Glasgow University Medical School

Glasgow Medical School is the medical school of the University of Glasgow, and offers a 5 year MBChB degree course.

History

Course Structure
This is an integrated programme of clinical and scientific topics. The material covered has been selected to provide a comprehensive overview of medical and scientific principles. The knowledge component of the curriculum relies largely on Problem-based learning. It is seen as a preparation for a professional career based on lifelong learning. The programme has been developed by NHS and academic clinical staff working with scientists from the Faculties of Medicine and Biomedical & Life Sciences at the University.
Each year is split into 5 week blocks in which the PBL sessions, labs and plenaries all relate to a specific system or theme:

The Core (Years 1-3)

Block 1 - Hierarchy of Systems, Core Values in Medicine
Block 2 - Elementary Topography
Block 3 and 4 - Determinants of Health; Disease Patterns; Nutrition, Metabolism, Growth and Development
Block 5 - Homeostasis
Block 6 - Risks and Responses Year 1

Block 7 - Conception, Growth and Development
Block 8 - Musculoskeletal and Neurological Systems
Block 9 - Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems
Block 10 - Digestion and Metabolism
Block 11 - Regulation and Responses Year 2

Block 12 - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Block 13 - Haematology, Musculoskeletal Systems, Dermatology
Block 14 - Neurology, Psychiatry
Block 15 - Abdomen and Breast Year 3
Student selected modules (SSM) constitute approximately 20% of the structured course time and are designed to allow the selection and in depth study of special interest subjects. A wide variety of topics for study are available. Increasingly, students are proposing their own SSMs and in addition there is the facility for an SSM to be linked to an elective, allowing for projects to be carried out overseas or a small research project to be completed.

Student Selected Modules
Within the Glasgow course students have early contact with patients. Training in communication and clinical skills starts in Year 1. The vocational skills component also deals with topics relating to professional standards and behaviour.

Years 4 & 5
The purpose build Wolfson Medical School Building opened in September 2002, designed by Reiach and Hall Architects at a cost of £9m. Its facilities include:

Wolfson Medical School Building
The Walton Foundation Library and Resource Area (also known as the Study Landscape) occupies three levels of the building and is open to medical students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers a wide variety of resources:

120 study carrels (booths)
Access to over 3000 books, including multiple copies of Core texts.
120 flat screen computers
CD-ROMs and Computer Aided Learning packages
video recorders and DVD players for Clinical Skills videos/DVDs
6 project rooms Study Landscape
Clinical Skills is made up from a fully equipped ward and side rooms complete with audio visual equipment, allowing student to document, analyse and improve their performance. This area also contains Harvey (a cardiology patient simulator which can help students to diagnose cariac abnormalities) and Sim-man (a life support patient simulator).

Clinical Skills
Three mini lecture theatres which can hold around 80 people each.

Seminar Rooms
The 10 PBL rooms are furnished with tables, chairs, AV equipment and white boards to allow small group work.

PBL Rooms
The central triangle of the medical school, covered by a glass roof and with its own café and seating area.

Associatied Hospitals
Past students of the University of Glasgow Medical School include:

Dr Harry Burns (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 2005-present)
Dr Ernest Macalpine ("Mac") Armstrong (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 2000-2005)
Prof Sir Kenneth Calman (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 1989-1991; Chief Medical Officer, United Kingdom of England, 1991-1998; Vice Chancellor of Durham University, 1998-2007)
Dr Archibald Joseph Cronin (Novelist; author of The Citadel and The Stars Look Down)
Dr Liam Fox (Conservative politician; Shadow Defence Secretary; MP for Woodspring)