Centenary Edition of Pulse Magazine by Swansea University Medical School. Find out all about our courses in Medicine, Life Science and Healthcare and about living in Swansea.
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
MEDICAL SCHOOL
WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES Could you fall in love with Swansea too ?
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
How soil bacteria could cure cancer GLOBAL CHALLENGES
New for 2021 The devastating effects of legal highs PHARMACY
Swansea’s Centenary Year
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January 2020 | Vol 01 Centenary Edition
In this issue
ST IN THE UK RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT 1
2 ND IN THE UK RESEARCH QUALITY
Teaching Excellence Framework
5 & 17
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GLOBAL RESEARCH CHALLENGES
SPOTLIGHT ON: PHARMACY
FRANCESCA’S REVISION TIPS
Global research challenge: Legal Highs
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6 ways to get ahead
Spotlight on: Employability
Go Global
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Our Charity: SDMF
People-centred research Spotlight on: Pharmacy
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16 Global research challenge: Cancer Research 17 Francesca’s revision tips 18 Save the world with your degree 19 Wellbeing 20 Top of the class - our 100% pass-rate 23 What our students say 24 What’s it like to live in Swansea? 26 Celebrating 100 years 28 What’s on in 2020 30 Work with us 31 Study with us 32
TOP OF THE CLASS
CONTACT Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park
Swansea SA2 8PP
ON THE COVER: Childhood sweethearts Akeem Halimi and Natalie Hughes, both 21, got engaged moments after graduating from Medical Biochemistry and Applied Medical Sciences in Summer 2019. Cover Image: Martin Ellard
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+44(0)1792 295111 study@swansea.ac.uk swansea.ac.uk/medicine
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg hefyd
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GLOBAL RESEARCH challenges MEET DR AMIRA GUIRGUIS, PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF OUR NEW PHARMACY COURSE. HER RESEARCH EXPLORES NOVEL PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES, FORMERLY KNOWN AS LEGAL HIGHS, AND THE SIGNIFICANT THREAT THEY POSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Welcome THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR SWANSEA UNIVERSITY AS WE CELEBRATE OUR CENTENARY YEAR. WELCOME TO THE CENTENARY EDITION OF SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL’S MAGAZINE.
In the news UTERINE CANCER TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH Medical School scientists’ hard work in the fight against endometrial cancer has seen them being granted a US patent for pioneering new therapy. Professor Deya Gonzalez and Professor Steve Conlan, of the Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology group, developed a method of treating gynaecological cancer which it is hoped will minimise side effects for patients. The team hopes that the new findings could lead to a new treatment option for uterine cancer patients. £10MBOOSTFORMENTALHEALTH A pioneering research centre which will develop new ways of reducing anxiety and depression in young people will be established with funding of £10m from a major UK charity, the Wolfson Foundation. The Medical School has worked alongsideCardiff University todevelop theWolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health. Professor Ann John, Deputy Head of the Medical School said: “The centre promises a step-change in research efforts to understand and transform the lives of children and young people with anxietyanddepression.” SILVER AWARD FOR GENDER EQUALITY The Medical School is celebrating after being rewarded for its ongoing commitment to gender equality. As part of the Athena SWAN Charter scheme run by the Equality Challenge Unit, the University already holds a silver institutional award - one of only 13 universities in the UK, and theonlynon-RussellGroupUniversity toachieve this. The Medical School has renewed its existing Silver Award - which has now been extended to include itsprofessional services staff.
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and how to embed them in practice. This has been achieved through the development of the Institute of Life Science (ILS). The Medical School’s research and innovation arm, the ILS aims to advance medical science through multi-and interdisciplinary research and to link those benefits to the economy through Open Innovation. This mix of strengths makes us ideally placed to prepare and support our students to undertake careers across the fields of medicine, science, health, social care and enterprise and to turn research into patient-focused improvements. We are proud that graduate employability for our life scientists is among the best in the UK. The University has enjoyed a period of tremendous growth in the past 10 years and we have achieved our ambition to be a top 30 research University, achieving 26th position in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework league table in 2014. The Medical School is very much part of that success story. I hope this Centenary edition will give you a glimpse into the thriving community we have here at Swansea University Medical School. Professor Keith Lloyd, Head, Swansea University Medical School
My research mainly focuses on drug detection of novel psychoactive substances - drugs that mimic the effects of traditional recreational drugs. These drugs are emerging at an alarming rate and pose significant public health risks as they have unpredictable side effects. So, initially they were called ‘legal highs’ and that was wrong because it implied that they were legal and they were safe but that was simply not true. They were also known as designer drugs, club drugs and more recently Spice. Whatever we call them, they all include a number of classes so they may include cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, phenlythilamines...but also, they may contain food supplements or diverted prescription medicines. This variety of drug classes means that they can do many things to a user. There are a lot of chemical reactions that take place and they can affect the dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline pathways in our brains. With Spice, or synthetic cannabinoids in general, we’ve seen mass poisoning in a number of countries, including the UK. In Manchester in April 2017, groups of people were seen in the City Centre looking like Zombies, basically, they were in catatonic state from taking Spice.
