BACHELOR OF OPTOMETRY (B.OPTOM)

• To examine, evaluate and counsel patients with a variety of ocular conditions
• To design, produce and prescribe a variety of optical aids, such as spectacles, sunglasses, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, and so on
• To actively lead a team in various inter-disciplinary projects
• To participate in public health optometry programs and vision screening eye camps
• To educate people about ocular hygiene, as well as dietary and environmental advice
• To provide vision care options to a diverse patient population using modern methods and technology

3 year with 1 year compulsary internship

• He/she has passed the Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent examination recognized by any Indian University or a duly constituted Board with pass marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics after completing 12th class/ 10 +2 of CBSE or equivalent with minimum aggregate of 50% marks in physics chemistry and biology provided the candidate has passed in each subject separately.
• Candidates who have studied abroad and have passed the equivalent qualification as determined by the Association of Indian Universities will form the guideline to determine the eligibility and must have passed in the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics and English up to 12th Standard level.
• Candidates who have passed the Senior Secondary School Examination of National Open School with a minimum of 5 subjects with any of the following group subjects. A. English, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology B. English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and any other language
• He/she has attained the age of 17 years as on - (current year) & maximum age limit is 30 years.
• He/she has to furnish at the time of submission of application form, a certificate of Physical fitness from a registered medical practitioner and two references from persons other than relatives testifying to satisfactory general character.
• Admission to B. Opto course shall be made on the basis of eligibility and an entrance test to be conducted for the purpose. No candidate will be admitted on any ground unless he/she has appeared in the admission test and interview.
  • Entrance test, to be conducted by the university as per the syllabus under 10 +2 scheme of CBSE, subject-wise distribution of questions will be as 30% in Physics, 30% in biology, 30% in Chemistry, 5% in English (Language & Comprehension) and 5% in General Awareness about health related methods.
  • Successful candidates on the basis of written Test will be called for the interview & shall have face an interview board. The interview board will include the Head of the Department of medical imaging (Chairman of the Board) along with the Principal / chief faculty as well Page 7 as Chief of MRIT apart from other nominees, whose recommendations shall be final for the selection of the students.
  • During subsequent counseling (s) the seat will be allotted as per the merit of the candidate depending on the availability of seats on that particular day.
  • Candidate who fails to attend the Medical Examination on the notified date(s) will forfeit the claim for admission and placement in the waiting list except permitted by the competent authority under special circumstances.
  • The name of the student(s) who remain(s) absent from classes for more than 15 days at a stretch after joining the said course will be struck off from the college rolls without giving any notice.
• Provision of Lateral Entry: Lateral entry to second year for allied and healthcare science courses for candidates who have passed Diploma in Optometry program from the Government Boards and recognized by State/Central University, fulfilling the conditions specified and these students are eligible to take admission on lateral entry system only if the same subject have been studied at diploma level.

Considering optometry as the most obvious career choice, individuals can either join an existing practise in hospitals, clinics, or private offices, or start their own. There are also opportunities to teach the science of optometry to others as an instructor or to conduct research and work as a research or lab assistant. While some may choose a career in sports vision, public health, government service or community health centres, others may go on to continue their studies and get a master's degree in the field.

SEMESTER I (FIRST YEAR)

GENERAL ANATOMY
Organization and general plan of the body ▪ Cells ▪ Skeletal System ▪ Muscular System ▪ Muscle Contraction ▪ Nervous System ▪ Endocrine System and other associated topics 

GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY- I
Cell Physiology ▪ Gastrointestinal Physiology ▪ Respiratory System ▪ Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System ▪ Organs of Excretory System ▪ Musculoskeletal System ▪ Nervous System and Special Senses ▪ Structure and Function of Eye, Ear, Tongue and Nose ▪ Structure and Function of Male and Female Reproductive Organ ▪ Body fluids and their significance and other related assignments  

GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Objective: To understand the structure, function and inter-relationship of bio molecules and consequences of deviation from normal

GEOMETRICAL OPTICS I
Nature of Light ▪ Reflection and Refraction of Light ▪ Refractive Index ▪ Plane mirror and spherical mirror- convex & concave mirror ▪ Definition of Crown and Flint Glasses, Prism, Dispersion, Vergence of Light ▪ Vergence at a distance formula ▪ Imaging by a thin convex and concave lens and other related topics   

NUTRITION
Introduction ▪ History of Nutrition as a Science Food Groups ▪ RDA Balanced Diet ▪ Diet Planning  Assessment of Nutritional, Energy, Proteins, Fat, Minerals, Vitamin, Essential Amino Acids and miscellaneous and other related concepts   

ENGLISH COMMUNICATION & SOFT SKILLS – I
Objective: To comprehend and communicate in simple English

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS, INTERNET, & MS-OFFICE
Objective: To impart basic knowledge of computer hardware, internet and application software with DOS keys to the students
Introduction and Definition of Computer ▪ MS – DOS, Introduction to Internet ▪ MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS-POWERPOINT and other related assignments  

