Medicine and Biomedical Science Summer Camp at University College London

Course Description: Medicine and Biomedical Science Summer Camp at University College London

The Medicine, Health & Biomedical Science Summer Programme is a rigorous, university-led experience designed for students interested in medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, and global health. Delivered on UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus, the programme provides an in-depth introduction to medical sciences, clinical thinking, and healthcare innovation through academic study, interactive workshops, and hands-on practical sessions.

Students explore how the human body functions, how diseases develop, and how modern medicine diagnoses and treats illness. Ethical decision-making, research skills, and real-world healthcare challenges are embedded throughout, helping students build a strong foundation for pre-med, biomedical science, and health-related university pathways.

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📍 Campus & Location

Teaching takes place in UCL academic buildings on the Bloomsbury Campus, located in the heart of central London. Student accommodation is provided at Garden Halls, approximately a 10-minute walk from classrooms.

This prime Zone 1 location places students close to major hospitals, research institutions, museums, and medical organisations—ideal for an immersive healthcare-focused academic experience. Class Size: 12 students per class

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🍽️ Meals (Fully Included)

All meals are fully included for both residential and day students:

• Breakfast & Dinner: Served daily at Garden Halls

• Lunch: Provided at the UCL refectory

• Excursion Days: Packed lunches provided

All dietary requirements are fully supported, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-related needs.

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🗓️ A Day in the Life (Weekdays)

Morning (09:00–12:00)

Faculty-specific academic classes delivered by university lecturers. Sessions include lectures, case-based discussions, anatomy-focused learning, and applied medical science workshops.

Lunch

Students dine together at the UCL refectory, encouraging discussion and peer collaboration.

Afternoon

Afternoons are dedicated to experiential and applied learning, which may include:

• Visits to medical or research institutions

• Industry and healthcare-related visits

• University and museum-based academic enrichment

• Practical labs and clinical skills workshops

Evening

Evenings include:

• Guest lectures from healthcare professionals

• Career and university preparation masterclasses

• Capstone project research and development

• Supervised social and cultural activities

Typical Day: 08:30 – 21:30

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🗓️ Weekends & Full-Day Excursions (Included)

Weekend excursions are fully included and form an important part of the programme:

• Oxford University Day Trip

  Guided college tour (including Magdalen College) with academic insight into medicine and life sciences

• Cambridge University Day Trip

  Guided college tour (including King’s College) and exploration of academic traditions

• London Cultural Day

  Visits to key landmarks, museums, and science institutions

• Brighton Coastal Excursion

  Full-day visit to Brighton, including Brighton Pier and The Lanes

All excursions are fully supervised, with organised transport and pastoral staff present throughout.

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👩‍🏫 Teaching Staff

All teaching is delivered by university lecturers, medical educators, and subject specialists from leading UK universities, ensuring academic depth and exposure to real-world medical practice.

Sample Lecturers Include:

• Dr. Nadine Randel – University of Cambridge

• Ms. Christiane Cladrow – University of Edinburgh

• Professor Anna Chechel – University of Cambridge

• Dr. Anita Karsa – University of Cambridge

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📚 Faculty of Medicine, Health & Biomedical Science

Programme Overview

This programme introduces students to the scientific foundations of medicine and healthcare, exploring how biology, technology, and research intersect to improve human health. Students develop analytical thinking, clinical awareness, and ethical reasoning while gaining insight into modern medical careers.

Key focus areas include:

• Human biology and disease mechanisms

• Clinical skills and diagnostics

• Medical research and innovation

• Ethics, professionalism, and global health

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🧠 Detailed Sample Curriculum

Core Module 1: Human Anatomy & Physiology

Students explore the structure and function of the human body, examining major organ systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. Emphasis is placed on how these systems interact to maintain health and respond to stress or disease.

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Core Module 2: Principles of Disease & Pathophysiology

This module introduces students to how diseases develop and progress, from infectious diseases to chronic and genetic conditions. Students examine how normal physiological processes are disrupted and learn how clinicians identify and classify disease.

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Core Module 3: Clinical Skills & Diagnostics

Students develop foundational clinical skills, including measuring vital signs, understanding diagnostic tests, and interpreting medical imaging. Practical workshops bridge theory and real-world healthcare scenarios, preparing students for future clinical environments.

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Core Module 4: Medical Research & Innovation

This module explores how medical research drives healthcare advancement. Topics include clinical trials, drug development, biotechnology, and translational medicine, highlighting how discoveries move from the lab to patient care.

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Core Module 5: Genetics & Personalised Medicine

Students examine the role of genetics in health and disease, learning how personalised medicine tailors treatments based on genetic profiles and emerging biomedical technologies.

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Core Module 6: Public Health & Epidemiology

This module introduces population health, disease prevention, and epidemiological methods. Students explore how public health strategies address global challenges such as pandemics, health inequality, and environmental health risks.

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Core Module 7: Ethics & Professionalism in Healthcare

Students explore ethical decision-making in medicine, including patient consent, confidentiality, equity of care, and professional responsibility in healthcare systems.

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Capstone Project: Healthcare Innovation Challenge

Students work in teams to research and present a solution to a real-world healthcare or biomedical challenge, integrating scientific knowledge, ethics, and innovation.

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🏥 Sample Industry & Academic Visits

Mock Surgery – Royal College of Surgeons

Students participate in an immersive mock surgery experience using mixed reality technology, gaining insight into modern surgical techniques and clinical decision-making.

AgriBot Workshop – Health, Nutrition & Sustainability

Students explore how agricultural robotics and innovation contribute to food security, nutrition, and global public health through sustainable farming solutions.

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🏠 Accommodation – Garden Halls (UCL)

Residential students stay in single ensuite rooms at Garden Halls.

Features Include:

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Private ensuite rooms with desk and storage

• Cinema room, music and games rooms, landscaped gardens

• Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and social spaces

• 24-hour onsite security and staffed reception

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🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• 24/7 accommodation security and medical resources

• Supervised movement to all activities and excursions

• Curfews, room checks, and clear conduct policies

• Dedicated on-site pastoral and academic staff

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✈️ Airport Transfer Assistance

Optional airport transfers are available to all London airports at an additional cost of £300 return (£150 each way).

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📜 Certification & Academic Outcomes

Students receive:

• Certificate of Completion

• Academic Report Card

• Letter of Recommendation from a university lecturer

• 12-month access to an academic resource database

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🎒 Day Students

Day students receive all programme elements except accommodation:

• All meals included

• Full weekday and weekend programme

• Academic teaching, activities, and excursions included

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🧳 What to Bring

• Laptop (essential)

• Weather-appropriate clothing (UK climate can be variable)

• Smart or formal attire for presentations and graduation

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📱 Mobile Phone Policy

Students are encouraged to use mobile phones constructively for research, academic tasks, and project-based learning. Usage is supervised and guided.