Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Science MSc

The COVIS MSc programme is aimed at intercalating medical students and will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in the connected fields of Clinical ophthalmology and vision science. In the core placement modules student will rotate through the specialist areas within the NHS Trusts working within clinical teams to apply knowledge, perform and develop clinical skills and learn (and demonstrate) professional behaviours, in all situations. Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection, alongside separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement.

Through exposure to highly integrated practice across, the connected fields of clinical ophthalmology and vision science, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the ‘patient journey’ and the design and operation of NHS systems that deliver optimal care to patients with ocular conditions, including legal, ethical, governance and research components of wider clinical practice, ensuring deep understanding of the inherent linked nature of the specialties with authentic assessment.

In this introductory module, students will be prepared with the underpinning knowledge and relevant clinical skills to support them on their entry into Clinical Ophthalmology placements, focusing on key basic skills needed for activities in the ophthalmology setting. Assessment is strongly aligned to these skills, supporting transition into the programme’s subsequent modules. The assessments; e-portfolio, skills record and reflection (10%), case paper planning (20%), research planning (20%) and differential analysis case presentation (30%) are designed to support the placement activities later in the programme, authentic assessment (C2021). There is also a reflection assessment designed to act as the student’s base line to help them understand the progression and development in their knowledge over the programme (20%).

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the anterior segment of the eye including infectious keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataract surgery and corneal transplantation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module. The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the posterior segment of the eye including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, macular surgical pathology ( macular holes and epiretinal membrane) and ocular inflammation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module. Assessment is an integrated component of the module and offers students a unique opportunity to “apply as they learn” in the clinical setting. The main forms of assessment are based on authentic assessment (C2021); an e-portfolio to capture clinical activities; dependant on the order of the placement one of the following in order: 1) a structured literature review, evidence-based answers to real-life clinical questions; 2) A clinical case study written up in the form of a publishable paper; 3) a review and analysis of a clinical service/clinical or audit evaluation and literature review or a narrative critical review of evidence-based practice; or a clinical trials report and literature review.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Science Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology. Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical care to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Trials Design/Governance and Ophthalmic Clinical Imaging). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.
Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas; Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system. The programme focuses on the development of clinical and research skills, with increasing in depth and challenge over the length of the course, meaning the order in which these three clinical placements is undertaken is deliberately unimportant.

This module focuses on Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system focussing on the clinical presentation/assessment, appropriate investigation and the acute and chronic management of the common pathologies affecting the neuro-ophthalmic and visual system including cases presenting with headaches, swollen optic nerve head, visual field defects, diplopia (double vision) or orbital pathologies affecting the visual system.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the anterior segment of the eye including infectious keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataract surgery and corneal transplantation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module. The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the posterior segment of the eye including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, macular surgical pathology ( macular holes and epiretinal membrane) and ocular inflammation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module. Assessment is an integrated component of the module and offers students a unique opportunity to “apply as they learn” in the clinical setting. The main forms of assessment are based on authentic assessment (C2021); an e-portfolio to capture clinical activities; dependant on the order of the placement one of the following in order: 1) a structured literature review, evidence-based answers to real-life clinical questions; 2) A clinical case study written up in the form of a publishable paper; 3) a review and analysis of a clinical service/clinical or audit evaluation and literature review or a narrative critical review of evidence-based practice; or a clinical trials report and literature review.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Science Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology. Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical care to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Trials Design/Governance and Ophthalmic Clinical Imaging). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.
Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas; Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system. The programme focuses on the development of clinical and research skills, with increasing in depth and challenge over the length of the course, meaning the order in which these three clinical placements is undertaken is deliberately unimportant.

This module focuses on Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system focussing on the clinical presentation/assessment, appropriate investigation and the acute and chronic management of the common pathologies affecting the neuro-ophthalmic and visual system including cases presenting with headaches, swollen optic nerve head, visual field defects, diplopia (double vision) or orbital pathologies affecting the visual system.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the anterior segment of the eye including infectious keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataract surgery and corneal transplantation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module. The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care focussing on both the acute and chronic investigation and management of the common pathologies affecting the posterior segment of the eye including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, macular surgical pathology ( macular holes and epiretinal membrane) and ocular inflammation.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module. Assessment is an integrated component of the module and offers students a unique opportunity to “apply as they learn” in the clinical setting. The main forms of assessment are based on authentic assessment (C2021); an e-portfolio to capture clinical activities; dependant on the order of the placement one of the following in order: 1) a structured literature review, evidence-based answers to real-life clinical questions; 2) A clinical case study written up in the form of a publishable paper; 3) a review and analysis of a clinical service/clinical or audit evaluation and literature review or a narrative critical review of evidence-based practice; or a clinical trials report and literature review.

This module has been specifically developed as one of the clinical placement-based modules for the MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Science Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology. Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical care to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Trials Design/Governance and Ophthalmic Clinical Imaging). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.
Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas; Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system. The programme focuses on the development of clinical and research skills, with increasing in depth and challenge over the length of the course, meaning the order in which these three clinical placements is undertaken is deliberately unimportant.

This module focuses on Neuro-ophthalmology and the visual system focussing on the clinical presentation/assessment, appropriate investigation and the acute and chronic management of the common pathologies affecting the neuro-ophthalmic and visual system including cases presenting with headaches, swollen optic nerve head, visual field defects, diplopia (double vision) or orbital pathologies affecting the visual system.

Students will be expected to be on placement following the normal working practice of ophthalmologists in the clinical setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules MDSC236 & 237), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.