True to the vision of our industrial founders, the university uses our teaching and research strengths, collaboration with industry and global reach to drive economic growth, foster prosperity, and contribute to the health, leisure, and wellbeing of our community. Swansea University Medical School has come a long way in a short time since its beginnings as a Clinical School in 2001, with a proven track record of research quality and intensity, teaching excellence, graduate employability and prospects and student satisfaction. As a medical school we constantly strive to innovate, expand and deliver world- class education. Our performance in the Research Evaluation Framework (REF 2014), where we came 1 st in the UK for research environment and 2 nd for overall research is testament to this. Few medical schools offer courses that contain Intellectual Property generation, knowledge transfer and innovation
“Harm reduction – making sure that the patient is going to be safe – that is the most important thing”
substances. By knowing which class a drug belongs to, we can inform treatment and reduce harm. Find out more about Amira’s research into the devastating effects of ‘legal highs’ in Swansea University’s Podcast Series ‘Exploring Global Problems’
Spice products may contain more than one synthetic cannabinoid so we can’t assume that they’ll all mimic cannabis in effect - they don’t only work on CB1/CB2 receptors, they also work on other receptors and can alter multiple body functions. I’m now working with Addaction UK to improve detection and classification of novel psychoactive
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READMORE...
Interested in Pharmacy too? Turn to page 16 to find out more about our new course
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COME AND SEE for yourself
There’s so much more to University than just studying towards your degree. At Swansea University Medical
DR DANNII HARTE Genetics & PhD Graduate
6 WAYS TO
get ahead
School, we have loads of opportunities for you to broaden your experience...
“The opportunities Swansea University has given me have been unforgettable. Coming to Swansea has been by far the best decision of my life. It gave me access to a year-long placement at GlaxoSmithKline, which really opened my eyes to what a career in research could be. I am proud to say I am a graduate of Swansea University… it is safe to say Swansea has truly got under my skin!”
Pick up a placement
Get some hands-on experience
Interested in Genetics? See P32
DR NAOMI JOYCE PhD Graduate
Share your findings at conferences
Travel the world
“My studies at the Medical School culminated in me staying to join the Enterprise and Innovation team, which has allowed to put my research into practice. In the spirit of open innovation, I use my studies to make a difference, taking other people’s innovations from bench to bedside and back again.”
“I’ve really enjoyed being a student ambassador for the Medical School. I actually find it very fulfilling, giving people the help I wanted when I was an applicant, as well as allowing me to gush about how much fun I’ve had studying here! And the extra money never hurt!” Latif Miah, Medicine Student
OPEN DAYS 2020
15 FEBRUARY
17 OCTOBER 07 NOVEMBER
04 APRIL 13 JUNE
Learn from the experts
Become an ambassador
Interested in a PhD? Turn over!
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swansea.ac.uk/open-days
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SPOTLIGHT ON
PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS, ENHANCE YOUR CAREER, OR TAKE A NEW DIRECTION WITH OUR POSTGRADUATE COURSES... Stay with us TAUGHT DEGREES Clinical Science (Medical Physics) MSc Diabetes Practice MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Genomic Medicine MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Leadership for the Health Professions
JACK BARTLETT BSc Medical Biochemistry and MSc Nanomedicine Graduate Jack is now studying Graduate Entry Medicine
Employability “Swansea University Medical School has been built on three pillars of strength that have influenced not only our range of courses but also the content we teach within them. Integral to all of our undergraduate degrees is employability, with clear pathways that provide an ideal springboard for careers in research, innovation and healthcare.”
“I started my first year in Swansea in 2015 and am now due to complete my medical degree in 2023, so I think it’s safe to say I’mpretty keen on this place! I have always felt well supported and encouraged whilst studying here.
My undergraduate degree in Medical Biochemistry was well paced, with a natural progression in terms of difficulty, but never to the point where we were out of our depth. I really enjoyed the campus experience; with the university being situated just outside the city centre it’s far enough to be a self-contained community, but close enough to the city for anything you could want”
Professor Phil Newton, Director of Learning and Teaching
Research
MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Medical Education MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Physician Associate Studies MSc Health Data Science MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Health Informatics MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Medical Radiation Physics MSc Nanomedicine MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD RESEARCH DEGREES
Healthcare
Interested in Nanomedicine? Turn to page 32
Follow our Pathway to Medicine for a GUARANTEED INTERVIEW for our Graduate Entry Medicine programme You will benefit from bespoke modules, a healthcare-related placement and specialist preparation for applications to Graduate Entry Medicine. If you perform well you will be guaranteed an interview for our Graduate Entry Medicine course!
Undertake a research project in our world-leading research facilities Develop enhanced laboratory skills ready for a lab or data- based capstone research project in your final year.
SEAN HOLM BSc Biochemistry Graduate During his final year research project, Sean was approached for a PhD
“That little dopamine rush you get when you solve a complicated puzzle, there is nothing else quite like it, it’s addictive. To me, research is just like a puzzle, with the added difficulty
Really love research? Check out our MSci options and you’ll get to spend a whole year in the lab!
