Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Life Sciences – Pathway to Medicine
Benefit from access to one of the largest health campuses in Europe with top facilities and leading research, as well as an exciting placement opportunity in Sri Lanka.
Key facts
- Programme length: Three terms
- Age on entry: 17+
- Start date: October
Check the term dates
Entry requirements
Check our academic and English language entry requirements
Fees
Check your programme fees
Start your career in medicine
If your aim is to study medicine, then you can begin your academic journey at the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre. Our Undergraduate Foundation Programme is a three term programme designed to prepare you for a medical degree at this top-ranking British university. Following a highly competitive selection process, successful students will then join the Sri Lanka Medical Pathway, with three years spent in Aberdeen, before completing two years of clinical placement in Sri Lanka. At the end of this time, students will graduate with an MBChB in Medicine.
As a student of the Pathway to Medicine, you will benefit from:
- support settling into life in the UK.
- an introduction to studying a medical degree.
- the opportunity to be selected for medicine at the University of Aberdeen.
What will I study?
Gaining a place at medical school is highly competitive. As such, we aim to help you develop the skills necessary to succeed through a combination of academic knowledge and English language support to ensure you are fully prepared to study your degree in English.
Term 1
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Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1
This module covers:
- an introduction to university-level study in chemistry
- an understanding of the basic terminology and technical language of chemistry
- the basic principles of organic chemistry such as nomenclature, functional groups and stereochemistry
- quantitative calculations involving masses, moles, volumes, stoichiometry, balancing equations and pH calculations
- the rules of chemistry, such as kinetics, the principles of thermodynamics and the ideal gas equation
- the use of lab equipment and the concepts of risk assessments
- numeracy, IT and communication skills
-
The Cell Human Biology
This module covers:
- the beginnings of life and the cell as a functional unit
- cell division and cell death
- inheritance, the brain and the nervous system
- understanding the fundamental role of DNA in cells
- the functions of the major cell organelles and their structural elements
Term 2
-
Fitness, Performance and Survival
This module covers:
- performance and survival integrative physiology
- measuring performance and the survival of the fittest
- diet and health
- environmental conditions and influences of health, gender and age on performance
-
Introduction to Science of Sport Exercise and Health
This module covers:
- an introduction to imaging and investigation in anatomy, pulmonary structure and function, circulation, energy and power, protein fat and carbohydrates
- an investigation into the health benefits of the Scottish diet
- an understanding of the fundamental aspects of medical sciences applied to sport and exercise science
Term 3
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Chemistry for Life Sciences 2
This module covers:
- more advanced quantitative calculations involving masses, volumes of solutions, pH, molar quantities and stoichiometry
- counting electrons in multi-atom molecules
- organic reaction mechanisms and organic compounds
- factors that affect organic reaction mechanisms
-
Introduction to Health and Health Services
This module covers:
- asking ‘what is health?’ and ‘what are the determinants of health?’
- the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the UK
- the NHS
- an introduction to clinical skills
- equality and diversity
- infection control
- the development of an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the definitions of health and the factors which influence it
Selection to MBChB Medicine
Due to the competitive nature and popularity of studying medicine at Aberdeen, there are just 15 degree places available to students on this programme. Progression is dependent on achieving the required academic and English language grades, as well as your performance on the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and on multiple mini interviews.
If you do not gain a place following the selection process, you will be able to select a degree in the area of Life Sciences (subject to achieving the required grades).
About the university degree
Spend Years 1 to 3 in Aberdeen
In years 1 to 3, you will discover the content and knowledge required for a UK medical degree by working through all the systems of the body. These three years will be delivered on one of the largest healthcare campuses in Europe – giving you access to several hospitals, GPs and world-renowned research facilities. Upon completion of the first three years, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Clinical Medical Science degree from University of Aberdeen.
Spend Years 4 and 5 in Sri Lanka
During years 4 and 5, you will benefit from gaining practical experience on a clinical placement in Sri Lanka. This will provide you with the opportunity to learn with real medical teams, building clinical experience and subject understanding. Upon completion of your final year, you will graduate with a MBChB degree – awarded by University of Aberdeen.
I have learnt different of aspects of science, as well as health services in the UK Doing regular lab experiments, has taught me a lot more about how to analyse cells, tissues and other living matter. I studied about the NHS in more detail and wrote about diseases such as cancer. My overall experience has been really good as the teachers and staff were all extremely kind and supportive. With their encouragement, I found it easier to cope up with my work and had a greater determination.
Tanya from Singapore
Studies Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Life Sciences – Pathway to Medicine
