Students - Subjects

This page has details about the following subjects:

• 516-201 - Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs

• 516-204 - Anatomy I

• 516-207 - Anatomy II

• 516-209 - Introductory Neuroscience

• 516-302 - Developmental Biology

• 516-304 - Functional and Applied Anatomy

• 516-305 - Neuroscience: Systems & Higher Functions

• 516-306 - Developmental Neurobiology

• 516-307 - Research Project

• 516-308 - Advanced Studies in Human Anatomy

• 606-309 - Frontiers of Cell Biology

• 521-213 - Integrated Biomedical Science I

516-201 - Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs

Note: Not available to students enrolled in BBiomedSc. Previously known as 516-201 Histology (prior to 2001), 516-201 Microanatomy: Cells and Tissues (2001)

Students must register for a practical class and purchase a practical manual (cost $10.00) during the first week of semester. Timetables, lecture outlines and practical notes will be posted on WebRaft.

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Robb de Iongh

Prerequisites:

Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142).

Semester: 1 (view timetable)

Contact: 24 lectures (two a week) and 36 hours practical work (three hours a week)

Subject Description:

Subject-specific skills that will be developed in this subject include the ability to:

• identify the range of cellular activities that are especially relevant to multicellular organisation;
• understand how external signals can lead to changes in gene expression and protein synthesis in cells;
• understand the basic ways that cells associate to form tissues;
• appreciate how the structural and functional properties of individual cells as well as cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions give each tissue its distinctive characteristics;
• understand how different tissue types are combined to form organs and how organ function follows from the structure and function of their constituent tissues; and
• understand how cellular activities involved in the development, maintenance and function of tissues and organs are regulated by external signals.

These subject-specific skills will lay the groundwork for a wide variety of careers in basic and applied biomedical science, including stem cell research and therapeutic approaches to cancer and other human diseases.

Generic skills that will be fostered in this subject include:

• the development of generic analytical and problem-solving skills;
• collaborative learning in practical class groups; and
• the ability to integrate knowledge from disparate sources and at different levels of organisation.

Assessment:

Continuous assessment on theory and practical work (30%); 2-hour examination at the end of semester (70%).

Prescribed Texts:

• B Alberts et al, Essential Cell Biology. 2nd edn, 2003. or
• B Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edn, 2002.

Recommended Texts:

• L P Gartner and J L Hiatt, Colour Textbook of Histology. 2nd edn.

Webraft page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Robb de Iongh
Room E631, Level 6, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5788
Email: r.deiongh@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

516-201 is a prerequisite for 516-302 and 516-306. The cell biology covered in 516-201 complements the areas covered in second year biochemistry and genetics, as well as pathology, physiology, cell physiology, Zoology, and Frontiers of Cell Biology in third year. It could sensibly be taken as part of a large number of life sciences majors, including Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Anatomy.

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516-204 - Anatomy I

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Assoc Prof Chris Briggs

Prerequisites:

Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142).

Semester: 1 (view timetable)

Contact: 32 lectures (two to three 1-hour lectures per week) and 28 hours practical work (one 2-hour practical class per week)

Subject Description:

By the end of this subject students should:

• comprehend the terminology of topographic anatomy; the principles relating to each of the following types of anatomical structure: skin, fascia and skeletal muscles, bones and joints, vessels, nerves and viscera; the organisation of the back and upper limb into regions and the trunk into cavities; the essential factual information regarding the specific anatomical structures which form the boundaries and contents of the back, upper limb, neck and head; the applied anatomy of each region;
• develop observational and organisational skills to identify and interpret exposed anatomical structures and regions; communication skills (written and oral) to describe the normal structure of the back, upper limb, neck and head; skills in the manipulation of anatomical structures (with dissecting instruments); and
• appreciate the common occurrence of anatomical variation; the scientific basis of knowledge of structure.

The subject provides detailed information on:

• organogenesis; development of nervous system, skeletal system, and
• the terminology of topographic anatomy, principles related to each type of anatomical structure; skin, fascia and skeletal muscles, bones and joints, vessels, nerves and viscera; the organisation of the back, upper limb, neck and head into regions, and the specific structures forming the boundaries and contents of these regions. The applied anatomy of each region is studied.

Assessment:

Continuous assessment (25%) throughout the semester; a 2-hour written examination (50%); a 30-minute practical examination at the end of the semester (25%).

