First, second and third years
Students study the biomedical sciences to create an understanding of the knowledge underlying medicine and begin clinical science in the first term through the Family Case Study. Teaching is a combination of problem based learning in the first year, small group teaching (12-14 students), lectures and practical demonstrations.
Self-directed learning and use of e-learning are encouraged throughout the course. The majority of the teaching in first and second year takes place at the School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute at the main University campus, with the remainder in the hospital setting. Third year combines the taught course programme and an extensive hospital placement programme in order to advance and integrate clinical skills.
Medical moderatorship and intercalated M.Sc. in biomedical sciences
On successful completion of the third year, you may be permitted to take a year out from the medical course to undertake a moderatorship in science in an approved subject. This is subject to the availability of places and the agreement of the head of department concerned. An intercalated M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences is also available to medical students who successfully gain a 1st or 2:1 in year 3 modules. The M.Sc. is a one-year full-time programme.
Fourth and fifth years
During these two years the student becomes an integrated member of each team to which he/she is attached and is expected to participate fully in all aspects of that team’s activities. This expectation will inevitably involve some early morning and late evening work. The majority of hospital attachments take place in St. James’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, Dublin; however, some training also takes place in regional hospitals around Ireland, in hospitals dedicated to particular areas of medicine and in general practices associated with the School.
