Undergraduate Prospectus 2019 - Brighton and Sussex Medical School
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Undergraduate Prospectus 2019
Introductions 01
Welcome What our
students say
The Universities of Brighton Brighton is a really good BSMS has a real sense Fourth year is really
and Sussex are immensely proud place to be a student – it’s of community – everyone interesting, as we get a
of how successfully our medical quirky with lots going on, and knows everyone in their snapshot of a vast range of
school has developed in its full of students. Having hospital year by halfway through first sub-specialties and can develop
second decade. and GP placements in the first year. One of the best things our analytical skills through our
term really helps you learn a at the medical school is the Individual Research Projects.
Brighton and Sussex Medical
lot about the medicine behind full body cadaveric dissections The transition to Phase 2
School (BSMS) graduates
the consultation as well as from Year 1. These sessions was made smoother due to
are now developing successful
how to interact with patients allow you to view the the early clinical exposure we
careers across the UK.
in a clinical context. 3D arrangements of the had through GP visits and
Many are well established in
structures while nurturing secondary care placements
general practice and others
your surgical skills. where we were able to practise
are now working as consultants
taking patients’ histories and
in our hospitals.
conducting examinations.
The medical school’s A career in medicine represents a unique We work closely with our partner NHS Ollie Pentz, Year 1 Patrick Tano, Year 3 Ayesha Raheem, Year 4
research reputation has also opportunity to make a real difference to the hospitals, general practitioners and other
developed significantly. In areas lives of individual patients and their families and providers, and our students are well received
carers. Medicine is a profession that provides and supported in all of their placements.
such as biomedical science, a multitude of varied career opportunities You will have an academic tutor and access
neuroscience, global health and at Brighton and Sussex Medical School to a student welfare advisor throughout
and infection, we are looking to (BSMS) we welcome students from diverse your degree, reflecting our commitment to
backgrounds who have the enthusiasm, providing personal and academic support
make a rapid and real difference dedication, compassion and commitment for our students.
to people’s quality of life. to become outstanding doctors.
BSMS is a partnership between the Universities
BSMS offers a distinctive and innovative of Brighton and Sussex and you will have
We are committed to high course that prepares its graduates to enter access to the outstanding academic and
academic and professional an ever-changing and developing world of recreational facilities of both universities.
standards, as well as to meeting healthcare. We are proud of the quality of our The two campuses are situated close together
teaching, as reflected by our position as the top in a beautiful area just outside Brighton,
the needs of students as undergraduate medical school in the National a vibrant and diverse city on the south coast bsms.ac.uk/ollie-pentz bsms.ac.uk/patrick-tano bsms.ac.uk/ayesha-raheem
individuals. We welcome Student Survey table 2017. Our graduates just an hour from London.
you in considering BSMS. are among the best prepared for work upon
My own experience in medicine has been a
qualification and are making their mark
locally, nationally and internationally as their privilege and highly rewarding. Being involved
careers progress. in a young and highly successful medical Contents
school gives me a great opportunity to help
Our course incorporates early clinical contact ensure that the next generation of doctors
with patients and carers, and interactions are prepared for a similarly fulfilling career 01 What our students say 24 Brighton and Sussex
Professor Debra Humphris with health professionals both in the hospital in whatever branch of medicine they choose. 04 Our degree course 28 A first-year student’s diary
Vice-Chancellor, University of Brighton and community settings. This helps you The BSMS experience
build crucial interpersonal, team-working I hope we will see you undertaking your medical 08 30 A fourth-year student’s diary
and communication skills and the essential studies in Brighton in the coming years. 12 Our research reputation 32 My finances
knowledge underpinning clinical practice 16 Student support 34 International students
in medicine.
18 What BSMS offers you 36 What qualifications do I need?
BSMS has a strong sense of community 20 Accommodation 38 How will my application
Professor Adam Tickell and there is a close relationship between Professor Malcolm Reed
Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex our academic staff and students. Dean of BSMS 22 Social life be processed?
02 What our students say 03 Beautiful campus Your first two years will be based at the University of Brighton and University of Sussex campuses at Falmer, surrounded by the South Downs National Park but just nine minutes by train from bustling Brighton.
04 Our degree course 05
Preparing you
Learning anatomy at
BSMS is an exciting fusion of
laboratory-based traditional human
cadaver dissection and prosection
sessions with applied living anatomy
for medicine
and the latest live ultrasound sessions.
At BSMS, we ensure that students
not only have the core knowledge
of the human body, but are effective
at applying that knowledge in the
Medicine at BSMS
diagnostic and
surgical domains.
Dr Claire Smith, Head of Anatomy
Our five-year medical degree,
awarded jointly by the Universities
of Brighton and Sussex, leads to
the qualification of Bachelor of
Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
(BM BS).
The course is designed to
help you become a highly
competent, strongly motivated
doctor, committed to the highest
standards of clinical practice,
professionalism and patient care.
By the time you graduate,
you will have developed the How is the course organised? Apart from core lectures and symposia,
most Year 1 and 2 classes are taught in
knowledge, professional Phase 1: Years 1–2 small groups.
and key personal skills and The academic year is organised into three
terms of 10 weeks each, and about
attitudes necessary to pursue 25% of your learning at this stage will be Phase 2: Years 3–4
a successful medical career. clinically based. Year 3
At the heart of Year 3 are three 10-week,
You will start to develop clinical skills in history ward-based attachments in Medicine, Surgery,
taking, physical examination, diagnosis and and Elderly Medicine and Psychiatry. You will
effective communication with patients in a consolidate your increasing clinical experience
classroom setting and by gaining experience with your understanding of the underlying
in hospitals and primary and third sector clinical, social science and public health issues
placements. You will also spend time with a through weekly teaching sessions on the
family looking after a new baby (Year 1), and scientific basis of medicine. You will also gain
with a patient with dementia or a chronic further experience in safe prescribing of drugs,
health condition (Years 2 and 3). an essential skill for your medical career.