Prescribed Texts:

• K L Moore and A M R Agur, Essential Clinical Anatomy. 2nd edn, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins

Webraft page

Contact the coordinator:

Assoc Prof Chris Briggs
Room E527, Level 5, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5776
Email: c.briggs@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Anatomy 1 starts a sequence of four semesters of studies in human anatomy, although it can be taken alone. It (or 516-207) is a prerequisite for 516-304 and 516-308. Anatomy 1 is preferred as a prerequisite. The material covered in Anatomy 1 complements studies in neuroscience, pathology and physiology. It is a key component of the Anatomy major and could sensibly be taken as part of majors in Neuroscience, Pathology and Physiology.

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516-207 - Anatomy II

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Assoc Prof Chris Briggs

Prerequisites:

Anatomy 516-204; Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142).

Semester: 2 (view timetable)

Contact: 32 lectures (two to three 1-hour lectures per week) and 28 hours practical work (one 2-hour practical class per week)

Subject Description:

By the end of this subject the student should be able to:

• comprehend the development of the cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems; the terminology of topographic anatomy; the organisation of the trunk into cavities and the lower limb into regions; the essential factual information regarding the specific anatomical structures which form the walls and contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis and the boundaries and contents of the lower limb; the applied anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and lower limb;
• develop observational and organisational skills to identify and interpret exposed anatomical structures and regions; communication skills (written and oral) to describe the normal structure of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and lower limb; skills in the manipulation of anatomical structures (with dissecting instruments); and
• appreciate the embryonic basis of certain birth defects relating to the cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems; the common occurrence of anatomical variation; the scientific basis of knowledge about development and structure; the importance of one's own observations; the need for continuing independent learning to keep pace with future advances.

The subject provides detailed information on the organisation of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and lower limb and the structures which form their walls, boundaries and contents as well as the applied anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and lower limb.

Assessment Continuous assessment throughout the semester; 2-hour written examination; 30-minute practical examination at the end of the semester.

Prescribed Texts:

• K L Moore and A M R Agur, Essential Clinical Anatomy. 2nd edn, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins

Webraft page

Contact the coordinator:

Assoc Prof Chris Briggs
Room E527, Level 5, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5776
Email: c.briggs@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with

Anatomy 2 continues a sequence of four semesters of studies in human anatomy offered by Anatomy and Cell Biology. While it can be taken alone and as the sole prerequisite for 516 304 and 516 308 Anatomy 1 is preferred if there is a choice. The material covered in Anatomy 2 complements studies in neuroscience, pathology and physiology. It can be a component of the Anatomy major, but is not absolutely required, and could also sensibly be taken as part of majors in Neuroscience, Pathology and Physiology.

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516-209 - Introductory Neuroscience

Note: This subject is taught jointly by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Department of Physiology.

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Peter Kitchener; Assoc Prof Joel Bornstein

Prerequisites:

Life science package OR any first-year biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics subject. Prerequisites may be waived by the Head of Department.

Semester: 2 (view timetable)

Contact: 36 lectures (three 1-hour lectures per week) plus six two-hour tutorials

Subject Description:

This subject provides a broad introduction to neuroscience. The topics covered range from the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural function to an introduction to complex behaviours such as thought and language. It forms an ideal grounding for the more specialist third-year neuroscience subjects and should be taken by all students looking to major in neuroscience. Because of its broad nature, it is also suitable for students who wish to learn something about neuroscience without majoring in the topic.

The subject aims to provide the student with:

• an appreciation of how human behaviour, including complex functions like thought and emotion is mediated by the brain;
• an understanding of how neurons form the building blocks of the nervous system, how they transmit information by electrical impulses, how they communicate with each other, how they are connected to form elementary circuits, how they store information;
• insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms fundamental to neural function;
• a picture of the inter-relationships of the various parts of the nervous system; the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, automatic nervous system;
• an appreciation of the fundamentals of systems underlying sensory perception, including the transduction of sensory stimuli (for example light and sound) and the processing of sensory information by neuronal populations leading, ultimately to perception;
• an understanding, at an elementary level, of how the nervous system initiates and controls movements of the body; and
• an appreciation of the plasticity of the nervous system, how it adapts to changing environments, how it ages, how nerve injuries may be repaired or may lead to irreversible damage.

