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Mark Foley

Specifically targeted for students and teachers of Edexcel GCSE History (9-1) - Medicine through time, c.1250-present.

The course content is also suitable for AQA students, although the exam practice is specifically aimed at Edexcel examination board.

For students of A-level or university history with no background in medical history, the course makes an excellent introduction.

For maximum effectiveness, I recommend completing the course as follows:

1. Deal with one section at a time.

2. Watch all the videos in a section, taking notes and writing key questions as you watch.

Read more

Specifically targeted for students and teachers of Edexcel GCSE History (9-1) - Medicine through time, c.1250-present.

The course content is also suitable for AQA students, although the exam practice is specifically aimed at Edexcel examination board.

For students of A-level or university history with no background in medical history, the course makes an excellent introduction.

For maximum effectiveness, I recommend completing the course as follows:

1. Deal with one section at a time.

2. Watch all the videos in a section, taking notes and writing key questions as you watch.

3. Complete the multiple choice quiz at the end of the section.

4. Revise any topics you got wrong on the quiz.

5. Complete the resources after each lecture to consolidate learning.

6. Complete the exam zone.

There are videos talking students through the examination paper, how to structure questions and how to attain a Level 9.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Medicine in medieval England, c.1250-c.1500
Causes of disease in the Middle Ages
Treatment and prevention in the Middle Ages
Where were people treated in the Middle Ages?
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers exam practice specifically aimed at the Edexcel examination board, which can help students prepare for their GCSE History exams
Course content is suitable for AQA students, providing a broader understanding of medicine through time, even though the exam practice is Edexcel-specific
Serves as an excellent introduction to medical history for A-level or university students with no prior background, building a solid foundation for further study
Includes videos that guide students through the examination paper, question structure, and strategies to achieve a Level 9, which is the highest grade
Requires students to actively engage with the material by taking notes, writing questions, completing quizzes, and revising topics, which may be time-consuming
Features a case study on the British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18, which may not be relevant to all students interested in the broader history of medicine