This module has been developed as part of the 30-credit research component of the placement-based, Intercalated Masters Programmes being developed by the School of Medicine. The research carried out within these programmes is based on the specialist area of one of the first two ‘core’ clinical placements. In the core clinical placements, students rotate through specialist clinical areas (e.g. in a NHS Acute Secondary Care Trust), apply knowledge, perform and develop clinical & scientific skills and learn (and demonstrate) professional behaviours, at times in high intensity situations.

This module is designed to complement the core clinical placement modules by providing structured academic research activities, revisiting subjects and topics covered in the core modules in greater detail and developing the student’s knowledge and research skills in accordance with the specific learning needs identified by the student and supervisors.
In an average placement week, students will be expected to following the normal working practice of Specialty Clinicians in the Clinical Ophthalmology setting for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days focused on research in practice settings MDSC236 & MDSC237, research modules and 2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, MDSC231,MDSC232 & MDSC233). Assessment is undertaken through the development, presentation and writing of a short dissertation, in the format of an extended scientific research article

This module has been specifically developed as one of the knowledge and skills based modules for the MSc Ophthalmology Programme. The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme will provide students with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology. Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Within each of the clinical placements there will be a common theme of how clinical research, audit, quality improvement and patient/clinical education can be integrated with clinical practice to provide the highest possible standard of care. The skills and behaviours developed in the clinical placements will be complemented by the two longitudinal modules running throughout the academic year (Clinical Ophthalmology Imaging module and a Clinical Trials Design and Governance module). The programme is designed to provide not only a strong foundation for a career in ophthalmology but also be translated into other areas of wider clinical practice such as neurology/neurosurgery, ENT, general medicine and primary care.

Student engagement and progress will be assessed by portfolio, guided reflection and the placement will also support the separate research modules which are co-located in the clinical placement. Each placement module will focus on one of the three clinical specialty areas: Anterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care, Posterior Segment of the eye ophthalmic care and Neuro-ophthalmology. The programme is designed so the three clinical placement modules can be taken in any order.

This module focuses on imaging techniques that are commonly used in clinical ophthalmology. Medical Imaging is an essential component of clinical practice and plays a key role in the care of patients through diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. The eye is the only inner organ of the human body that can be directly imaged, assisting in the diagnosis and clinical care of significant systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Various imaging techniques are used in ophthalmology due to the transparent nature of the eye. Imaging in the ophthalmology environment requires the ability to obtain high quality and high-resolution images of patients with eye diseases, many of whom may be frail and/or elderly. Clinicians must work quickly and calmly, managing clinical priorities, leading a number of decisions around the imaging process and providing the information needed for an immediate diagnosis to ensure effective treatment. An understanding of the teams, equipment, environment, and governing regulations are essential for safe working in the ophthalmology environment.

The module covers an introduction to ophthalmic imaging in the clinical setting. It outlines the scientific principles involved in the different imaging techniques and image formation and visits current issues in a modern eye department. It will consolidate students’ MBChB knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathological appearances associated with ophthalmic imaging. It will then support their further learning in understanding the role of imaging modalities in the differential diagnosis of eye diseases.

This module has been developed as part of the 30-credit research component of the placement-based, Intercalated Masters Programmes being developed by the School of Medicine. The research carried out within these programmes is based on the specialist area of one of the first two ‘core’ clinical placements. In the core clinical placements, students rotate through specialist clinical areas (e.g. in a NHS Acute Secondary Care Trust), apply knowledge, perform and develop clinical & scientific skills and learn (and demonstrate) professional behaviours, at times in high intensity situations. This module is designed to complement the core clinical placement modules by providing structured academic research activities, revisiting subjects and topics covered in the core modules in greater detail and developing the student’s knowledge and research skills in accordance with the specific learning needs identified by the student and supervisors.
When on placement, in an average week, students will be expected to following the normal working practice of Specialty Clinicians in the Clinical Ophthalmology setting for 4 days per week (2 days focused on research in practice settings MDSC236 & MDSC237, research modules and 2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, MDSC231, MDSC232 & MDSC233). Assessment is undertaken through the development, presentation and writing of a short dissertation, in the format of an extended scientific research article

This module has been specifically developed as one of the skills and knowledge-based modules for the MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Science programme.

The intercalated MSc Ophthalmology programme is specifically designed for medical students and will provide them with the opportunity to develop in depth applied knowledge, clinical practice, research skills and professional behaviours in both general ophthalmology (anterior and posterior segment pathology of the eye) and neuro-ophthalmology Through exposure to a range of pathologies and management across these speciality areas, students will gain a much deeper understanding of the presentation, investigation, specialised imaging and both medical and surgical management of the common acute and chronic ophthalmic/neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

This module focuses on the key principles of high-quality clinical research (trial design and development, research conduct, governance and delivery of outcomes). Clear, structured, and relevant contemporaneous examples of commercial national and international clinical trials, non-commercial investigator driven trials and UoL translational research will be used to illustrate the challenges in design and delivery of clinical trials. The clinical trials used will complement the experience gained in the parallel clinical placements in Ophthalmology.

The module will introduce the use and support of the Clinical Trials Units in the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Aintree Hospital along with UoL and NIHR Research Design Support services in the development of advanced study design.

The summative assessment will employ the knowledge and critical skills developed over the course of the module to design a patient information leaflet for a clinical study (750 words) and present and take part in a simulated ethics review panel (presentation and 1000 words).

This module runs longitudinally alongside and complements the clinical placement modules, nominally a half day a week. The students are in the clinical setting for each of the 3 clinical placement modules, for 4 days per week for 10 weeks (2 days devoted to learning in clinical practice, this module, with a further 2 days focused on research in the practice settings, research modules), followed by 2 weeks of module review and preparation for the next module.