Module overview
This module focuses on the dermatology, neurosciences, ophthalmology and head & neck knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas.
The BM programmes are however highly contextualised and integrated programmes in which the application of knowledge and understanding, clinical skills and professional practice applicable to medicine are learned through a range of modules none of which are stand alone modules and therefore this module should be recognised by teachers and students alike as part of the whole year and programme. The Specialties Module in year 4 of the BM programmes is studied along with 4 other clinical teaching modules in Psychiatry, Acute Care, Obstetrics & Gynaecology/GUM and Child Health; a year long Medical Ethics & Law (MEL) module; and a Year 4 assessment module. The emphasis of the assessments for each of the modules aligns with the focus of learning for that module; however the integrated nature of the course means that there will undoubtedly be overlap and aspects of the assessment in each module will draw upon learning from modules studied in earlier years as well as modules studied in that year. In addition, the MEL module and Year 4 assessment modules have been purposely designed to assess learning outcomes covered in any of the 5 clinical modules from the year.
The module will normally take the format of a 4 week placement in one or more of our University of Southampton partner trusts (one week in each specialty). The timing will vary for different student groups and the teaching staff will vary for different trusts and student groups. As is the nature of clinical placements, the exact learning experiences of each student will be variable; however all students will receive the same broad opportunities sufficient to achieve the learning outcomes of the module and it is expected that students will take responsibility for making the most of the opportunities provided and being pro-active in securing experiences in areas in which they feel they have weaknesses and/or have had fewest learning experiences.