SEMESTER  II (FIRST YEAR)

OCULAR ANATOMY
Ocular Embryology ▪ Orbit ▪ Orbital Blood Supply ▪ Conjunctiva ▪ Cornea ▪ Aqueous ▪ Anterior Chamber ▪ Angle Structures ▪ Uvea - Iris, Ciliary Body & Choroid Crystalline Lens ▪ Vitreous Retina ▪ Sclera (episclera & sclera) Optic Nerve ▪ Visual Pathway ▪ Cranial Nerves : Detailed study of each of the following nerves in terms of their nuclei, course, relationship within brain, effects of compression etc. at different regions, Optic, Oculomotor and Trochlear Nerves ▪ Trigeminal and Abducent Nerves, Facial nerve and other associated topics   

OCULAR PHYSIOLOGY
Protective mechanisms in the eye ▪ Eye lids and lacrimation ▪ Description of the Globe, Iris and Pupil ▪  Visual Stimulus ▪ Refractive Errors, Colour Vision and Colour Defects ▪ Theories and Diagnostic Tests ▪ Retinal Sensitivity and Visibility, Receptive Stimulation and Flicker ▪ Ocular Movements and saccades and other related concepts  

OCULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
Hormones basic concepts in metabolic regulation with examples say insulin ▪ Metabolism: General whole body metabolism (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) ▪ Ocular Biochemistry: Various aspects of the eye, viz., cornea, lens aqueous, vitreous, retina and pigment rhodopsin ▪ Technique: Colloidal state, sol. Gel. Emulsion, dialysis, electrophoresis ▪ Clinical Biochemistry: Blood sugar, Urea, Creatinine and Bilirubin ▪ Significance of their estimation and other allied concepts   

PHYSICAL OPTICS
Nature of Light ▪ Intensity of Polarized Light Malus’Law ▪ Coherence - Interference ▪ Constructive and Destructive Interference, Resolution of an Instrument ▪ Basics of Lasers ▪ Lambert’s Law ▪ Other units of light measurement; retinal illumination and other related topics

GEOMETRICAL OPTICS II
Vergence and Vergence Techniques ▪ Schematic and Reduced Eyes ▪ Blur Retinal Imaginary ▪ Spectacle and Relative Spectacle Magnification ▪ Aperture stops, Accommodation, Spectacle magnification, Angular Magnification of spectacle lens ▪ Spatial Distribution of Optical Information, Visual Optics of Aphakia and Pseudophakia and other allied topics    

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS, INTERNET, & MS-OFFICE
Introduction and Definition of Computer ▪ MS - DOS: Getting Started on DOS with Booting the System, Internal Commands, and Introduction of Internet ▪ MS Word, MS Excel ▪ MS Power Point: Starting MS–Power Point, Blank Presentation, Creating, Saving and Printing a Presentation  and other related topics     

ENGLISH COMMUNICATION & SOFT SKILLS – II
Objective: To comprehend and communicate in simple English and overall professional development
Basic Communication & Soft Skills ▪ Vocabulary Building ▪ Personality Development

CLINICAL OPTOMETRY I
Methods of Ocular Examination ▪ Ability to use techniques in ocular examination and to understand the implication of findings in terms of subsequent examination techniques ▪ Visual Acuity Testing - Distance, Near, Basic of Eye Examination ▪ History Taking, Pupil Examination and other related topics    

SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well.

SEMESTER  III (SECOND YEAR)

OCULAR MICROBIOLOGY
Morphology and Principles of Cultivating Bacteria ▪ Sterilization and Disinfections used in Laboratory and Hospital Practice ▪ Common Bacterial and Fungal infections of the Eye, Common Viral and Parasitic Infections of the Eye and other allied topics    

VISUAL OPTICS I
Review of Geometrical Optics: Vergence and Power, Spherical Mirror, Cardinal Points, Magnification ▪ Optics of Ocular Structure, Cornea and Aqueous, Axis and Angle of the Eye ▪ Basic Aspects of Vision ▪ Visual Acuity ▪ Refractive Anomalies and their Causes ▪ Etiology of Refractive Anomalies ▪ Growth of the Eye in relation to Refractive Errors and other related topics    

OPTOMETRIC OPTICS-I
Introduction - Light, Mirror, Reflection, Refraction and Absorption, Lenses ▪ Vertex Distance and Vertex Power ▪ Magnification in High Plus Lenses ▪ Magnification in High Minus Lenses and other related topics    

OPTOMETRIC INSTRUMENTS
Refractive Instruments ▪ Test Charts Standards ▪ Choice of Test Chart ▪ Trial Case Lenses ▪ Infrared Optometry Devices ▪ Projection Charts, Illumination of the Consulting Room ▪ Ophthalmoscopes and related devices ▪ Design of Ophthalmoscopes - Illumination, Filters for Ophthalmoscopy ▪ Indirect Ophthalmoscope ▪ Lensometer, Lens Gauges or Clock ▪ Slit Lamp, Keratometer and Corneal Topography and knowledge of various other equipment as well  

