BCOM - British College of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteonet

BCOM's Student Extranet

Pre-Clinical Theory Subjects

Anatomy

Basic embryology and histology. Connective tissues, the structure and function of basic tissues, i.e. bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle and nerve. Osteology: Skeletal system, structure and function. Arthrology: Classification of joints, fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial. Myology: Origin, insertion, action, nerve and blood supply of muscles. Neurology: Central nervous system, basic-divisions with functions of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral system, and voluntary and autonomic systems. Proprioreceptive system.

Physiology

Histology of structural and functional epithelial tissues. Physiology and anatomy of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory and endocrine systems. Structure and function of the skin, eye, ear and nose. Physiology of reproduction. Homeostatic mechanisms. Inter-relationships between the physiological systems. Hormonal and neural co-ordination of the body's functions. Physiology of the immune system and Immunology.

Pathology

General pathology: etiology of disease, inflammation, cell necrosis and degeneration, infectious agents, allergy and auto-immunity. Neoplasms - classification and aetiology. Special pathology: pathology of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, endocrine, skeletal and nervous systems and skin. Male and female reproductive systems.

Neuro-Muscular Technique

The physiological background of the neuro-muscular technique, its principles and method; demonstration of the technique and practical application. Practical teaching classes develop the students technique.

Nutrition

Structure and function of the basic foods: carbohydrates: plant sources, mono, di and polysaccharides, starches, cellulose and glycogen, simple and compound carbohydrates. Fats and oils: unsaturated and saturated fats, essential acids, simple and compound lipids, proteins and animal metabolism, amino-acid compositions, essential amino-acids. Simple and compound protein. Biological value of protein. First and second class proteins. Minerals: classification, availability and imbalance. Interaction, selective accumulation, acid/base factors, adventitious minerals. Vitamins: classification - water and fat soluble, anti-vitamins and toxamins.

Metabolism of the basic foods. Plant structure in relation to food quality. Effects of storage, processing and cooking. Utilisation of food by the body in health and disease. Psychology of nutrition and feeding the individual. Methods of food production contrasted: orthodox and organic.

Principles and Philosophy of Osteopathy

Basic principles and philosophy of Naturopathic/holistic Osteopathic healthcare as based on the Bio-Medico-Psycho-Social model of healthcare. History, definitions and concepts of osteopathic healthcare. The role of osteopathy in primary health care system. Introduction to varied healthcare models. Introduction to the anatomical, physiological, bio-mechanical and psycho-social basis of osteopathic healthcare.

Principles and Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics

The philosophical background and history of naturopathy. General principles - wholeness, symbiosis, the ecological basis of life. The laws of life. The laws of cause and dual effects. The healing power - 'Vis Medicatrix Naturae' - 'Vis Conservatrix Naturae'. Influences in the environment - the biological requirements of health. Behavioural patterns and their influence on evolutionary development.

Spinal Mechanics

The biomechanical manifestations of those conditions affecting the spinal column, neurological system and inter-relationships with the endocrine system. The systematic and safe approach to the physical examination of patients. The biomechanical rationale underpinning pathological and osteopathic diagnoses and treatment plans. Safety aspects of osteopathic treatment. Spinal motion and mechanisms of pain.

 

Classroom lecture

 

The new Lecture Theatre extension