Molecular pathology

Candidates will not be permitted to sit the oral and practical examination until the proposal for the written option has been submitted and approved by the examiners. The final project may be submitted either before or after taking the practical and oral examination. 

The examination will consist of 2 papers: a 3-hour dry practical followed by a 1-hour oral. The aim of this examination is to establish that the candidate has demonstrated a level of competence appropriate for independent practice at consultant level. Candidates must pass both components in a single sitting.

The examination will test the candidate’s:

• scientific knowledge relevant to molecular pathology, including recent relevant literature
• ability to apply basic knowledge successfully and appropriately in a clinical context
• understanding of laboratory organisation and strategy, including principles of budget quality control, safety and staff management
• practice in terms of ethics, regulations and standards.

Each of these areas will occupy approximately 25% of the examination. The candidate should answer all questions and pass in all areas. 

The practical examination contains a mixture of analytical, problem-solving and interpretative tasks. These may include interpreting laboratory results, devising and communicating a patient management plan, evaluating the design or feasibility of a research project, or discussing areas of specialist practice and regulation.

The aim of the oral examination is to establish that the candidate has demonstrated a level of competence appropriate for independent practice at consultant level.

The examination will test the candidate’s:

• scientific knowledge relevant to molecular pathology, including recent relevant literature
• ability to apply basic knowledge successfully and appropriately in a clinical context
• understanding of laboratory organisation and strategy, including principles of budget control, quality control, safety and staff management
• practice in terms of ethics, regulations and standards.

Each of these areas will occupy approximately 25% of the examination. The candidate should pass in all 4 areas. There will be 2 examiners. An observer examiner from another specialty may be present. The examination will last about 1 hour.

There are 5 options for the written component:

• a casebook
• a dissertation
• a minimum of 3 refereed published papers
• a PhD/MD thesis, normally completed during the training period
• the C2 research module component of the Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education DClinSci for Higher Specialist Scientist Training trainees where appropriate.

Note, the casebook should consist of 7–8 cases with a total length, excluding references, in the range of 10,000–20,000 words and would not normally exceed 20,000 words. The research work used for the basis of a dissertation or PhD thesis should be on the topic of molecular pathology. The work should be reasonably up to date. Thus, a PhD obtained before the attainment of the Part 1 examination will probably not be acceptable for submission and the research work done can be rewritten as a dissertation that brings the results and subject matter up to date in the light of current research and publications in the subject. Candidates are required to submit the written work within 3 years of having the proposal approved. Candidates who fail to submit the work within that time will be required to apply for an extension, giving reasons, or submit a new proposal.