The course encourages engagement and active involvement in a broad range of structured and specifically designed learning activities centred around real-world cases. This case-based learning approach will allow you to develop problem-solving skills and integrate your learning, working closely with your peers in small teams.

As an additional feature of the course, some of the content will be delivered wholly online to give flexibility and to develop personal responsibility in your studies. Directed learning activities, project work, additional reading and reflection as well as preparations for group work and assessed elements will take up the rest of your time.

As a new course we expect the class size to be around 50 for full cohort sessions. Case-based learning and other small group activities will be in groups of around 10 students.

As you progress through the course, curriculum topics may be re-visited from time to time from different perspectives enabling your integrated knowledge and understanding to deepen as you develop as a learner.

Bringing the curriculum to life

Case-based learning is a signature educational approach at Warwick Medical School that will permeate the course and offer opportunities for interdisciplinary problem solving using authentic contemporary examples of problems in health. Case-based learning provides a rich and structured process in which you can practice being creative and evaluating evidence. Examples of the types of cases you might encounter are:

Case one. Genetically inherited diseases

Sally is 42 years old and pregnant. She has had two previous pregnancies that have ended in miscarriage. For this pregnancy, Sally and her partner have decided that they do not wish to have any ultrasound screening nor any other tests. This case can be investigated from the Medical Sciences perspectives of the fundamental cell division and the aetiology of genetically inherited diseases. Health Sciences perspectives can include the ethical issues surrounding giving new parents choices during pregnancy as well as the possible costs to society of lifetime disability and recognition of disability.

Case two. Mental health

Tom is 26 years old. He has been made redundant from his job as a PE teacher and has had to move home to his parents’ house. Tom has been experiencing periods of low mood, and is increasingly withdrawn from his friends and family. He no longer takes part in the outdoor activities he enjoyed and is spending more time playing online games. This case can be investigated from the Medical Sciences perspectives of the molecular mechanisms underpinning depression. Health Sciences perspectives can include investigating the incidence and prevalence of mental health conditions as well as the availability and use of apps by health professionals to address and support treatment of mental health issues.

In all our cases you will integrate multiple perspectives to fully explore the case. You will consider scientific concepts, ethical, social and legal positions to identify areas to bring about change, knowing that you will be supported and directed as you learn.