We conduct world-leading research that delivers a real impact for health and wellbeing. Apply now for a research degree linked to one of our four key research themes: • Biomarkers and Genes • Devices • Microbes and Immunity • Patient and Population Health and Informatics
swansea.ac.uk/medicine/pathways
of some puzzle pieces being missing. I think that’s why I find it so exciting. Studying in the Medical School, surrounded by like- minded individuals from various different fields makes for an invigorating space to learn, share ideas and further my research. I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed my PhD so far and I look forward to the coming years”
Take advantage of our ethos of Open Innovation You will develop your entrepreneurial skills through our links with the University’s School of Management before designing a capstone project aimed at developing the commercial aspects of medical sciences research. What will you discover?
BOOKAN OPENDAY:
Interested in Biochemistry too? Turn to page 32
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Which pathway will you follow? Turn to page 32 to find out more about all of our courses
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#tawemedics19
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Why
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
Swansea University has an international reach with staff, students, partnerships and research links stretching across the globe. Our campuses are vibrant and diverse with staff and students from over 130 different countries makingupour friendlycommunity.
Wales?
Did you know that the “legend-filled land” of Wales has made it into the National Geographic magazine’s list of most exciting destinations to visit in 2020? The travel magazine’s top 25 places to visit across the world are based on culture, city, nature and adventure... and Wales is brimming with them all!
PAR JAMFA First Year Graduate Entry Medicine Student from Thailand
Go Global
“I heardabout SwanseaUniversity through theGAMSATwebpage as Swansea is one of the Universities that accepts this entry examination for Graduate Entry Medicine. I applied through UCAS and the instructions were very easy to follow - you can also visit the Swansea webpage to see what is required. As I am from Thailand, I needed a 7 in IELTS, a recommendation letter from my previous university, a 2:1 in my bachelor’s degree and a good GASMAT score. “I came to Swansea for 3 days for my interview - I spent the first two days getting to know my teachers, mentors and international peers through visits that the Medical School arranged and by the time I got to my interview on the third day I felt like I already knew my peers. Just be yourself in your interview, it’s a very lovely environment and everybody is here to help”
Swansea University aims to offer all its undergraduate students the opportunity to study or work overseas. We have partnerships with over 150 universities across the world and offer a wide range of year, semester and summer abroad options.
SEEFOR YOURSELF!
By studying, working or volunteering overseas, you will ensure you stand out from the crowd, develop new skills and an invaluable international network for your future beyond graduation.
Flying the Flag
Employers acknowledge that spending time abroad: • Builds confidence, self-awareness and maturity
MEET SOME OF OUR INTERNATIONAL STAFF
• Develops a global perspective and intercultural awareness • Facilitates adaptability to new environments and challenges • Improves communication and language skills • Develops transferable skills to help your future career
#SwanseaUniGlobal
PROF CATHY THORNTON Deputy Head of School
DRARUNRAMACHANDRAN Medical Admissions Director
DRMARCELA BEZDICKOVA Senior Anatomy Lecturer
DR SHANG-MING ZHOU Senior Informatics Lecturer
SwanUniGlobal
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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
A people-centred
Our Charity
APPROACH TO RESEARCH
OUR CHARITY IS SUPPORTING GROUND-BREAKING MEDICAL RESEARCH
Public engagement bringsmajor societal benefitsandhasbecome an integral part of research at theMedical School. By involving members of the public in our research, it becomes more relevant to people’s needs and concerns and is more likely to be used to improve health and social care decisions, treatments and services.
The Population Data Science group at Swansea University Medical School sees engagement as the cornerstone of our work. We involve members of the general public from the outset; from preparing research applications, shaping ongoing research direction, disseminating research and activity outcomes - right through to wider work such as raising the awareness of using data for research purposes. “WE’VE ADOPTED A PEOPLE- CENTRED APPROACH TO ENSURE OUR WORK IS RELEVANT AND REFLECTS PUBLIC INTERESTS AND VALUES” Professor Kerina Jones, Associate Director for Public Engagement.
A recent proposal to the Medical Research Council to fund a collaborative research project to explore the links between frailty and when an individual is living with more than one chronic disease and is taking many medications for various conditions, consulted the Consumer Panel early on in the planning process. The Panel’s supporting statements were incorporated into the proposal. “I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE PROPOSAL COULDNOTHAVEBEENACHIEVED WITHOUT THE INPUT OF THE CONSUMER PANEL. THANKS TO ITS INPUT, THE FUNDING PROPOSAL RECEIVED A SCORE OF 9/10” Professor Ronan Lyons, Project Lead and Co-Director of Population Data Science Research. DID YOU KNOW... The Data Science activities of the Medical School have attracted £30million of UK Government funding. This makes the servers in the building one of the main Data linkage sites for anonymised health data in the UK.
St David’s Medical Foundation is an independent charity raising funds to support the ground-breaking work in medical research and education at Swansea University Medical School. The Foundation supports the advance of the health of people in Wales and across the world.