You will study the normal and abnormal Student-Selected Components (SSCs)
functioning of the human body using a will deepen your understanding in an area
system-based approach, with integrated of your choice from a variety of options
modules covering the core biomedical and covering research, clinical effectiveness and
psychosocial sciences. Your anatomy study medical humanities.
will include a hybrid of cadaveric dissection,
prosection, living anatomy and ultrasound
Head of Anatomy Dr Smith during sessions and 3D printed structures where
a first-year dissection session. you will actively explore the human body and
Students work in teams of eight its relevance to clinical practice.
around a cadaver. Learning anatomy
at BSMS is an interactive experience; Student-Selected Components (SSCs) will
in addition to teaching faculty we allow you to undertake individual studies and
have several qualified doctors explore selected topics in depth, informed by
(demonstrators) with us who are Top right: Students learn how
studying for higher surgical exams to work with a range of patients,
the latest research.
to help guide you. including children
06 Our degree course 07
All suitably qualified UK graduates have found If this happens then UK graduates will
The best thing about a place on the Foundation Year 1 programme, receive full registration as soon as they have
spending time on clinical but this cannot be guaranteed, for instance if successfully completed a PMQ. It should
there were to be an increased number of be noted that it is very likely that UK graduates
rotations is the regular competitive applications. will still need to apply for a training programme
patient interaction. Whether similar to the current Foundation Programme
Successful completion of the Foundation
you want to improve certain Year 1 programme is normally achieved within
and that places on this programme may not
be guaranteed for every UK graduate.
clinical skills, practise history 12 months and is marked by the award of
taking or expand your medical a Certificate of Experience. You will then be The GMC is currently considering a formal
eligible to apply for full registration with the GMC. assessment that UK medical graduates would
knowledge, there is nothing You need full registration with a licence to need to pass in order to be granted registration
better than learning directly practise for unsupervised medical practice in with a licence to practise. Although no final
the NHS or private practice in the UK. decision has been taken as to whether or when
from real patients under such an exam will be introduced, applicants
Medicine at BSMS
the supervision of qualified Although this information is currently should be aware that the GMC envisages that
correct, please be aware that regulations
doctors and nurses in a in this area may change from time to time.
future cohorts of medical students may need
to pass parts of a medical licensing assessment
clinical setting. There is some discussion about whether before the GMC will grant them registration
to remove provisional registration for newly with a licence to practise.
qualified doctors.
Ishpal Moonga, Year 5
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Year 4 The extra degree, research and publication
You will develop your skills in more specialised will all add to your CV and make you more
clinical areas, completing eight five-week competitive for your next career step. You Year 1 (39 weeks)
rotations in the following: could intercalate at BSMS, the Universities of
• General Practice Sussex or Brighton or another UK university. Clinical Practice 1
30 credits, Level 4
• Musculoskeletal Medicine and Surgery
BSMS intercalated degrees Foundations of Health and Disease Heart, Lungs and Blood Nutrition, Metabolism and Excretion
• Ophthalmology and ENT
30 credits, Level 4 30 credits, Level 5 30 credits, Level 5
• Infectious Diseases, HIV GUM • Global Health MSc
and Health Protection • Medical Education MSc
• Dermatology Year 2 (39 weeks)
• Public Health MSc
• Neurology and Neurosurgery • Leadership and Commissioning MSc bsms.ac.uk/ishpal-moonga Clinical Practice 2
• Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care • Dementia Studies MSc 30 credits, Level 5
Phase 1
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology • Cardiology MSc Following your final examinations in April, you Neuroscience and Behaviour Reproduction and Endocrinology Musculoskeletal and Immune Systems
• Paediatrics. will undertake a four-week clinical elective period 30 credits, Level 5 30 credits, Level 5 30 credits, Level 5
• Medical Research MSc to experience healthcare in another environment
The clinical focus in Year 4 is on understanding in the UK or abroad. You will then undergo a
patients’ integrated care and how primary, Preparation for Practice module that will build Year 3 (43 weeks)
community and secondary care structures work Phase 3: Year 5
Year 5 provides intense clinical and on all you have done in the previous years so you Clinical
together for the patient. You will also complete are well prepared for life as a foundation doctor. Foundation Course Scientific Basis of Medicine Revision and Exams
an individual, year-long research project, professional preparation for your foundation
10 Credits, 30 credits, Level 6 Including Year 3
supervised by a university or hospital research years. Throughout the year, you will develop Level 5 OSCE1 30 credits,
your clinical skills through direct patient Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
team, which can be laboratory based or more After graduation and KT2 30 credits
directly patient focused. contact and by using clinical skills laboratories At the end of the undergraduate course you 10 credits, Level 6
and simulators. will receive your BM BS degree, which is a Medicine Surgery Elderly Medicine & Psychiatry
Online learning
In Years 4 and 5 your learning will be supported As a student assistant, you will undertake three primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a 20 credits, Level 6 20 credits, Level 6 20 credits, Level 6
by the online learning tool CAPSULE, a eight-week clinical attachments in a range of PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with
Student-Selected Components
custom-built app and website which provides regional locations. Your learning will be based the General Medical Council (GMC), subject
only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness 10 credits, Level 5
you with 670 clinical case studies and more on a close involvement with routine clinical
than 3,500 questions mapped to the medical cases, acting as a member of the clinical team to Practise concerns that need consideration. Intercalation
curriculum. After completing a case, you will be in medicine, emergency medicine, elderly Provisional registration is time limited to a
provided with instant feedback to maximise medicine, surgery, general practice and maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125
your learning. psychiatry. Central to your study will be the days in total). After this time period your
provisional registration will normally expire. Year 4 (47 weeks)
assessment, diagnosis and treatment of
patients in these different areas of practice. Provisionally registered doctors can only Specialist Rotations: 8 rotations x 5 weeks Revision and Exams
The intercalated degree practise in approved Foundation Year 1
You will take part in a seminar programme and 40 credits, Level 6 Year 4 OSCE
You may choose to undertake an intercalated posts: the law does not allow provisionally 30 credits,
degree between Years 3 and 4, allowing you a range of mini conferences, which cover General Practice, Global Health and Public Health Medicine: 40 weeks and KT
topics such as NHS structure, patient safety, registered doctors to undertake any other
to study an area of interest in greater depth. 20 credits, Level 6 30 credits
Phase 2
leadership skills and advanced communication type of work. To obtain a Foundation Year 1
Intercalation means taking a year out of and ethical skills. post you will need to apply during the final Individual Research Project
your normal medical curriculum to study year of your undergraduate course through 60 credits, Level 6
for an extra degree, which may be a BSc During the year you will apply for the UK Foundation Programme Office
or a Masters degree. This will lengthen foundation posts, and take the national selection scheme, which allocates these
Situational Judgement Test and Prescribing posts to graduates on a competitive basis. Year 5 (42 weeks)
your studies by a year but provide you with
rigorous training in research methods, and Safety Assessment.