Assessment: 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; continuous assessment during the semester comprising a maximum of four ten-minute tests.

Webraft page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Peter Kitchener
Room E722, Level 7 Medical Building
Phone: 8344 6746
Email: p.kitchener@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Introductory Neuroscience is the first opportunity to take a specialised subject in Neuroscience. It is a prerequisite for 516 305 and for 536 303 and would fit well with 516 306 and other third year neuroscience subjects in Biochemistry and Physiology. It must be taken as part of a Neuroscience major and could also sensibly be taken as part of majors in Pathology and Physiology.

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516-302 - Developmental Biology

Note: This subject is jointly taught by the departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Zoology.

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Gary Hime; Dr Mary Familari

Prerequisites:

516-201, or Zoology 654-203, or Biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.

Zoology 654-304 and 654-313 and Anatomy 516-306 are recommended.

Semester: 2 (view timetable)

Contact: 24 lectures (two a week) and 24 hours practical/tutorial (times to be arranged)

Subject Description:

Upon completion of this subject students should:

• comprehend the molecular, biochemical and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues and organs during embryonic development, particularly cell signalling pathways that regulate embryonic induction, tissue interactions and pattern formation, and expression of regulatory genes; and
• understand the experimental strategies and techniques that are used to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms of development.

The following topics are considered: mechanisms of cell determination and commitment; embryonic organiser; mesoderm induction; establishment of the vertebrate body plan; positional specification; tissue patterning; cell migration; epithelial-mesenchymal interactions; sex determination; developmental potency; growth control; cell and tissue transplantation; nuclear transplantation; cell ablation; cell lineage tracing; organogenesis in vitro; transgenesis; gene knockout; and developmental mutations.

Students will also gain the generic skills listed below:

• critical analysis of data;
• ability to solve complex problems;
• oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and summary reports of complex data;
• teamwork skills in the analysis and interpretation of data;
• working as a team to perform new experimental tasks; and
• time management skills.

Assessment: 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (60%); critical review of two published journal articles (15%); three practical reports (25%).

Prescribed Texts:

• S Gilbert, Developmental Biology. 7th Edn, Sinauer Associates Inc., 2003.

WebRaft page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Gary Hime
Room E719, Level 7, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5796
Email: g.hime@unimelb.edu.au

Information on this subject can also be obtained from Dr Mary Familiari, Department of Zoology

What to take it with:

Developmental Biology could be included in a range of Majors, including Cell Biology and Zoology. It would fit well with subjects on reproduction offered by Zoology.

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516-304 - Functional and Applied Anatomy

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Priscilla Barker

Prerequisites:

Two of anatomy 516-204, 516-207, 516-308.

Semester: 2 (view timetable)

Contact: 48 hours contact time involving approximately equal weighting of lectures and practical classes. Precise subject details will be made known at the commencement of the subject.

Subject Description:

Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of:

• the tissues and structures that comprise the musculoskeletal system - connective tissues, muscle, fascia and tendon, ligament and nerve and their response to normal and abnormal stress and strain;
• the functional and applied anatomy of the body's major joint complexes; including the joints of the vertebral column, shoulder, elbow complex, wrist and hand, pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot;
• a description of motion, including an examination of the forces acting on the body's motion segments in normal activities and the principles underlying gait and locomotion;
• anatomical changes that accompany growth and development, skeletal traits important in the identification of age, sex, stature and race.

The subject provides detailed information on connective tissues, muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve, and their response to normal and abnormal stress and strain; the forces acting across synovial joints and methods of measuring these forces; the applied anatomy of vision, hearing, taste and vocalisation and the cranial nerve pathways involved, the applied anatomy of the mandible and temporomandibular joint; normal and abnormal movement patterns, and the principles underlying gait and locomotion; anthropometric techniques; skeletal traits important in human identification; and dissection of selected joint structures.

Generic skills include capacity for independent study, rational inquiry and self-directed learning, ability to analyse problems; oral and written communication skills; time management skills; teamwork in interpretation and analysis of new information.

Assessment: On-going assessment (20%); dissection project (30%); 2-hour written examination (50%).

Prescribed Texts:

• C A Oatis, The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2004.
• PK Levangie & CC Norkin, Joint structure and function : a comprehensive analysis. MacLennan & Petty, 2000.