St David’s Medical Foundation was formed in 2006 to support exciting innovations in medical research and education. Under the leadership of Professor Julian Hopkin CBE, a former Head of the Medical School, the Foundation is in a unique position to support the work of world leaders in their field. Significant developments include research to identify the causes of childhood epilepsy, the early diagnosis of blood- clots in strokes and heart attacks and a clinical research centre for diabetes.
Chairman of Charity Trustees, Professor Julian Hopkin, explains: “We identify potentially life changing research at its earliest stage and offer seed-corn grants to ensure important opportunities are followed through. We forge strong links with institutions on our doorstep and globally, collaborating with partners in Wales and beyond and most importantly we invest in our outstanding students – the great scientists and doctors of the future. Together we are making a difference. We can and should have a healthier world. The Foundation is our way of contributing to this” In 2020, three £6,000 grants will be awarded to support for new research ideas to allow student and staff research projects to advance and grow, and go on to secure external funding. Find out more about how you could support or benefit from SDMF:
DR NICK JONES Lecturer & Researcher
“As
an
early career researcher, seed
corn funding from SDMF has enabled me to pursue some of my own research ideas. It has also given me the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic scientists within the UK and Ireland. I wanted to investigate how a particular group of white blood cells known as CD4+ T cells might use nutrients such as sugar and protein from our diet to generate the energy and building blocks that are needed for them to function effectively in different disease settings. SDMF provided the seed corn funding to start thisworkenablingus tomaphow T cells change their use of nutrients as they become active. The most interesting finding was that T cells need an amino acid called glutamine to become fully functional and this finding has now been published in Nature Communications”
“WE SEE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AS IS A TWO-WAY PROCESS. IT ENRICHES AND ANIMATES THE WORK OF OUR RESEARCHERS STIMULATING NEW IDEAS HELPING OUR RESEARCHERS THINK ABOUT BROADER SOCIAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES” Lynsey Cross, Public Engagement Officer.
A core part of the group’s engagement involves its Consumer Panel. Made up of sixteen members of the public who meet quarterly, the panel offers researchers an opportunity to discuss their projects and provide suggestions on how best to engage with the public and recruit public participants.
At present more than 40 research projects are supported. In addition to these, the Foundation also awards Seed-Corn Grants from its funds annually to support new exciting research projects.
Interested in studying Patient and Population Health? Turn to Page 9 and Page 32
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GLOBAL RESEARCH challenges MEET MICROBIOLOGIST PROFESSOR PAUL DYSON, WHOSE RESEARCH EXPLORES BACTERIA AND THE ROLE IT PLAYS IN OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING... IT ALL STARTED WITH SOIL!
SPOTLIGHT ON Pharmacy 2021 WILL SEE SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL LAUNCH WALES’ FIRST NEW PHARMACY COURSE FOR A CENTURY. WHY PHARMACY? WHY SWANSEA? WHY NOW? Pharmacists have a unique mix of scientific and professional knowledge which makes them the healthcare experts on medicines. They are now the third largest healthcare profession and work in a wide variety of roles in community and primary care pharmacy, hospitals and in the pharmaceutical industry. DID YOU KNOW... 98% of Pharmacy graduates in the UK are working or in further study 6 months after graduation
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For several years the focus of my research was actually on Soil Bacteria that produce antibiotics, and we all know we have a global crisis in terms of antibiotic resistance so there is always a need to try and discover new antibiotics, which can be used in medicine. For the last ten years, I have been focusing on RNA interference in insects and cancer therapy... So, every species of insect has its own, if you like, microbiome in its gut. If you imagine an insect diet it tends to be very specific. There are blood feeding insects, and there are insects that feed off plants sap or on pollen and those sources of nutrients aren’t very complex. They’re usually deficient in something or another and so, the reason why insects specifically have certain bacteria living in their guts is in order for the bacteria to synthesise whatever is missing in their diet. It’s a two-way thing. The insects then provide the nutrient and the energies for the insects to live inside their guts. That’s a symbiotic relationship between the bacteria and the host. We use the bacteria that live inside an insect to deliver RNA interference - essentially a cellular mechanism that use a gene’s own DNA sequence of
We look forward to working with the Medical School and being able to play an important role in training the pharmacists of the future Evans Pharmacy, Llanelli • Clinical Pharmacy • Pharmacy Practice “ To apply for Pharmacy, you’ll need ABB-BBB at A-level, including Chemistry and at least one other STEM subject, such as Biology, Physics, Maths or Psychology. You’ll also need GCSE Maths and English, 7 themes • Pharmaceutics • Pharmaceutical Chemistry • Pharmacology • Biology and Biochemistry • Anatomy and Physiology “
Pharmacy at Swansea builds on the strengths of the Medical School by adopting an interdisciplinary approach. We recognise that Pharmacists, Doctors and Nurses work together in a clinical setting so education and training should reflect this. Our Pharmacy students will benefit from our experience and expertise in clinical and life science, research, training and practice, helping them to develop key pharmaceutical practice, science and knowledge.