Regional Attachments: 3 x 8 weeks Revision and Integrated Final Exams
may allow you to publish your findings and Key to table opposite: 120 credits, Level 7 OSCE
attend scientific meetings and conferences. Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
1
30 credits and
CAPSULE (Clinical and Professional Studies Unique Learning Environment) KT 30 credits Elective Prep for Practice
Knowledge Test. All exam resits will take place in
2
August except Year 5, which will take place in May. 4 weeks 2 weeks
Phase 3
Please note: the curriculum outline for 2019 Seminar Programme
Top left: Patient educators help BSMS students has not yet been finalised and may be subject
learn communication and clinical skills to change. Check at bsms.ac.uk/undergraduate
08 The BSMS experience 09
Developing
you as a doctor
Medicine at BSMS
At BSMS, our emphasis is on
small group academic and clinical
teaching. We help you develop
into an excellent doctor by offering
a range of teaching and learning
methods, including cadaveric
dissection and e-learning. We
believe in supporting you with
relevant technology and learning
resources, so you can realise
your potential.
BSMS learning methods BSMS has a very friendly
BSMS has an integrated curriculum designed
to develop your knowledge, academic and and family-like atmosphere,
The highly supportive, clinical skills. Our emphasis throughout the and there are loads of societies
close-knit community degree is on small group academic and clinical you can get involved with.
of staff and students at BSMS teaching, which allows you to further develop
and apply your learning from lectures. Placements at various hospital
allows each individual to realise departments and GP
Teaching methods include practical classes
their own potential, within in our anatomy and biomedical science practices give you a fantastic
an ever-growing innovative laboratories, seminars, guided individual study, way to learn more about
teaching environment. Early clinical skills practice, technology-enhanced
the different specialties and
learning and clinical symposia.
clinical experience coupled with I’ve enjoyed the challenge
traditional teaching methods Patient educators are involved in a wide range
of early patient contact.
of our teaching, providing a unique patient-
fully prepare students for the centred focus to your clinical training, and helping
challenges posed by modern you gain a broad understanding of patients’
medicine. The dedication, experiences and the implications of a range
Gabby Alexander-Harvey, Year 2
of health conditions and disabilities. Individual
support and enthusiasm of all patient studies, in which you relate clinical
those at BSMS allowed my findings and treatment to the underlying clinical
and social sciences for your patient portfolio,
knowledge and confidence develop your understanding of the practice
to grow exponentially during of medicine. BSMS also has an extensive
my years of study, and I am and very successful programme of teaching
delivered by student tutors.
certainly proud to be a
graduate of BSMS. Throughout your training you will use an
ePortfolio – this is an important part of
continued professional development that
Sarah Gomes, GP trainee, Brighton, all doctors use throughout their careers.
and BSMS graduate Top right: Students
on a hospital placement bsms.ac.uk/gabby-alexander-harvey
10 The BSMS experience 11
The early clinical contact
means we get to experience
what it is like being a doctor
from the first week. It has
been a privilege to be able
to take part in full-body
cadaveric dissections, which
is rare in medical schools
now. Both the students and
staff are highly supportive
Medicine at BSMS
and want you to be the best
doctor you can be.
Faraaz Ahmed, Year 1
bsms.ac.uk/faraaz-ahmed
Above/opposite: BSMS students
have a wide range of opportunities for
learning, from dissection and living
anatomy, to clinical placements,
lectures and small group learning
How will my progress be measured? In Years 4 and 5 you will take part in simulated Digital resources Along with other IT-based learning, MRI, CT Knowledge, skills and attitudes • carry out specified clinical procedures
GP surgeries with detailed feedback, and in Today’s doctors need to be confident in the and X-ray images are uploaded digitally from with confidence
Formal and informal assessments occur Year 5 you will be given a mock video OSCE effective use of information technology. Your the Royal Sussex County Hospital and used During your academic studies and • deal safely with medical emergencies
throughout the course. There is a combination that will help you prepare for final examinations. degree will include training in digital literacies, in interactive sessions. All these methods are clinical training you will gain knowledge • listen to, and work in partnership with,
of written assessments including essays, short information management, electronic patient supported by regular tutorials. and understanding of: patients, relatives and carers across a range
answer questions and single best answers. We At BSMS we encourage students to feedback records and the principles of bioinformatics. • the fundamental medical sciences of organisational settings, in order to make
will also test your communication and clinical to us about the curriculum through formal and All university campuses and hospital sites have • the structure and function of the healthy shared decisions about the maintenance
skills through practical assessment methods informal routes. We pride ourselves on listening Our web-based virtual learning environment, computer clusters (most with Wi-Fi) providing human body and how it alters in disease or improvement of the patient’s health
such as OSCEs and student presentations. to students and acting on their feedback to StudentCentral, provides you with online connections to both the university and hospital • pregnancy, childbirth, development and ageing • make effective use of laboratory and other
continually improve the learning environment. access to digital learning resources and study networks, ensuring you are always in touch • the causes, patterns, treatments and diagnostic services
Your professional development will be captured support tools. This enables lecturers to with your learning resources. outcomes of common acute and long-term • understand clinical pharmacology/
through assessments within the ePortfolio, post presentations online along with lecture medical conditions
including feedback from colleagues and staff Facilities and resources therapeutics and prescribing.
