View Specification DocumentBSc (Med Sci) & BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Specialist Course 4: Inflammation Medicine MED4042
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
- Credits: 30
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The course covers both basic and clinically applied immunology, aiming to give the student an understanding of the entire immune system under physiological and pathological conditions.
Timetable
On average approximately 6 x 1.5 hour sessions per week in Semester One, and 2 x 1.5 hour session per week in Semester 2.
Requirements of Entry
Mandatory Entry Requirements
Actively enrolled in an MBChB or BDS and normally have successfully completed at least the first 3 years. Exceptionally, some external students from specific partner institutions may join the course after completion of two years of MBChB or BDS (or equivalent); however award of the intercalated degree will be withheld until they have subsequently completed the required number of additional credits (or equivalent) at their home institution.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Will normally be placed within the top 50% of the year and have demonstrated good academic progress.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Core Course
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Research Project
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Statistics
Assessment
Assessment
65% written examination in April/May
35% review essay completed during 2nd semester.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course aims to provide students with increased knowledge of the immune system, and insight into infectious, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The course will also cover application of immunological techniques in areas such as vaccination and transplantation.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
Evaluate the role of the immune system in health and disease;
Critically appraise the current scientific understanding of the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease)
Critically discuss the principles, applications and limitations of the main techniques used in modern immunology laboratories;
Evaluate how current immunological techniques and applications help inform clinical practice.