Course List

There are 23 modules available to study for the Diploma in Medical Studies; a minimum of 20 modules are required to be achieved for the award of the Diploma.

Human Cell Biology: the structure and function of cells as well as the exchange mechanisms of the cell membrane.

Biological Communication Systems: the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine system and the difference between nerve and hormone actions.

Human Cardiac and Respiratory Systems: the structure and function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems as well as the circulation of blood in the human body.

Nutrition and Digestion: the nutritional requirements of humans, the key components of a balanced diet and digestion in the human gut and identification of biochemical molecules in food.

Reproduction: the key events in reproduction and pregnancy and birth and the changes that occur in the developing foetus.

Skeleton and Muscles: the function and properties of the skeleton and joints. The muscular system and the importance of a healthy skeletal and muscular system.

Acids and Bases: understanding of Acids, Bases and the pH scale.

Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes and Ketones:  the structure and nomenclature of organic chemistry. The structure and reactions of alcohols, haloalkanes, aldehydes and ketones.

Biochemistry: biological molecules and the actions of enzymes.

Medical Chemistry: the different classes of drugs and their effects on the human body.

Medical Physics: different diagnostic imaging technology, the use and workings of the imaging technology and their use in the diagnosis of a condition.

Genetics: the function of genetic material and the mechanisms of mitosis and meiosis. The module also covers the principles of Mendelian genetics.

Infectious Diseases:  the nature of infectious micro-organisms, the effect of personal behaviour and the impact of medical research on the spread of disease.

Inherited Diseases:  the genetic control of proteins, the inheritance of disease using Mendelian genetics and the application of DNA technology to treat diseases.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies: different types of complementary and alternative medicines/therapies and how they differ from conventional medicines/therapies.  The role of complementary and alternative medicines/therapies in health care.

A Medical Condition: the physiological changes, symptoms and treatments for a specified condition along with the wider effects that it has on the patient both psychologically and socially as well as support options for these effects.

Health Psychology: the physiological approach to health behaviour and habits, how these are explained by different models and how models are used to change people’s health behaviour.

Sociology of Health: the different definitions of health, illness and disability from biomedical and sociological perspectives and the perception of the role of medical professionals in society.

Maths in a Health and Care Context: the mathematical foundation for entering the health and care sector including formulae, conversions, solution strengths, dosages and drip rates.

Statistics: calculation and interpretation of data using statistical and mathematical methods.

English for Academic Study: to improve the use of English language skills for academic purposes. Text analysis, forms of writing and evaluation of own written work.

Research and Referencing: researching using different research methods, referencing and the implications of copyright.

Producing a Written Assignment: synthesis of information using different sources, note-making in different formats, planning, structuring and writing an assignment on a complex topic.