MSc Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine / Course details

The unit aims to provide the student with knowledge of the function and organisation of healthy human skin, with a focus on cells and extracellular matrix. Seminars will be aimed at exploring the mechanisms which lead to skin ageing, including an appreciation of basic photobiology and the long-term consequences of chronic sun exposure (pathobiology). Students will use e-learning units to develop fundamental scientific knowledge which will be applied through on line discussions and patient workshops to develop skills in clinical assessment and the psychobiology of aesthetics.

Compulsory Co-requisite: BIOL67500 Personal and Professional Portfolio 1

To provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of skin ageing with application of this knowledge to the clinical assessment of patients requesting aesthetic treatments.

By the end of this Unit students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth, critical understanding of the structure and function of healthy and ageing skin including:

1. Extracellular matrix biology
2. Mechanisms and pathobiology of skin ageing ( intrinsic vs extrinsic)

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic photobiology in relation to skin ageing
• Demonstrate an in-depth critical understanding of psychosocial concepts and impact on individuals, relatives and society of skin ageing particularly focusing on dysmorphophobic syndrome
• Critically reflect on international literature on skin ageing which encompasses clinical changes, mechanisms of pathobiology and resultant structural alterations in the skin
• Critically reflect on and challenge your own knowledge, that of others and the organisation within which care is delivered
• Demonstrate and defend sound clinical judgements based on student’s knowledge of literature to ensure high quality care for patients
• Manage and advance their own practice in accordance with professional, ethical, legal and policy frameworks, ensuring the primacy of patient (and where appropriate carer) interest and well-being.
• Utilise appropriate basic science knowledge, theoretical models and concepts of beauty to assess patient’s skin for signs of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.
• Contribute to the advancement of effective multi-disciplinary working within the context of aesthetic practice and service delivery and aims to promote high quality care.
• Utilise appropriate theoretical frameworks and evidence-based constructs to formulate proposals to advance aesthetic practice that is responsive to the diverse needs of service users and carers.
• Communicate effectively (verbal, non-verbal, written) in a variety of settings with a range of individuals.
• Effectively utilise information technology/health informatics.
• Demonstrate research and enquiry skills by accessing and analysing literature in order to inform and develop practice.
• Work co-operatively and effectively with others as a member of a team.
• Reflect on their own academic, clinical and managerial performance and utilise strategies to improve these.
• Use logical and systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

The teaching and learning for this unit takes place over year one using a longitudinal approach. Learning methods utilised involve a blend of both online learning and face to face lectures/seminars and workshops. On line components will require students to engage with on-line materials developed for the purpose, including video clips of interviews with researchers, interactive demonstrations and guided activities. Directed study components comprise additional exercises and specified reading related to each session/seminar.

By the end of this unit, students should be able to :

• Critically reflect on and challenge their own knowledge, that of others and the organisation within which care is delivered
• Communicate effectively (verbal, non-verbal, written) in a variety of settings with a range of individuals.
• Work co-operatively and effectively with others as a member of a team.
• Reflect on their own academic, clinical and managerial performance and utilise strategies to improve these.
• Use logical and systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

Students will be provided with personalised feedback for their summative assignments, within 15 working days of the submission deadline.

Formative assessment and feedback to students is a key feature of the on-line learning materials for this unit, and will be given on an informal basis. Students will be required to engage in a wide range of interactive exercises to enhance their learning and test their developing knowledge and skills.