Increasingly Pharmacists are delivering enhanced and new clinical services across healthcare settings from the community and primary care to hospital pharmacy, industrial pharmacy and academia. Our Pharmacy Degree recognises these new and advanced roles and integrates sciences and practice with strong focus on clinical and communication skills and digital technology to prepare students to meet the challenges of the changing face of Pharmacy.
gene to turn it off. Swansea University patented this technology we developed for insects and one day I was asked off the cuff – “can’t you think of something even more useful?!” So that got me thinking... maybe we could do something similar to what we are doing in insects for treating tumours. The idea was to look for bacteria that could possibly be used to target tumours in a patient... Find out how Paul’s research is now being guided and funded by CANCER RESEARCH UK in Swansea University’s Podcast “ As a scientist you want to do something which is life changing...that’s my goal” “ Series ‘Exploring Global Problems’
During the four-year integratedMaster’s Degree (MPharm) in Pharmacy, the curriculum reflects the way Pharmacists approach patients and how patients present to Pharmacists.
Grade C (4) or above. Find out more on our Pharmacy course page:
We are working towards accreditation with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). MPharm Pharmacy is provisionally accredited until the programme receives full accreditation
Interested in Genetics too? Turn to page 32 to find out more about our Genetics courses
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Interested in Pharmacy too? Turn to page 32 to find out more about all of our courses
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HOW YOUR DEGREE CAN HELP YOU
ADMISSIONS TUTOR Dr Hugh Jones
MEET
Current Applied Medical Sciences (AMS) student Francesca shares her top revision tips
shares tips on applying to study Genetics or Biochemistry...
Francesca
save the world
In any degree subject, there are opportunities to positively change lives... after all, Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his Harvard dorm room. But what about courses where all the students are quietly changing the world – beavering away to make discoveries that might improve thousands of lives?
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Get organised: Revision is so much more manageable when it’s planned out. I always make a subject timetable for the week and colour code my notes so I can pick up where I left off. If you revise well you won’t need to spend the night before cramming and can take time to organise your stationery. Take some time out: All work and no play is no good for anyone! Regular breaks will help you recharge and focus your mind. I try to make time to train with Swansea Netball Club and volunteer for the university charity Discovery, both of which really help. Also spending time casually discussing revision topics with classmates helps me remember what I’ve been revising. Do some past papers: Past papers help get me in the zone, hone my writing style and test myself. The more I do, the more confident I become. Fuel your body and your mind: High energy snacks are great for a boost to power through. Be sure to take time to eat a regular meals as well though as the right nutrition will energise you, improve your concentration and sustain you through long sessions. Remember your goal: When it comes to exam time, the best way to succeed is to have a goal. Remember the end goal of your revision is to get into Uni. Make sure you make Swansea your Firm Choice, you get guaranteed accommodation if you do. I found that really took some pressure off.
1. Don’t worry if you are not sure exactly which degree you want to study yet – we don’t expect you to be 100% certain. Our modular programme structure has enough flexibility for you to change your mind during your first year, depending on your A-Level subjects. 2. Have you considered an MSci degree? Our MSci is an integrated master’s degree - you come out of University with FHEQ Level 7, but only pay undergraduate fees. We may ask for higher grades if you apply for an MSci, but you have nothing to lose because we’ll automatically consider you for the corresponding BSc if your results turn out lower. 3. If you are applying for undergraduate Medicine, Medical Biochemistry or Medical Genetics make great fifth choices on your UCAS form – they’re Pathways toMedicine so could get you a guaranteed interview for Graduate Entry Medicine. 4. Swansea University Excellence and Merit Scholarships are real money – not just a fees discount: you get the dough! £3,000 is automatically awarded to all students who achieve AAA and £2,000 is awarded to all students who achieve AAB (at A Level (or equivalent).
SLOWING THE PROGRESSION OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE: Working away inside the brain cells being grown by student Paige White are Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase enzymes. This enzyme is commonly present in humans in the latter stages of Parkinson’s disease, and Paige is studying its function and evolution. “If the sequence of this enzyme is unique to humans then it’s an indication that further research is needed. If we look to see how it has evolved, then perhaps we might learn, further down the line, how to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. It’s always been emphasised to us by our lecturers that our research can open the door to other scientists, and to further discoveries - I think that’s pretty cool” The four-year MSci is an advanced undergraduate honours degree – also known as an integrated master’s course because the final year is equivalent to a post-graduate
Students on our Biochemistry and Genetics MSci courses, who are undertaking medical research projects, explain how their studies might just lead to some of the world’s big discoveries. RESEARCHING THE NATURAL KILLER CELL: MSci student Ben Jenkins is researching a specific type of immune cell, called the natural killer (NK) and its function within pregnancy. NK cells are important in anti-viral immunity, and as pregnant women are more susceptible to particular viruses, such as flu, understanding the function of these cells may help to discover if they contribute towards this worsened response. “There are somany techniques that I’ve learned and so many facilities for blood sampling, testing blood samples fromhospitals, and isolating different cell types through various methods. For immunology, Swansea is really cutting edge. I find it really interesting discovering things that no one has found out before and knowing that this work can affect people down the line, that it might lead other scientists tomake further discoveries, is exciting.”
