In order to enter Newcastle Medical School's intercalated degree program, the student must have completed the first two years of the Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery degree in the United Kingdom. Newcastle also considers medical students from other universities for its intercalation programs. An overseas medical education may be acceptable.
Newcastle's intercalated medical degree in biochemistry focuses upon the molecular basis of biological processes. Phase 1, which is required for all specialties, examines the major concepts of bioscience and biomedicine. Phase 2 of the biochemistry intercalation includes bioinformatics and basic immunology. Phase 3 focuses upon an individual research project on a more specific area of interest. During this last stage, students have access to a specialized research laboratory and are trained in modern research equipment usage.
Newcastle's biomedical genetics intercalation program specializes in genetic material and inheritance science. After Phase 1, the program studies human evolution, genetic analysis, DNA replication and repair, and cell cycle genetics during Phase 2. Phase 3 is an individual research project. In this final phase, students concentrate on specific areas of interest, such as animal genomes and the molecular basis of cancer.
Intercalation in pharmacology at Newcastle University provides specialized study in how drugs interact with key bodily processes. This information enhances treatment of diseases. It also helps students become aware of harmful toxic effects of the various types of pharmaceuticals. Phase 2 includes a detailed study of drug effects on specific systems and diseases. Phase 2 also includes studying drug absorption, breakdown and elimination processes. Phase 3 focuses on more specialized areas of pharmacology, such as anticancer drugs, pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, clinical pharmacology or toxicology. This final phase is an individual research project focusing on a specific topic in pharmacology.
In the physiological intercalation program at Newcastle, students focus on mammalian physiology with an emphasis on humans. Phase 2 examines various body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney systems. Phase 3 focuses on an individual project examining the physiology of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This project can be based on laboratory experiments or library research. A dissertation and oral presentation will be required for graduation.