LMS (Blackboard) page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr. Priscilla Barker
Room E528, Level 5, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5777 (Mo, Tu, Th)
Email: p.barker@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Functional and Applied Anatomy continues the sequence of studies in human anatomy offered by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. It forms part of the Anatomy Major and could be included with Majors in Physiology, Pathology or Neuroscience.

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516-305 - Neuroscience: Systems & Higher Functions

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Erica Fletcher

Prerequisites:

Introductory Neuroscience 516-209.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.

Semester: 2 (view timetable)

Contact: 24 lectures (two a week) and 10 hours tutorial or practical work

Subject Description: The following topics will be considered: the structure and function of the main sensory systems and the motor systems; complex functions such as thought, emotion, motivation, memory and the disorders of thought and mood.

Students will acquire an understanding of the major questions in neuroscience and the experimental tools that are being used to address them; develop written communication skills; an ability to critically analyse scientific papers; and a capacity for independent critical thought, rational enquiry and self-directed learning.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2500 words during the semester (15%); a 30-minute mid-semester test (10%); and a 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (75%)

Prescribed Texts:

• Kandel, Schwartz and Jessell, Principles of Neural Science. 4th edn.

WebRaft page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Erica Fletcher
Room E721, Level 7, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 3218
Email: e.fletcher@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Neuroscience: Systems and Higher Functions follows on from Introductory Neuroscience in second year and forms part of the Neuroscience Major. It would also fit well with 516 306 and other third year neuroscience subjects in Biochemistry and Physiology. It could also sensibly be taken as part of majors in Pathology and Physiology

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516-306 - Developmental Neurobiology

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Assoc Prof Paul Whitington

Prerequisites:

Cell Biology 516-201 plus Introductory Neuroscience 516-209.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.

Semester: 1 (view timetable)

Contact: 36 lectures (three 1-hour lectures per week)

Subject Description:

On completion of this subject, students should:

• appreciate the major processes involved in the development of the nervous system, including neural induction, neural patterning, neural and glial cell proliferation, determination of neural fate, neuronal migration, axon guidance, regulation of neuron survival and synaptogenesis;
• have gained some insights into the cellular and molecular basis of those processes and understand how disorders in developmental processes can lead to neural defects;
• be aware of the regenerative ability of the nervous system and the prospects for therapeutic treatment of neural injury and disease;
• be familiar with outstanding questions currently being addressed in research in neural development; and
• be familiar with modern experimental approaches used to investigate the development of the nervous system and appreciate their strengths and limitations.

This subject will help students develop the following generic skills:

• critical analysis of scientific research papers;
• capacity for independent critical thought, rational enquiry and self-directed learning;
• ability to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team member;
• oral and written communication skills, including public speaking; and
• ability to plan work and use time effectively.

Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (65%), 30-min test during the semester (10%), essay (15%); oral review of a scientific paper (10%).

Recommended Texts:

• Kandel, Schwartz and Jessell, Principles of Neural Science. 4th ed or Sanes, Development of the Nervous System.

WebRaft page

Contact the coordinator:

Associate Professor Paul Whitington
Room E640, Level 6, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 6065
Email: p.whitington@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Developmental Neurobiology complements both Developmental Biology and Neuroscience; Systems and Higher Functions. It is an elective part of the Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy Majors.

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516-307 - Research Project

Note: This subject may involve the use of animals in experiments.

516-307 as part of a science major: 516-307 can be taken in a number of discipline areas and, with the permission of the department administering the major, could replace an existing subject in an appropriate major.

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Gary Hime

Prerequisites:

A suitable background in a discipline appropriate to the project; approval of the coordinator.

Note: Enrolment in this subject is contingent on the availability of a supervisor. A suitable supervisor may not be available in any particular semester.

Semester: 1, repeat 2, Summer

Contact: At least 60 hours of laboratory work and up to 4 hours of lectures

Subject Description: A purely research laboratory-based subject. The student will design, carry out and present the results of a research project, under the supervision of a member of staff of the Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Physiology or Pharmacology.

Assessment: Written report on research project of no more than 4000 words (70%); 15 minute oral defence of the research report (20%); supervisor's assessment of laboratory performance (10%).

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Gary Hime
Room E719, Level 7, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5796
Email: g.hime@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Research Project is suitable for any student who wants to experience a taste of research. It also gives some idea of what an Honours year would be like and allows you to gain familiarity with a laboratory and supervisor.