recordings and direct links to the online • the principles of population and environmental
and reflective writing. Regular meetings with In Years 1 and 2 your studies will be based library system. Libraries You will develop:
health, showing the wider determinants of
your tutors ensure that you are given support primarily at both Brighton and Sussex university In addition to the two large university libraries • an understanding of your responsibility
disease and the impact of ill health on society
to keep on track with the course. campuses, using purpose built teaching facilities A wide range of digital learning resources, at Falmer, further libraries are located at all of for lifelong self-education
• the principles of health promotion, disease
including a modern anatomy laboratory, small including videos, quizzes, interactive cases and our partner hospitals. They cater for the needs • the habit of critically evaluating your
prevention and therapy
and large group teaching spaces, clinical case-based tutorials, are also provided. Use of students and staff and are equipped with a professional performance
Feedback • human relationships in the context of the family,
science laboratories and IT resource centres. of mobile devices is encouraged to support full range of materials (printed and electronic), • an awareness of the need to involve
You will receive regular written and verbal community and culture in health and disease
learning, such as the CAPSULE clinical cases study spaces and computer suites with patients and their relatives in decisions
feedback on your progress in the classroom Years 3 and 4 are based mainly in Brighton • the organisation and provision of healthcare
quiz app and an iPad anatomy interface in the extended opening hours. about their treatment and care
and the clinical environment to help you define at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and the in the UK
dissection lab. • the critical use of scientific evidence
your strengths and areas for development. In Audrey Emerton Education Centre, and in • the ethical and legal responsibilities of doctors.
Haywards Heath at the Princess Royal Hospital. Virtual microscopy allows active evaluation of for medical practice
Phase 1 you will be supported by an academic You will learn how to: • a recognition of the need for you to work as
tutor and throughout Phases 2 and 3 your The Audrey Emerton provides comprehensive microscopic anatomy and pathology in lectures, • take a detailed medical history
learning facilities, including a fully stocked helping provide a full perspective on a patient’s part of an effective multi-professional team
clinical academic tutor will help you define • identify the clinical signs of disease • the judgement to recognise when you have
your personal development plan. medical library, computer suites, a clinical skills illness, and can be accessed for further study • use a patient’s history and clinical
training area and teaching rooms for large or revision through StudentCentral. reached the limits of your own knowledge
examination to reach a diagnosis or skills and need to seek assistance.
and small group study. • design an appropriate treatment plan,
working with a multi-disciplinary team
12 Our research reputation 13
Making your mark BSMS offers students the
great opportunity to undergo
At BSMS, you will have the a research project in the specialty
chance to join in with pioneering of their interest, especially through
research and develop projects the Year 4 Individual Research
of your own. You could conduct Project (IRP). Working with leading
your study at the local hospital researchers helps you develop
or in a research lab, or use practical and analytical research
your elective placement to skills, deepening your knowledge
explore developments in in your field
medicine across the world – of interest.
and you might even find your
name in print. Sarah El-Zahab, Year 5
Year 5 student Sarah El-Zahab,
whose Individual Research
Project looked at gene mutations
in leukemia
14 Our research reputation 15
Making a Research in action
Two BSMS students discuss their own research
interests, which they explored through their
Individual Research Projects (IRPs) in Year 4.
difference
Medicine at BSMS
At BSMS, we believe tomorrow’s Student successes in research BSMS INSPIRE Programme
Amanda Ahmed’s comparative study into INSPIRE is a national programme coordinated
doctors should be fully involved in two types of induced labour was presented as by the Academy of Medical Sciences and
shaping the future of healthcare an e-poster at the 25th European Congress of supported by the Wellcome Trust. Activities
through cutting-edge research. Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Turkey. are designed to encourage medical students
to gain experience in, and understanding of,
We provide you with up-to-date Peter Bannister received the Junior Research research, and include support for:
clinical evidence to inform your Associate Award from the University of Sussex
• the student research network – to conduct
to conduct research on the epidemiology of
learning and decision making. primary liver cancer in the elderly. The findings collaborative research with faculty
We also encourage you to will be presented at the International Liver • organising national/regional student
conduct research and present Congress in Paris. Peter also co-authored conferences
a book chapter on the epidemiology of
your findings in local, national and cervical cancer.
• conference attendance and presentation
of research findings.
international meetings, as well as Katherine Kirupakaran’s research into the
publish papers in medical journals. stability of dopamine and dobutamine over 24 Facilities
hours in simulated neonatal ward conditions You will have access to state-of-the-art
From trialling new chemotherapy was presented at the sixth Congress of research facilities. The Medical Research
drugs to investigating genetic European Academy of Paediatric Societies, Building and Trafford Centre host laboratories Trisha Hughes Firstly, they are a key component of the myelin While we cannot ‘cure’ autism, it’s important
Geneva, Switzerland; and the Congress of
susceptibility to TB, our research Joint European Neonatal Societies, Venice,
for around 100 scientists and a range of Erythropoietin-induced gene expression structure and secondly they could be used as a that children are diagnosed in a timely manner
specialist resources:
has an international reputation. Italy. It was published in Paediatric Drugs. changes in differentiating CG4 oligodendrocytes source of cellular energy to fuel the production so they get the support they need, both at
• tissue culture labs and containment labs of myelin itself. This complex mechanism school and at home.
