Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences

Course Title

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences

MQF Level

6

Duration and Credits

2+1 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Applicants who successfully complete the first two years of the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Course may opt to join Year 3 of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences.

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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery has added an optional intercalated year leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences to the existing degree programme leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

As a Medical Student, if you wish to mainly enhance your laboratory-based research skills, possibly with the longer-term intention of pursuing a career as a "Physician scientist" then the intercalated degree is intended to offer that very innovative opportunity to do so. It permits medical students such as yourself to exit and join postgraduate programmes offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery or other Faculties or to re-enter the MD course at a later time.

The research areas which shall be offered are the following:

  1. Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology;
  2. Diabetes and Endocrinology: Epidemiology, Genetics, Management and Complications;
  3. Brain: Neurology/Neurosurgery/Psychiatry/Pharmacology;
  4. Inflammatory Processes: Pathology of wound and bone healing/Orthopaedics/Rheumatology;
  5. Blood Disorders: Thalassaemia testing and Haemoglobin research/rare blood disorders;
  6. Human Genomics and Genetic Medicine; and
  7. Biobanking

For Years One and Two, please refer to the M.D. programme.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS3107 Dissertation 26 ECTS   (NC)  
PHB3502 Advances in Medical Research Skills Seminars 6 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
LIN1063 Academic Reading and Writing in English 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3108 Data Analysis and Statistics in Biomedical Sciences 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MMB3001 Theoretical Backgrounds to Biomedical Research 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MMB3003 Methods of Biomedical Analysis 8 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
CHE1810 Research and Communication Skills 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MMB3002 Introduction to Bioinformatics 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year III: 60 creditsRequirement for successful completion of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences: 180 credits.

This programme of study is governed by the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Degree Course Regulations, 2013 under the auspices of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

By the end of the course, amongst your vast knowledge of medical sciences, you will be able to:

  • Explain the structure of the cells and organelles and the various molecular and biochemical interactions that occur in the human body at a cellular level.
  • Describe and integrate the relationships between basic anatomy, physiology and biochemistry for each of, and between, the different human biological systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, genitourinary, reproductive, haematopoietic and central nervous system.
  • Conduct basic research in an area relevant to personalised medicine.
  • Discuss the principles underlying biochemical and molecular technology techniques currently used in clinical diagnosis and research.
  • Discuss medical concepts and ethical principles underlying research.
  • Identify important anatomical structures on the surface of the body as an introduction to clinical examination techniques.

  1. Subject knowledge and understanding:
    1. explain the structure of the cells and organelles and the various molecular and biochemical interactions that occur in the human body at a cellular level;
    2. describe and integrate the relationships between basic anatomy, physiology and biochemistry for each of, and between, the different human biological systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, genitourinary, reproductive, haematopoietic and central nervous system;
    3. describe the structure and inter-relationship of the bones and joints to muscles, nerves and blood vessels;
    4. outline the embryological development of the different organs and biological systems; and discuss how this relates to common developmental anomalies;
    5. describe the microscopic structure of tissues;
    6. explain the genetic and environmental factors that cause disease;
    7. describe the basis of genetic inheritance;
    8. outline major metabolic pathways and identify their points of integration;
    9. discuss the basic principles of medical biochemistry and how dysfunction leads to disease;
    10. explain the basic principles of general pathology, including the mechanisms of cell injury and cell death, adaptation and ischaemia;
    11. explain the features of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections and non infective inflammatory processes;
    12. describe how to identify normal and abnormal blood counts and serum protein profiles;
    13. describe the basic principles used in molecular pharmacology and pharmacogenetics;
    14. describe the principles of interpersonal communication;
    15. contrast the various ethical theories appropriate to health care;
    16. discuss the basic principles of communication skills;
    17. discuss values, decision processes and negative emotions;
    18. describe the importance of lab safety;
    19. discuss the principles underlying biochemical and molecular technology techniques currently used in clinical diagnosis and research;
    20. describe the different research methodologies: qualitative, quantitative and epidemiological;
    21. discuss the ethical principles underlying research (e.g. consent form and data protection issues);
    22. outline the importance of research in personalised medicine.

  2. Intellectual development
    1. conduct basic research in an area relevant to personalised medicine;
    2. carry out research techniques applicable to clinical practice;
    3. appreciate the role of biobanks in promoting medical research;
    4. participate interactively in lab/class sessions;
    5. analyse research options and take decisions;
    6. work effectively individually and in a team;
    7. implement group dynamics to accomplish a task; and
    8. link clinical research to social needs and patientsҠperspectives.

  3. Key/Transferable Skills
    1. identify important anatomical structures on the surface of the body as an introduction to clinical examination techniques;
    2. interpret normal anatomy on basic ultrasound, X-ray images and Electro-cardiogram (ECG);
    3. interpret common clinical cases involving different biological systems in terms of disordered anatomy and physiology;
    4. interpret the results of first line investigations used for differential diagnosis of clinical cases;
    5. map a genetic pedigree;
    6. analyse the important factors in prevention and management of infections;
    7. apply knowledge of the molecular mode of action of drugs to specific clinical scenarios;
    8. apply basic pharmacological principles in prescribing decisions;
    9. select the basic drugs used to treat the abnormal conditions studied;
    10. identify factors that may lead patients to abuse prescribed medication;
    11. apply ethical principles to basic clinical scenarios;
    12. apply ethical principles to interpersonal relationships;
    13. recognise stress and burnout;
    14. demonstrate how to obtain informed consent and how to give bad news;
    15. formulate specific objectives for the research study;
    16. draft a research proposal;
    17. write an application form for research ethics approval required for ђesearch Project 2: Clinical Applicationһ
    18. undertake laboratory benchwork under supervision;
    19. operate basic laboratory equipment;
    20. perform daily maintenance of basic laboratory equipment;
    21. apply appropriate experimental techniques to a specific project design;
    22. interpret research results;
    23. use bioinformatic tools to analyse genetic and proteomic data; and
    24. demonstrate communication skills through the delivery of an effective class presentation.

  4. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
    1. time management;
    2. organisation skills;
    3. team work;
    4. lab safety; and
    5. respect for patientҳ confidentiality and data protection.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a graduate in doctor of medicine and surgery, you will have improved options to pursue personal and career objectives in postgraduate medical specialisation, as it provides you with a head start for the necessary scientific skills as a specialist trainee. Moreover, you will have a solid foundation if you are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree to embark on a medical academic career, since it provides an early introduction to the competitive field of high-quality scientific research, publications in high level journey and competitivity for research grants and contracts. As healthcare moves towards the development of personalised/ precision medicine, the demand for researchers with combined MD Ph.D. degrees is steadily increasing to service the expanding local research options in medical sciences, health care and biotechnology, on campus, in hospital and at the Life Science Park.

If you are opting to exit the medical course, this degree will open up possibilities for postgraduate studies in science, health and biotechnology with a view to future employment in these areas the new economic sectors in pharmaceuticals and the Life Science Park and the growing academic programmes shall continue to increase demand for such researchers.

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