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Reviews summary

Gcse history medicine through time prep

According to students, this course provides excellent coverage of the Edexcel GCSE History Medicine through time syllabus. Learners particularly highlight the clear explanations and the way complex topics are broken down. The focus on exam technique and practice questions, including detailed breakdowns of how to answer different question types, is frequently mentioned as a major strength and highly beneficial for exam preparation. While primarily aimed at GCSE, students report it is also useful for AQA students or as an introductory overview for those new to medical history. Overall, it is seen as a comprehensive and effective resource to support studies for this specific history module.
Integrated quizzes help consolidate learning.
"The multiple choice quizzes after each section were a great way to check my understanding as I went along."
"Used the quizzes to identify areas I needed to revisit before moving on."
"Short, sharp quizzes that helped test retention of information."
"Good for quickly reviewing the key points of each topic."
Topics are explained clearly and understandably.
"Complex historical concepts were explained in a way that was easy to grasp."
"The videos and materials simplify the information without oversimplifying it."
"Everything was laid out clearly, making note-taking and revision straightforward."
"Found the explanations very easy to follow, even on more difficult sections of the syllabus."
Provides valuable guidance on answering exam questions.
"The exam zone section is incredibly helpful for understanding how to structure answers and what examiners are looking for."
"Learning how to approach the different question types, especially the longer essays, was game-changing for my revision."
"Loved the walkthroughs of practice questions. It made the exam feel much less intimidating."
"Gave me practical strategies for tackling the exam paper effectively."
Covers the GCSE Medicine through time syllabus comprehensively.
"It covers everything you need for the Edexcel GCSE Medicine paper. Every topic is there and explained well."
"The content aligns perfectly with the syllabus points, leaving no gaps in the required knowledge."
"Really thorough coverage of the 'Medicine through time' module."
"I felt confident that the course covered all the necessary areas for my upcoming exam."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Edexcel GCSE History: Medicine through time with these activities:
Review Medieval European History
Strengthen your understanding of the social, political, and religious context of medieval Europe to better grasp the causes and treatments of disease during that period.
Show steps
  • Review key events and figures of the medieval period.
  • Focus on social structures and daily life.
  • Examine the role of the Church in medieval society.
Read 'The Black Death' by Philip Ziegler
Gain a deeper understanding of the Black Death and its impact on medieval society and medicine.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and figures.
  • Consider the social and economic impact of the plague.
  • Reflect on how the Black Death shaped medical practices.
Create a Timeline of Medical Advancements
Solidify your understanding of the timeline of medical advancements by creating a visual representation of key discoveries and innovations.
Show steps
  • Research key medical advancements from 1250 to the present.
  • Create a timeline using online tools or presentation software.
  • Include dates, descriptions, and images for each advancement.
  • Share your timeline with classmates for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'The Ghost Map' by Steven Johnson
Gain a deeper understanding of John Snow's work and the history of epidemiology.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and figures.
  • Consider the social and economic impact of the cholera outbreak.
  • Reflect on how John Snow's work shaped medical practices.
Compile a Resource List of Online Medical History Archives
Expand your research skills and access to primary sources by compiling a list of online archives and resources related to medical history.
Show steps
  • Search for online archives and databases related to medical history.
  • Evaluate the credibility and relevance of each resource.
  • Create a list with descriptions and links to each resource.
  • Share your list with classmates for collaborative learning.
Write a blog post on the impact of the Western Front on surgery
Deepen your understanding of the impact of the Western Front on surgery by writing a blog post that explores the challenges and innovations of battlefield medicine.
Show steps
  • Research the conditions and medical challenges of the Western Front.
  • Focus on surgical innovations and techniques developed during the war.
  • Write a blog post that is informative and engaging.
  • Include images and links to relevant sources.
Create a Presentation on Lung Cancer Prevention
Reinforce your understanding of lung cancer prevention by creating a presentation that summarizes key risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
Show steps
  • Research lung cancer risk factors and prevention strategies.
  • Create a presentation using presentation software.
  • Include visuals and data to support your points.
  • Practice your presentation and prepare for questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Edexcel GCSE History: Medicine through time will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
History Teacher
A history teacher educates students about the past, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. This course is directly relevant to an educator teaching a unit on medicine through time, particularly within the Edexcel GCSE History curriculum. The course offers structured content, multiple choice quizzes, and resources, which can be adapted for classroom use. The 'Exam Zone' section, which focuses on structuring answers and achieving high marks, provides a practical framework for teaching exam techniques. The history teacher may also benefit from the historical context and case studies.
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often specializing in a specific period or region. This course, which focuses on medicine through time, can be particularly valuable for a historian interested in the history of medicine or public health. It provides a structured approach to understanding medical advancements and challenges across different eras. The course's coverage of historical context and case studies, such as the Black Death and the Great Plague, allows the historian to analyze these events and better put them into a broader historical narrative. The 'Exam Zone' also helps build an understanding of how to use information in a structured setting.
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher conducts in-depth studies to expand knowledge in their field, often requiring advanced degrees (Master's or PhD). This course is helpful for an academic researcher whose focus is on medical history, the history of public health, or related social sciences. The course's comprehensive timeline and detailed case studies provide a strong foundation for conducting original research. An academic researcher may wish to pay attention to 'Medicine in medieval England, c.1250-c.1500'.