It aims to improve medical Chloe Knox presented her study into for working with infectious materials
Neurological conditions, such as multiple suggests that these genes could be potential
treatment, answer fundamental sclerosis (MS), stroke and Alzheimer’s disease targets for treatment of neurological conditions. My supervisors, Dr Ian Male and Dr Will Farr,
healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the
• advanced microscopy and flow can be devastating, leading to considerable developed the Lego pirate-themed iPad game,
biomedical and clinical questions challenges in providing adequate antenatal
cytometry facilities disability and can be fatal. Currently, there isn’t These novel findings have helped to further which allows clinicians to carry out an initial
care to women using substances in pregnancy
and deliver more personalised at the Fourth Contemporary Drug Problems • the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre a cure for these conditions, therefore I have the current understanding around the role of 10-minute screening for ASD, and could flag
always been fascinated by the use of basic EPO in the production of myelin and have up children who might need further testing.
healthcare to patients. Conference in Helsinki, Finland. houses 1.5 and 3 Tesla MRI scanners
science to explore how the brain could contributed to a wider study published in the Children work through a number of questions
and a 64-slice PET CT scanner, for
Alice Lagnado presented her research on research in neuroscience and oncology, repair itself. journal Frontiers in Immunology. One day in the pirate ‘story’ — each of these will test
Your participation in research the association between subjective wellbeing and diagnostic scanning our work around EPO may even contribute to a particular area that may get a different
My lab-based IRP was part of a larger project the development of new treatments for these response from a child with autism. So you
You could participate in research in your and depression at the 61st Annual Scientific • the Clinical Investigation and Research at BSMS studying the mechanisms by which disabling neurological conditions. might test the ability to read emotions or
Student-Selected Components (SSCs) as Meeting of the Society for Social Medicine in Unit carries out clinical studies in the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) helps the understand idioms by asking, “What does the
early as Year 1. In Year 4, you will conduct Manchester and 10th European Public physiology and therapy. brain to produce myelin, the coating around treasure will cost an arm and a leg mean?”
a research project under the supervision of Health Conference in Stockholm. nerve fibres that allows for effective conduction Anokhee Patel Also there is evidence that children with ASD
a faculty member. You might choose to join Thomas Walton won best poster prize of signals in the nervous system. Specialised Pilot Study to Investigate the Acceptability of interact better with technology, so the iPad
research teams in laboratories, hospitals at the British Hip Society annual scientific brain cells called oligodendrocytes play a the Pirate Adventure Autism Assessment Tool seemed like the perfect format to use,
or the community, investigating biomedical meeting for his research into the effect of key role in the production of myelin, and we in Mainstream Typically Developing Children particularly as most kids are familiar with it.
sciences or epidemiology, or assessing a dedicated hip fracture unit on the outcome know that these cells are damaged in many
clinical and community interventions. neurological diseases. Current research has I’ve always had a strong interest in paediatrics I tested the app among 32 typically developing
of femoral fractures. He also gave an oral and prior to attending BSMS I worked
podium presentation in a quality improvement shown that EPO helps oligodendrocytes to children in a primary school, to see how they
You will graduate with enhanced teamwork, produce myelin. closely with children with disabilities. So when responded to it and what could be improved.
session at the British Orthopaedic Association I got the opportunity to work on developing
research methodology, technical and project Overall the kids loved it, but I made a couple
annual congress. I cultured oligodendrocytes and treated them a new app to assist in the diagnosis of autistic
management skills, and could even take an of suggestions for improvement, for example
intercalated degree in a biomedical subject with and without EPO, and then measured spectrum disorder (ASD) among children as developing more female characters and
along the way or stay on as a postgraduate gene expression using molecular techniques. my IRP, I jumped at the chance. different themes to make it more attractive
researcher after your foundation training. This was a great opportunity to learn new lab to girls.
skills. Our results showed that EPO-induced Currently, the process for a child to undergo
genes may work to break down lipids an ASD assessment is time consuming, The app is now being copyrighted and we
(fat molecules) in oligodendrocytes. Lipids expensive and has long waiting lists. hope to launch it in the app store for use by
could be used in two key pathways for clinicians in the near future.
myelin production.
16 Student support 17
Supporting
Student Support staff are
here to help throughout
your time at BSMS, providing a
supportive space to talk through
any issues you
you to succeed
may be facing.
Nina Dodd, Student Welfare Advisor
Medicine at BSMS
Medicine is a demanding course Subdeans Health services
Clinical subdeans are on hand at each The universities’ medical centres provide
physically, intellectually and training hospital to provide you with advice medical care under the NHS and there is
emotionally. During your five and guidance during your Year 5 clinical also access to a dentist and pharmacist.
years here you may experience attachments away from the main medical school. All students are required to register with
a local GP, and information is provided to
problems with which you need help you do so.
help, but there is no need to Student Support Team
Our student welfare advisors are dedicated,
struggle alone. Whether you need non-academic staff available in all years of Personal counselling
study help or financial advice, study to talk about any personal problems that The universities’ personal counselling services
may affect you – emotional issues, financial provide a safe, confidential environment
medical facilities or just a listening difficulties, health problems and more. They offer to discuss concerns with qualified and
ear, the services below are on confidential listening and advice, and can work experienced counsellors. These services
hand to assist you. with school colleagues and university services are free to students.
to help reduce any impact on your studies.
They can also put you in touch with specialist
Academic tutors support services if necessary. Chaplaincies
Your academic tutor will be your academic Support and friendship are offered by the
advisor throughout your first two years, universities’ chaplaincies, which aim to help
encouraging you to set your own learning goals Student representatives students – of any faith or none – to enjoy and
and advising you on your academic progress. Each year BSMS students elect student enrich their time here. The chaplains organise
They will lead your weekly tutorials during term representatives. These are current students group activities and worship, and can put
1 and ensure that you develop the necessary from all years who sit on key decision-making students in touch with local churches and
study skills. bodies to influence life at BSMS, and liaise interested groups. They are also available
with staff on behalf of their fellow students. for confidential advice or consultation.
