felt constantly supported and gave great guidance throughout. I really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to current anatomical research, and developed skills in experimental design, critical thinking and using computer programmes like Fiji. Overall, the course was brilliant - if I were to choose my BMedSci again, I’d choose the same degree and combination of modules. However, I would revise some basic scientific principles (e.g. transcription/ translation) and lab techniques (Cre-recombinase, CRISPR, PCR, Western Blot etc) before beginning the year, to make the transition from medicine to core science easier. Finally, I’d advise students to pick a subject that they have a true interest in. Whichever degree you eventually choose, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore a new subject, learn new skills and enjoy a break from medicine! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions! Twitter: @IsabelSummers_ Email: [email protected] ESSS thanks Isabel Summers for writing this article.
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AuthorsArticles are written by Edinburgh-based students and doctors, for the benefit of those interested in surgery. Archives
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