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516-308 - Advanced Studies in Human Anatomy

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Assoc Prof Chris Briggs

Prerequisites:

516-204 and 516-207.

Semester: 1 (view timetable)

Contact: 12 lecture/tutorials (one per week) and up to 48 hours of practical work (one three to four-hour practical class per week)

Subject Description: Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of:

• the organisation of the human body into regions and the detailed anatomy of the structures forming the boundaries and contents of these regions;
• the applied and clinical anatomy of each region studied;
• the incidence of anatomical variations and their clinical significance.

The subject provides detailed information at an advanced level on the developmental and comparative anatomy of the head and neck; anatomy of the joints and regions of the limbs; and the detailed regional anatomy of the back, thorax, abdomen and pelvis.

Major generic skills include capacity for independent study, rational inquiry and self-directed learning, the ability to analyse problems, oral and written communication skills, time management skills, and teamwork in interpretation and analysis of new information.

Assessment: Ongoing assessment (15%); folio of anatomical variations (25%), 1-hour end-of-semester practical examination (30%); 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (30%).

Prescribed Texts:

• K L Moore and A F Dalley, Clinically (Oriented Anatomy. 4th edn, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1999
• C Rosse and P Gaddum-Rosse, Hollinshead's Textbook of Anatomy. 5th edn, Lippincott-Raven 1997. N Eizenberg and C Briggs, Practical Anatomy: Guide and Dissector.

Webraft page

Contact the coordinator:

Assoc Prof Chris Briggs
Room E527, Level 5, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5776
Email: c.briggs@unimelb.edu.au

What to take it with:

Functional and Applied Anatomy continues the sequence of studies in human anatomy offered by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. It forms part of the Anatomy Major and could be included with Majors in Physiology, Pathology or Neuroscience.

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606-309 - Frontiers of Cell Biology

Note: This is a joint Botany, Anatomy and Cell Biology and Zoology subject.

Previously known as 606-309 Cell Biology III

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Prof Tony Bacic; Dr Gary Hime; Dr Mary Familari

Prerequisites:

Botany 606-205 or Zoology 654-203 or Anatomy 516-201 or Biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213.

Other combinations that provide a similar background will be considered by the coordinators.

Semester: 1 (view timetable)

Contact: 36 lectures (three per week)

Subject Description: This subject will bring students to the forefront of modern cell biology, and provide a broad overview of plant and animal cell biology. We expect that a student who completes this subject will understand the major questions of cell biology, the tools that are being used by cell biologists, how knowledge relates to experiment, how data in cell biology is interpreted and how cell biology is being used in pure and applied research.

Topics to be covered include:

• the importance and applications of cell biology;
• regulation of cell phenotype, cell transformation;
• recombinant protein technology;
• plant and animal genetic manipulation; transgenesis;
• molecular basis of cell interactions; applications of plant and animal cell culture;
• human cloning, stem cells, gene therapy and cell transplantation; and
• exploitation and commercialisation of cell biology, and ethical issues.

At the completion of this subject, students should have:

• an advanced level of understanding of the ways in which phenotype can be manipulated to explore cell and organ function, and in biotechnology of plants and animals;
• knowledge of the applications of cell biology in research, industry and human welfare, and policy and regulatory issues relevant to cell biology and biotechnology;
• enhanced presentation skills;
• developed problem-solving skills;
• the ability to think critically, and organise knowledge from consideration of the lecture material;
• learnt to adopt new ideas from participation in the lecture program;
• the ability to present a rational summary of the scientific argument presented in the lecture series; and
• the ability to present a well-organised and lucid argument.

Assessment: 3-hour written examination at the end of semester (60%); review essay of no more than 3000 words (20%) and tests during the semester (20%). All assessment components must be completed satisfactorily before credit can be granted for the subject.

WebRaft page

Contact the coordinator:

Dr Gary Hime
Room E719, Level 7, Medical Building
Phone: 8344 5796
Email: g.hime@unimelb.edu.au

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521-213 Integrated Biomedical Science I

Integrated Biomedical Science I is a second year, semester 1 core subject only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.

Handbook details are listed here and the webraft page is here.

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Medicine, Physiotherapy and Dental Science Courses

Queries about Medical, Dental or Physiotherapy courses should be directed to the appropriate School office.