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs and resources for museum visitors of all ages. For a museum educator working in a medical history museum or a general history museum with medical exhibits, this course provides essential background knowledge. The course's structured content and case studies can be adapted into engaging and informative presentations. Understanding different eras and contexts for the medical field is crucial for the museum educator.
Museum curator
A museum curator oversees the acquisition, care, and exhibition of artifacts and collections within a museum. For a curator specializing in medical history or a related field, this course provides a solid foundation in the timeline of medical advancements. The course's detailed sections on different historical contexts and specific case studies, such as the impact of the Western Front on surgery, will allow the curator to contextualize artifacts. They may also find the information on treatment and prevention useful to explaining historic items.
Historical Consultant
A historical consultant provides expertise on historical matters to various clients, such as filmmakers, writers, and museums, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in their projects. This course focusing on medicine through time can be helpful for a historical consultant working on projects related to medical history. The broad chronological overview and the detailed case studies help build a strong foundation for providing informed advice. The historical consultant may also refer to the material when working with clients.
Public Health Educator
A public health educator develops and implements programs to promote health and prevent disease within communities. This course, with its focus on the history of medicine and disease prevention, provides valuable context for understanding current public health challenges. The case studies, such as John Snow and cholera, illustrate the importance of public health interventions and government involvement. The public health educator can draw upon historical examples to inform their educational strategies. It may be useful to pay attention to how lung cancer is presented.
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and analyzes existing and proposed policies to advise decision-makers, often in government or non-profit organizations. This course is relevant to a policy analyst working in healthcare or public health policy. The course's examination of government intervention in preventing disease, alongside the evolution of medical practices, helps build a strong foundation for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of healthcare policies. The policy analyst may refer to the historical context to see the progression of policy over time.
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and making accessible historical records and archival materials. This course may be useful for an aspiring archivist who anticipates working with collections related to medicine, public health, or social history. Understanding the evolution of medical practices and the impact of diseases throughout history is essential for contextualizing and cataloging related documents. The case studies featured in the course, such as the analysis of the Black Death, will allow the archivist to improve their knowledge of medical history. This course may add to the skillset of an archivist.
Writer
A writer crafts written content, such as books, articles, or scripts. This course on the history of medicine can fuel a writer whose work concerns historical fiction, non-fiction accounts of medical breakthroughs, or dramatic narratives centered around disease outbreaks. Familiarity with the social and medical landscapes of different eras, offered in the course, is valuable for crafting compelling and historically accurate stories. The case studies featured in the course, such as the Black Death, are beneficial to the writer.
Librarian
A librarian manages and organizes information resources, assisting patrons in finding relevant materials. This course may be useful for a librarian working in a medical library or a general library with a significant collection in medical history. The course's overview of medical advancements and historical contexts provides a librarian with the context necessary to categorize and recommend resources effectively. The librarian may wish to have a strong understanding of the 'Causes of disease' section.
Science Journalist
A science journalist researches and reports on scientific and technological developments for the general public. This course may be useful for a science journalist who specializes in medical or health-related topics. The historical perspective offered by the course provides context for understanding current medical advancements and debates. The science journalist may wish to pay attention to the advancements made in treatment and prevention.
Education Administrator
An education administrator manages and oversees educational programs and institutions. This course may be helpful for administrators at schools who wish to know about the history curriculum that is being taught. Some schools use the Edexcel GCSE History curriculum. The administrator may wish to take the course to be more familiar with the scope and demands of this curriculum. In general, the course may assist in understanding what students are being taught.
Medical Writer
A medical writer creates documents about medicines, healthcare, or medical devices. Enrolling in this course may be useful for a medical writer who works to help the general public understand medical information. The course has a strong focus on the history of medicine from c.1250 to the present. The medical writer can refer to the course material to better present the medical information to their audience. The historical context is especially useful.
Medical Illustrator
A medical illustrator creates visuals to support the accurate transmission of medical knowledge in the biological and health sciences. This course could assist a medical illustrator who focuses on depictions of historical medical practices or the evolution of medical technologies. Understanding the historical context and the specific challenges of each era, as presented in the course, provides a crucial foundation for creating accurate visual representations. A medical illustrator may wish to pay attention to the history of treatment and prevention.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Edexcel GCSE History: Medicine through time.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Black Death, one of the most significant events in medical history. It explores the social, economic, and religious impacts of the plague, offering valuable context for understanding its impact on medieval medicine. This book is highly relevant to the course's case study on the Black Death and provides additional depth.
Tells the story of John Snow and the 1854 cholera outbreak in London. It provides a fascinating account of how Snow used data and mapping to identify the source of the outbreak and revolutionize the field of epidemiology. This book is highly relevant to the course's case study on John Snow and cholera and provides additional depth.

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