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masters (FHEQ Level 7). Find out more about the projects you could become a part of:
Interested in Genetics or Biochemistry? Or both?! Turn to page 32 to find out more
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Interested in AMS too? Turn to page 32
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Wellbeing
Swansea Life
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PROFESSOR ANN JOHN Deputy Head of School
TWIN TOWN
TOP OF THE CLASS
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Research focuses on children and young adults’ mental health
“The time between the ages of 11 and 24 is a period of huge change and with that change can come quite unsettling feelings and emotions that are part of normal human experience. One of the most unsettling times is around exam results and what that can do is make you feel really anxious. Anxiety can present in all sorts of ways. Some people are quite aware that they’re feeling anxious - for example if their heart beats a bit faster - but anxiety can also feel like a knot in your stomach or a lump in your throat and those feelings are almost a human response to what you’re experiencing as a threat, which goes back to quite a primitive ‘fight or flight’ idea. Often these feelings will just pass but if you’re finding that they’re keeping you up at night or you’re worrying, or it’s affecting if you want to see your friends - that’s when anxiety is getting too much. One of the things you can do is distract yourself - try breathing in and out slowly, make a playlist or do something physical like going for a walk, talking with friends or mindful activities like colouring. The important thing to remember is that all things pass. If you’re worried about your exam results give us a call as we have people here to help you. Just talking your options through can really help to clear your mind”
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STUDENT SOCIETIES
LIVING IN SWANSEA
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
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WHAT’S ON IN 2020
WORK WITH US
STUDY WITH US
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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
CELEBRATING OUR
Twin Town
DID YOU KNOW... 100% OF OUR PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE GRADUATES HAVE PASSED THE NATIONAL EXAM. THIS ACHIEVEMENT MAKES US A LEADING PLACE TO STUDY AND TRAIN TO BECOME A PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE INWALES AND THE UK
100% pass-rate
IDENTICAL TWINS WILL AND ALEX CARROLL-ADAMS HAVE BEEN REUNITED AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITYMEDICAL SCHOOL AS THEY BOTH PURSUE THEIR AMBITIONS TO BECOME A DOCTOR.
Will, who is in his fourth and final year of our Graduate Entry Medicine course has now been joined by Alex, who has just begun his studies. Both of the 27-year-old twins discovered their passion for their future profession after completing non- medical degrees. Will, who gained a BSc in Anthropology, said: “Ihadalways regretted not doing medicine and then during my degree I found I really enjoyed forensic anthropology, studying the skeleton and looking at bones. I hadn’t realised that anthropology might be something that could still lead me into medicine until I found out more about graduate entry medicine.”
Gradually Alex began to consider following in Will’s footsteps. “After spending so much time together growing up, we never planned to end up in the same place but coincidentally we are both here Swansea,” said Alex, who gained a BA in primary education. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Head of Graduate Entry Medicine, adds “Both Will and Alex demonstrate that there is more than one way to become a doctor. The most important thing applicants and students can learn is the art of listening to, and really caring for, the patients they meet with respect and compassion”
WHY BECOME A Physician Associate? Are you interested in a career working alongside doctors in hospitals and GP surgeries, diagnosing and managing patient treatment? Our integrated two year MSc Physician Associate Studies degree is the only course in South Wales and will help you develop the knowledge and clinical skills to pass the National Examination Certificate and start your new healthcare role.
There’s a growing demand for Physician Associates across the UK and your skills and degree qualification will be highly sought after in a range of settings. As our National Exam pass rate demonstrates, through our spiral curriculum you will graduate from us as a confident and competent Physician Associate, ready to serve across the breadth of Clinical practice.
Find out more about your future role in healthcare including entry requirements and how to apply:
Find out more about what we believe makes a good doctor:
Interested in Graduate Entry Medicine? Turn to page 32
Interested in joining us for Physician Associate Studies? Turn to page 32
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PULSE
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
WHAT OUR Students Say
#swanseamedicine
#swanseamedsoc
#swanseamedicine
MOLLY HANSON AMS Student Netball & Athletics
#seeyouinswansea #clearing #adjustment
#swanseamedicine
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“Studying on campus and having all the facilities close to lectures makes taking part in sport much easier. Sometimes balancing studying and sport can be hard but there are countless opportunities to meet newpeople and try out different sports right on your doorstep”
#medsoc-olympics
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#physicianassociatestudies
#luckyt-shirts
Get involved There’s a reason that everyone and their dog tells you to join a society when you get to Uni...it’s the best way to make friends, learn new things and have fun. We have over 150 societies and clubs to join, from the University Challenge Society, to the Trampolining Society, and even a VegSoc. Whether you’re a top baker, master archer or an ancient studies enthusiast, we have the society for you, including some fantastic medicine and healthcare related ones...