In Year 3 you will be allocated a clinical
academic tutor who will provide ongoing
academic support. They will help you talk Financial support Childcare facilities
through the difficult clinical and ethical issues The University of Brighton’s Student Advice Both university sites offer childcare provision.
that every aspiring doctor encounters, Service offers useful information and advice However, places cannot be guaranteed, and
and support your academic progression on additional sources of funding and money crèche and nursery applications should be
into foundation training. management. See page 32 for information made at an early stage.
on financial support specific to BSMS. See brighton.ac.uk/childcare
Support through teaching and sussex.ac.uk/childcare
Important skills such as self-reflection and
stress management are covered as elements Disability and learning support
of the course. Useful workshops and external For students with disabilities and long-term
resources are made available via course conditions such as dyslexia and mental health
information and announcements. Staff will be issues, services are available providing advice,
available to give further advice if necessary. guidance and personal and academic support.
These include individual support tutors, assistive
facilities in halls and reasonable adjustments to
teaching and assessment. To find out more,
contact disability@brighton.ac.uk18 What BSMS offers you 19
What BSMS
Entry requirements
A-levels: AAA including Biology
and Chemistry.
For students with contextual data
offers you
(page 36), we will consider AAB
including Biology and Chemistry.
Scottish Highers: 370 points from 18
units with both Biology and Chemistry
at minimum Advanced Higher A grade.
International Baccalaureate: 36 points
with both Biology and Chemistry at
minimum grade 6 at Higher level.
See page 36 for more details.
BSMS requires all UK/EU applicants to sit
the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
Early clinical experience Cadaveric dissection BSMS students Small group sizes Very satisfied students The benefit of two
Our integrated degree combines Cadaveric dissection is a as researchers BSMS students benefit from BSMS achieved a score of universities in the same city
academic knowledge and clinical key part of the degree from Research features significantly being taught in small groups. 99% student satisfaction in the BSMS students are students of
experience from Year 1. Students Year 1, giving you a real in the curriculum to ensure your This allows for a close, friendly 2017 National Student Survey, both the Universities of Brighton
visit GP surgeries or clinics in understanding of human decision-making is informed by learning environment, where putting us in top place among and Sussex and have equal
hospitals from the first week anatomy. This will enhance up-to-date clinical evidence. students really get to know UK medical schools. access to the academic and
of the course. This builds your your learning experience, while All Year 4 students take up an staff and fellow students. recreational facilities of each.
confidence and communication developing professionalism, Individual Research Project, Both university campuses are
skills with patients and other skills and respect for the and we encourage students to next to one another at Falmer.
healthcare staff. anatomical donor. participate in local, national and
international research and publish
where possible.20 Accommodation 21
A home Key
BSMS teaching and research buildings
Accommodation
Library
from home
Bus stop
Lewes Court Train station
Train line
Roads
University
of Sussex
As a first-year medical Catered and self-catered options are available,
and all residences are provided with cooking
student, you will be guaranteed facilities in communal kitchens. You can also
accommodation at Falmer, buy anything from a sandwich to a three-
where the medical school is based. course meal on campus, all at reasonable
prices. Facilities at both universities are
However, you must make BSMS within easy reach, including:
Trafford Centre
your first choice when confirming • grocery shops
places with UCAS, and submit • catering outlets
your application for university • bar and cafés Clinical Imaging
residences by the deadline • a launderette Sciences Centre
in June/July 2019. • a newsagent
Library
• a bookshop
The great thing about • a bank
BSMS Teaching
living in halls is living • libraries
with other medics. This • a post office
is really beneficial around • sports facilities. BSMS Research
exam time as you can plan
In Brighton
revision sessions with your
Life at BSMS
You might prefer to live in a house or flat for
flatmates. There is also the your first year, and after Year 1 all students
Applying for accommodation Halls of residence at Falmer
chance to meet people on Halls of residence are provided by both the At the University of Brighton, you will normally
move off campus. Brighton has several areas
which are particularly popular with students
different courses, which University of Brighton and the University of be placed in Paddock Field residences, where and there is a wide range of rented
makes a nice change. Sussex, and BSMS students are allocated all rooms are en suite. Self-catered and catered accommodation available.
evenly between the two universities. options are available, and there is free off-peak
gym membership. For more information, see Help with finding a suitable place to live is
You should apply for halls via the University of brighton.ac.uk/halls/falmer or contact available from the University of Brighton and
Brighton Accommodation Office, whichever +44 (0)1273 644100. University of Sussex accommodation services.
campus you prefer. They will send you information Checkland
They provide advice on house hunting and Building
on how to apply during the academic year At the University of Sussex, you will normally contracts, and you can search on their websites
before you arrive at BSMS, including all relevant be placed in Lewes Court residences, where for housing from approved landlords and University
Farazi Virk, Year 1
deadlines. The office can also help you find you can choose an en suite room or shared potential housemates. For information, see
accommodation off-campus, if you would prefer bathroom. For more information, see sussex. of Brighton Mayfield
House
studenthomes.brighton.ac.uk or contact
(see opposite page). ac.uk/study/accommodation/on-campus +44 (0)1273 644100 (Brighton) or sussex. Library
or contact +44 (0)1273 678220. ac.uk/study/accommodation/off-
For accommodation costs see ‘My finances’,
page 33. For more information, visit brighton. Whichever residence you live in, at Falmer campus/privately-rented or contact
ac.uk/living-here or contact +44 (0)1273 you will be part of a lively, stimulating and +44 (0)1273 678220 (Sussex).
644100 or accommodation@brighton.ac.uk cosmopolitan student community, living
alongside people from all over the world
Clinical commitments Approximate walking times
who are studying a wide range of subjects.
