Thoughts, Senses and Movement

The TSM stand will introduce you to the basic sciences needed to understand the structure and function of the skeletomotor system and the nervous systems. In this strand you will study the body systems involved in posture, locomotion, sensation, cognition and action; namely, the upper limb, lower limb, back and vertebral column and spinal cord, the head and neck, neuroanatomy and the special senses. Of all the strands you will study, this strand contains the most anatomy, since we will be studying three body systems.

This is the last Strand you will study in Phase I and it uses a case-led approach in which the main disciplines of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology are treated in an integrated manner. There is a considerable input from clinicians in this Strand; as such the Strand has a strong clinical focus which we hope will help you in your transition from your studies in Phase I to Phase II Medicine.

Although very challenging and complex I enjoyed the TSM (neuro-skeletal and motor systems) the most, simply due to the fascinatingly in-depth range of material covered.

Harvey Hunting, Stage 2

Learning and Teaching Methods

Teaching will be by lecture, demonstration and practical observation. The lectures are intended mainly to address important concepts; much of the essential factual material that you will need to learn will be presented in the demonstrations and practical sessions.

Many of the practical teaching sessions in TSM will be organised around prosections to ensure you have an understanding of the underlying anatomy of the three body systems in this strand; knowledge of anatomy is essential for you to carry out the clinical skills you'll need to learn in TSM. You'll also be studying surface anatomy to facilitate development of your clinical skills and we'll be employing the use of body painting and body projection using VH Dissector where appropriate. You'll also have the opportunity to examine living anatomy in this strand using portable ultrasound.

This unit has been the most stimulating of all the units covered in phase 1, highly demanding and interesting - the insight into the functioning of the nervous system, though brief, was well linked to clinical cases, which we would most likely encounter in our early years of medical practice.

Stage 2 Student Evaluation

TSM Staff

Mrs Pam White and Miss Gabrielle Finn are the Strand leaders for the TSM strand. Teaching staff also include other anatomists from the School as well as from the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and clinical colleages from local teaching hospitals.