#swanseamedicine
#tawemedics19
#swanseamedicine
JONATHAN MOORE AMS Student Rowing
#freshersfun
#daytoremember
“Rowing has helpedme become a well-rounded student and taught me the benefit of taking my mind off my degree for a few hours, when we trained. Representing Swansea University at the Welsh Varsity was immensely gratifying and I would recommend it to anyone”
@snapshotsofamedic
PAEDIATRICS
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#swanseagambialink
#medicalbiochemistry
swansea-union.co.uk
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YOUR FIRST STEP TO A Bright Future THIS IS
PULSE WHAT’S IT LIKE TO LIVE IN SWANSEA? Our city by the sea with an unrivalled beachfront location allows you to make the most of the seaside whilst still enjoying the bustle of city life. Throughout your studies you will be surrounded by natural beauty while you live and study a stone’s throw away from both a lively city centre and miles of breath-taking coastline – win win! GOWER PENINSULA Swansea is home to the UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty – the Gower Peninsula. With over 19 miles of beautiful coastline to explore, you can spend your time hiking the limestone peaks of Three Cliffs Bay, surfing some of the UK’s best waves in Llangennith or simply marvelling the rugged beauty of Rhossili Bay - voted the Best in Wales (2018), best beach in Europe (2017) and is consistently in the UK Top 10 in the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
LIBERTY STADIUM LI ERTY STADIUM
M4 & CARDIFF
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SWANSEA STATION
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SINGLETON PARK
WIND STREET IND STR ET
CITY CENTRE
HOSPITAL MEDICAL SCHOO
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SPORTS VILLAGE SP
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SINGLETON PARK CAMPUS
SWANSEA IS: 4 hours from Manchester 3 hours from Birmingham and London 2 hours from Bath and Bristol 1 hour from Cardiff Cardiff, Bristol and Heathrow airports are easy to get to from Swansea too!
MUMBLES
GOWER PENINSULA
MUMBLES The University’s neighbour is the cosy beachfront village of Mumbles; home to Victoria Pier and Oystermouth Castle, streets of boutique shops and independent eateries, along with the famous Verdi’s and Joe’s Ice cream parlours. The newly developed Oyster Wharf waterfront development also boasts a mix of well-known and local restaurants.
UPLANDS A short walk through Singleton Park and you will reach one of the hippest places in Wales. The student hub of the Uplands is home to trendy bars and eateries, the best hangover cure in Wales (thank you Uplands Diner for your Mega Beast Breakfast), convenience shops and monthly Uplands Markets, and some of the best views in the city.
MARINA When the sea calls, there’s nowhere better. Come here for everything from big-night-out bars, to the Dylan Thomas Theatre, the National Waterfront Museum and a bustling monthly market. You can even dine at the top of Wales’ tallest building with sweeping views across the bay and even as far as North Devon and the Brecon Beacons.
SINGLETON CAMPUS Located on Singleton campus, the Medical School is nestled beautifully between Swansea Bay’s beachfront and leafy Singleton Park, perfect for lunchtime picnics and weekend beach days. Our campus beach (as we like to think of it) is a Watersports Centre of Excellence and a popular haunt for students during study breaks and lunch hours.
EXPLORING THE CITY Swansea City Centre is a 40 minute walk along the beachfront, or a 5 minute bus ride away from campus. Once there you can shop the high street and Wales’ largest indoor market, treat your inner culture vulture at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery or sample the varying eateries, bars and pubs of Swansea’s (in)famous Wind Street.
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PULSE
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
CENTENARY
CELEBRATING 100 Years 2020 IS SWANSEA UNIVERSITY’S CENTENARY YEAR. WHEN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES, SWANSEA OPENED ITS DOORS IN JULY 1920 FEWER THAN 100 STUDENTS WERE ON THE ROLL. NOW, WE ARE A MULTI-CAMPUS THRIVING UNIVERSITY WHERE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROMAROUND THE WORLD STUDY ANDWORK DID YOU KNOW... The University’s foundation stone was laid by King George V in July 1920
success
Francesca is always willing to go above and beyond and has been a fantastic ambassador for both the Medical School and the University as a whole. She is professional, has a fantastic attitude and is a pleasure to work alongside.
AT THE MEDICAL SCHOOL WE ARE ALSO CELEBRATINGANOTHER IMPORTANTMILESTONE - THE50THANNIVERSARYOFTHEBIOCHEMISTRY AND GENETICS DEPARTMENT IN SWANSEA
Undergraduate Ambassador Award: Francesca Bombieri
Cameron is a very knowledgeable and proactive student ambassador who gladly offers advice and opportunities to school students wanting to study medicine. He is professional, caring and a great role model.
The Foundation Stone Ceremony, 1920
Genetics teaching begins, 1966
Genetics group, 1972
Biochemistry & Genetics Department,1975
Clinical Ambassador Award: Cameron Avo
Magnietusant ut et vit et voluptiam ditempo rerferi dem nullaute resed molorer ionse- que incipsa ndiatus il inctate mperiae vendam, con cullupt atiae. Et etur? Qui omnisquae. Bust quidige nisint quas voluptior aspera sam quos experest, tem April played a pivotal role in the annual Postgraduate Research Conference in 2019 and as PGR Rep she has created a positive research culture and great student experience for the PGR student body within the Medical School.
Biochemistry & Genetics Department,1986
First cohort of Medical Students, 2001
Prime Minister Gordon Brown visits ILS, 2008
Institute of Life Science valued over £100m, 2012
Postgraduate Ambassador Award: April Rees
Dr Hugh Jones is the cornerstone of the Medical School’s admissions team for our undergraduate degree programmes, whose experience has been invaluable to our new courses and his door is always open for staff and students alike.