In Years 3, 4 and 5, hospital accommodation Falmer Station — Mayfield House 8 mins
Most accommodation is in single study is provided for on-call duties, where required. Falmer Station — BSMS Teaching 7 mins
bedrooms, and there are a few shared rooms Paddock Field
and family flats (University of Sussex only), During Year 5, you will undertake attachments Paddock Field — BSMS Teaching 17 mins
as well as housing designed for students with at different regional hospitals. Accommodation Paddock Field — Mayfield House 5 mins
disabilities. All halls have internet access is provided at those centres not easily reached
bsms.ac.uk/farazi-virk and contents insurance. from your Brighton base. Lewes Court — BSMS Teaching 12 mins
Lewes Court — Mayfield House 23 mins22 Social life 23
Join the club
As a BSMS student, there are These are a great way to get to MedSoc caters for the MedSoc • Students for Global Health Brighton Sport
At the centre of student social life is BSMS and Sussex Whether you want to keep fit, dance or are
plenty of activities available for know people outside your year vibrant and diverse student MedSoc. MedSoc works with both students’ • Surgery into serious sport, there are excellent sports
when you are not studying. With group, and many societies have population at BSMS – unions to organise teams and social events • Target Soc facilities at Falmer including:
clubs and societies from two a thriving social programme something which we pride specifically aimed at medical students, • Tea and Empathy • sports halls
such as balls, cabarets, talks and charity • Theatre Company (Medic Revue) • fitness rooms
students’ unions, whatever your alongside their main activities. ourselves on. The society marathons. You will have the opportunity to • Wilderness. • dance studios
interests, there will be something provides support for its sub- get involved with the Medic Revue, a sketch
Find out more: bsmsmedsoc.co.uk • squash and tennis courts
for you. societies that allow students show written by BSMS students, which has a • football and rugby pitches
firm place in May’s Brighton Fringe Festival. • floodlit artificial turf pitches
to get involved in life outside Raising and Giving • sauna
Medical societies can also get involved in
the curriculum, which is organising national conferences with top Raising and Giving (RAG) plays a huge role • more than 50 exercise and movement
something BSMS encourages. speakers from across the UK. in the BSMS social calendar. Affiliated with classes per week
MedSoc, the society puts on exciting events • lifestyle studio offering a sports injury clinic,
You could get involved in Clubs and societies you could join include: to raise money for the year’s chosen charities. massage, acupuncture and beauty therapy.
one of our sports teams, a
Societies
medical sub-specialty club or • Anaesthetics Other clubs and societies Sports clubs
even a baking society! We • Anatomy Clubs and societies focusing on the There are a range of student sports clubs
• Asian performing arts are popular on both that you can get involved with, including a
also organise balls and social • Association for Medical Education campuses. There are numerous choirs, number of watersports clubs, which benefit
events throughout the year. and Clinical Skills choral societies, bands and orchestras, dance from Brighton’s seaside location.
We are the biggest society at • BakeSoc societies and drama clubs, catering for all
Life at BSMS
• Bouldering Society (RockSoc) tastes from the traditional to the experimental. Sports clubs provide coaching and instruction
both universities and are here • BrightWams and take part in British Universities’ Sports
to ensure you have the best • Cardiology If you are creative, there’ll be something Association (BUSA) competitions, as well
for you too, from life drawing to design, as local Sussex leagues.
time at medical school. • Choir
photography and creative writing. You might
• Christian Medical Fellowship Both universities have a good record of
• Elderly (GeriSoc) decide to test out your circus skills, improve
your chess or learn how to make films. success at competition level in a range
Harry Cross, Year 4 • Emergency Medicine of team and individual sports.
MedSoc President 2017–2018 • Friends of MSF Or you can join a society to support a cause,
• GP such as Médecins sans Frontières, Amnesty BSMS also has its own sports teams,
• HIVE – HIV Education International or humanitarian aid projects enabling students to represent the school
• HOMED – Homeless Medicine around the world. and continue playing sport throughout the
• International Students demanding clinical years. The teams have
• Islam (iSoc) To find out more about both students’ very active calendars, and participate
• Medical Ethics and Humanities unions visit brightonsu.com (University in a range of leagues. Teams include:
• Medical Leadership and Management of Brighton) and sussexstudent.com • Badminton
• Medical Research (University of Sussex). • Basketball
• MedSin – global health • Football – men’s
• Mixed Dance • Football – women’s
Entertainment on your doorstep
• Neurology Society • Hockey
Campus cafés, pubs and bars, each with
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology • Netball
their own individual atmosphere, are popular
• Oncology, Haematology and Palliative • Rugby
meeting places for evening socialising. Whether
• Ophthalmology • Squash
you want a fun night out, live sports on TV or
• Paediatrics • Tennis.
a quiet coffee, you will find somewhere to suit
• Psychiatry
your needs and your pocket. The students’
• Raising and Giving
unions organise several major events during
• RunSoc
Above/opposite: As a BSMS student, the year, including freshers’ and summer
there is plenty to get involved in. Raise • Sexpression
balls, and big-name bands and DJs are
some funds for charity through one of • Snow Sport
regular visitors to the campus.
the fun events organised by the RAG • Spectrum
team, or join a sports team, and there • Sports and Exercise Medicine
are, of course, the MedSoc socials24 Brighton and Sussex 25
Out and about
In Brighton, the energy of the arts Well placed Arts, culture and events
BSMS is based over two campuses at Brighton has a rich, dynamic cultural
and cultural events, restaurants, Falmer, just four miles from central Brighton. life and the city attracts many of the best
shopping and clubs is balanced You can easily get to the centre of Brighton internationally recognised artists and
by the relaxed vibe, and you’ll by train (nine minutes), bus (20 minutes), performers. Brighton Dome, the Theatre
bike (20 minutes) or car (10 minutes). Royal, the Old Market and many smaller
find you can really be yourself. In Years 3 and 4 your studies will be based venues provide a wonderful diversity of
The campus is surrounded by around the Royal Sussex County Hospital live entertainment including pre-London
the beautiful Sussex countryside in Kemp Town, Brighton. productions and fringe theatre. There are
two multiscreen cinemas as well as the
with its historic villages, hiking Duke of York’s and Duke’s at Komedia,
trails and range of events, Eating out which show art-house films.