Ranked 1st in UK for Research Environment, 2014
Athena SWAN Silver Award, 2015
100% pass rate in the PA national exam, 2018
Biochemistry & Genetics Department,1994
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Medical School Centenary Award: Dr D. Hugh Jones
Swansea University Singleton Park Campus, 2019
Biochemistry, Genetics & AMS Graduates, 2019
Swansea University Bay Campus, 2019
PULSE
Affiliate Membership
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL ARE YOUA START UP OR SPIN OUT ... Become a member of a vibrant network of like-minded businesses in life sciences without renting a dedicated office suite... As an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Life Science, you will be able to access facilities and business support. Our excellent value, low-risk membership packages, which include: • Access to space and facilities to develop your business idea • Use of the ILS address for mailing purposes • Access to meeting and conference rooms, specialist facilities and equipment in ILS • Access to seminars and workshops • Invitation to networking events, providing the opportunity to collaborate and share best practice with other Affiliates and Client Organisations • Access to distribution networks • Hot-desking and co-working space
Driving INNOVATION FORWARD One of the Medical School’s leading projects is the Healthcare Technology Centre, which aims to speed up health innovation to help the NHS.
WHAT’S ON 2020 JANUARY Medicine Applicant Visit Day UCAS Application Deadline International Deadline for Medicine FEBRUARY COLLABORATE 2020 MARCH International Women’s Day Super Science Saturday APRIL Welsh Varsity, Liberty Stadium MAY Eisteddfod yr Urdd, Denbighshire JUNE Family & Community Fun Day Alumni Homecoming Weekend JULY Students’ Union Summer Ball Graduation & Alumni Dinner Centenary Celebration AUGUST A Level Results Call 0800 094 9071 SEPTEMBER Swansea Science Festival Arrivals & Freshers’ Week OCTOBER UCAS Deadline for Medicine Don’t forget your 5th Choice!
As a leading Medical School we are committed to ensuring that research, innovation and expertise within the School is used to prevent ill health, develop better treatments and be at the forefront of new technologies that can be used to improve care in the NHS. The Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) is based in one of our state- of-the-art laboratories and its team of dedicated staff are working in collaboration with the NHS and businesses to develop new, innovative healthcare products and services to create lasting economic value in Wales. It is building on our research strengths in Biosensors and Devices, Bio-Informatics and Bio- Analytics. The HTC team is currently working to support businesses based in Wales. HTC project lead, Dr Naomi Joyce says: “The project is looking to work with industry on collaborative innovation projects – we offer access to state-of- the-art equipment facilities and an in-house delivery team of innovation technologists with backgrounds in both academia and industry. HTC can also contribute towards the costs of collaborative projects.”
HTC is also working towards a Bronze Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) Award. The award focuses on areas such as procurement and waste, equipment, ventilation, samples and chemicals, people, and research quality. HTC’s goal is to evidence the laboratory sustainability impact and to show that local efforts do make a difference.
FIND OUT MORE:
Interested? Contact the ILS Enterprise & Innovation Team on ilsinnovation@swansea.ac.uk
@swanseamedicine #collaborateILS
Find out more about how your business could work with HTC:
COLLABORATE Working together for health, wellbeing and economic development in Wales An annual conference at SwanseaUniversity featuring high profile speakers, thematic breakout sessions, exhibition spaceandnetworkingopportunities,COLLABORATEcelebratesandpromotescollaborativeprojectsandpartnerships across industry, academia, government, health boards and third sector organisations in the life science sector
HTC is part of the £24million Accelerate programme supported by Welsh Government and European funding. Accelerate is led by the Life Sciences Hub Wales and draws on the expertise and capabilities of Swansea University, Cardiff University and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
NOVEMBER Annual Awards DECEMBER Christmas Concert
FIND OUT MORE: medevents@swansea.ac.uk
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PULSE Study with us
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Medical School Ysgol Feddygaeth
Applied Medical Sciences BSc/Foundation Biochemistry MSci/BSc Biochemistry and Genetics MSci/BSc Genetics MSci/BSc Medical Biochemistry MSci/BSc
APPLY NOW Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Campus
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Swansea University SA2 8PP Wales, UK
Medical Genetics MSci/BSc Medical Pharmacology BSc Population Health and Medical Sciences BSc
+44 (0)1792 295111 study@swansea.ac.uk
CLINICAL & HEALTHCARE COURSES
SwanseaMedicine
Pharmacy MPharm Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh Physician Associate Studies MSc
swansea.ac.uk/medicine
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) MRes/CPD Diabetes Practice MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Genomic Medicine MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Health Data Science MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Health Informatics MSc/MRes/PGDip/PGCert/CPD
Leadership for the Health Professions MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Medical and Healthcare Studies PhD/MPhil/MD/MSc by Research Medical Education MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Medical Radiation Physics MSc Nanomedicine MSc/PGDip/PGCert/CPD Research in Health Professions Education DProf/MRes
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Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg hefyd
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