With more than 400 cafés and restaurants
offering something for all. All this to choose from, Brighton caters for all The city boasts an impressive number of
and just an hour from London. tastes and budgets: Mexican, Chinese, Greek, museums and galleries, including the Brighton
Japanese, Indian, vegetarian, vegan, fish Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
and chips, and more. and Hove Museum and Art Gallery. There are
In my opinion Brighton also numerous exhibitions at smaller venues,
The North Laine area, which is very popular and specialist museums devoted to subjects
is one of the best places to with students, is full of relaxed cafés and such as fishing, toys and penny slot machines.
study in the UK. The liberal bars. When all the shopping gets too much,
you can treat yourself to an all-day breakfast, The November fireworks and the Burning
and accepting environment of the Clocks solstice parade keep the pace
relax with the papers over a coffee or head
allows people to integrate
Life at BSMS
to one of the many pubs for a Sunday roast. going through the winter, while in August the
easily, whoever they are. Later on, you might head out to one of the
Pride festival attracts visitors from around the
country. The highlight of the city’s cultural year
There is never a shortage of city’s multitude of eateries for dinner, or stop is May’s Brighton Festival. England’s brightest
things to do in and around in at an all-night café for a post-club snack. and biggest arts festival showcases every kind
the city, and with fantastic of art and performance, while the Fringe offers
a range of exciting events all over the city,
rail connections London is Shoppers’ paradise many of them free.
The only question is where to start! There’s
only an hour away giving everything here. All the familiar high street
you unlimited access to names are gathered under one roof in the Pubs and clubs
the whole country! Churchill Square shopping complex, while The city has more than 300 pubs and wine
the North Laine area buzzes with independent bars, from quiet traditional drinking places
shops selling everything from leather goods, to subterranean dives and stylish café bars.
James Willans, Year 4 old records and vintage clothes to vegan And there are plenty of entertainment venues,
shoes and wholefoods. such as Komedia, which specialises in
alternative comedy, theatre and live music,
Exploring the winding streets of the Lanes, you’ll and plays host to the comedy festival
find antique shops, jewellers, second-hand in October.
booksellers and exclusive fashion outlets.
As you walk along the seafront, you’ll pass all Brighton has a reputation as the clubbing
the beachfront artists’ studios, and there are capital of the South Coast and there are
also weekend car boot sales, arts and craft dozens of clubs to choose from, whatever
shows, street traders and seaside markets. music you’re into. Big-name DJs are attracted
to the scene and many London clubs bring
specialist nights down to the seaside.
Opposite top: The North Laine area
Opposite bottom left: The Brighton
bsms.ac.uk/james-willans Fringe Festival
Opposite bottom right: Brighton Pride26 Brighton and Sussex 27
Life in Brighton as a
university student is great –
there are so many things to
do both in the daytime and
the evening. I love Brighton
beach, it’s great just to
walk along the seafront on
a sunny day. And you will
get lots of friends coming
to visit you here!
Eunice Lee, Year 3
bsms.ac.uk/eunice-lee
Top left: British Airways i360 offers
amazing panaromic views of the city
Top right: In summer Brighton’s Big Screen
shows films on the beach ranging from
blockbuster to cult
Bottom: Summer watersports at the beach
Life at BSMS
Music for all Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Out and about in Sussex there are historic
Brighton is a city of music – up-and-coming (the Seagulls) is based at the American towns such as Lewes, Chichester and
bands fill the smaller venues nightly, and you Express Community Stadium next to the Arundel, abbeys and castles, vineyards and
can catch national and international acts University of Brighton campus and Sussex cider farms, vintage cars and steam trains,
at the Brighton Centre, while the Dome hosts County Cricket Club is in nearby Hove. Each lakes and rivers. You can walk, cycle or horse
a range of contemporary, world and classical year the Brighton Marathon attracts runners ride along peaceful lanes and trails, or, if you
concerts. The world-famous Glyndebourne from around the UK to the city’s seafront. are looking for adventure, you can mountain
Opera House is just a few miles away. bike, kayak, windsurf or paraglide.
In summer, Brighton entertainment moves The beach and water sports
outside, with concerts and mini festivals in Brighton and Hove’s seaside location means Further afield
the city’s many parks, or you might catch there are ample opportunities to get involved For a day or evening in the capital, London
the next big thing busking in the city’s streets. in water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, is just over an hour’s journey away. Heading
diving, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. abroad? There’s easy access to Gatwick
The sea is perfect for a summer dip, and Airport (25 minutes from Brighton), Heathrow
Get active afterwards you can join friends for a BBQ Airport (two hours by coach), several south
In addition to the excellent sport facilities on the beach. coast ports serving continental Europe,
on campus (page 23), there are plenty and the Channel Tunnel.
of opportunities to get active in Brighton
and Hove: swimming pools, golf courses, The countryside
martial arts, yoga and dance classes where When you need a break from the bustle
you can learn anything from salsa to swing of the city, all you have to do is step off
dancing. You can play basketball, volleyball campus. The beautiful South Downs, offering
or pétanque on the seafront, or skate picturesque villages, miles of mountain bike
along the promenade. trails and country walks, including the South
Downs Way, are literally minutes away from
Falmer and easily accessible from Brighton.
Opposite top: Brighton Pier
Opposite bottom left: Brighton Pavillion
Opposite bottom right: The South DownsYou can also read