OCULAR DISEASES- I
Orbit ▪ Applied Anatomy ▪ Lacrimal System ▪ Applied Anatomy ▪ Tear Film ▪ Conjunctiva ▪ Inflammations of Conjunctiva ( Infective conjunctivitis - Bacterial, Chlamydial, Viral, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Granulomatous Conjunctivitis) ▪ Degenerative and Symptomatic Conditions ( Hyperaemia, Chemosis, Ecchymosis, Xerosis, Discoloration) ▪ Cysts and Tumours, Cornea - Applied Anatomy and Physiology ▪ Uveal Tract and Sclera and other related topics

CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM
History taking ▪ Visual Acuity Estimation ▪ Extraocular Motility ▪ Cover Test ▪ Alternating Cover Test ▪ Hirschberg Test ▪ Modified Krimsky ▪ Pupils Examination ▪ Maddox Rod ▪ Van Herrick ▪ External Examination of the Eye ▪ Lid Eversion ▪ Schemer’s, TBUT ▪ Tear Meniscus Level ▪ NITBUT (keratometer) ▪ Colour Vision ▪ Stereopsis ▪ Confrontation Test ▪ Photo Stress Test ▪ Slit Lamp Bio Microscopy ▪ Ophthalmoscopy and other related topics

INDIAN MEDICINE AND TELEMEDICINE
Introduction to Healthcare Delivery System ▪ Healthcare Delivery System in India at Primary Level ▪ National Health Mission ▪ National Health Policy ▪ Issues in Health Care Delivery System in India ▪ Introduction to AYUSH System of Medicine ▪ Introduction to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy ▪ Need for Integration of Various System of Medicine and other associated topics

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Definition and Scope of Environmental Studies, Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies ▪ Ecology and Environment: Ecosystem & Desert Ecosystem ▪ Natural Resources, Deforestation, Energy Resources, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and other related topics 

CLINICAL OPTOMETRY- II
Unit of Competency ▪ Methods of Ocular Examination Part 2 ▪ Elements of Competence ▪ Basic Eye Examination and Finding the Refractive Error ▪ Anterior Segment Examination, Visual Field Examination  and other associated topics 

SEMESTER  IV (SECOND YEAR)

OPTOMETRIC OPTICS II & DISPENSING OPTICS
Spectacle Lenses ▪ Manufacture of Glass, Lens Materials, Spectacle Frames ▪ Classification of Spectacle frames-material, weight, temple position ▪ Tinted & Protective Lenses ▪ Characteristics of Tinted Lenses, Absorptive Glasses, Safety Lenses - Toughened Lenses, Laminated Lenses ▪ CR 39 Polycarbonate Lenses, Multifocal Lenses - History and Development ▪ Antireflection, Mirror and Hard Multi Coating [HMC] ▪ Special Types of Spectacles - Industrial Safety Glasses ▪ Frame Availability in Indian market and other related topics
 
VISUAL OPTICS II
Accommodation & Presbyopia ▪ Far and Near Point of Accommodation ▪ Presbyopia, Convergence, Relationship between Accommodation & Convergence (AC/A ratio) ▪ Objective Refraction (Static & Dynamic ▪ Streak and Dynamic Retinoscopy ▪ Radical Retinoscopy and Near Retinoscopy, Cycloplegic and Subjective Refraction ▪ Binocular Balancing - alternate occlusion, prism dissociation, dissociate ▪ Effective Power & Magnification ▪ Ocular Refraction vs. Spectacle Refraction ▪ Spectacle Magnification vs. Relative Spectacle Magnification ▪ Axial vs. Refractive Ametropia ▪ Knapp’s Law ▪ Ocular Accommodation vs. Spectacle Accommodation ▪ Retinal Image Blur - Depth of Focus and Depth of Field and various other related topics

OCULAR DISEASES II
Vitreous - Applied Anatomy & Physiology ▪ Vitreous Opacities, Degeneration and Inflammation ▪ Congenital Disorder of Retina ▪ Inflammatory Disorder of Retina ▪ Ocular and Mechanical Injuries ▪ Non Mechanical Injuries ▪ Clinical Neuro-ophthalmology ▪ Anatomy of Visual Pathway ▪ Glaucoma ▪ Clinical Examination ▪ Ocular Hypertension, Secondary Glaucoma, Management - Common medications, Laser Intervention and Surgical Techniques and other related topics

PATHOLOGY
Inflammation and Repair ▪ Infection in General ▪ Specific Infections ▪ Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Fungal Infection ▪ Anaemia, Leukemia, Bleeding disorders ▪ Circulatory Disturbances ▪ Clinical Pathology ▪ Interpretation of Urine Report ▪ Immune System, Allergy and other topics related to pathology

BASIC AND OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
General & Systemic Pharmacology ▪ General & Local Anaesthetics ▪ Chemotherapy, Ocular Pharmacology ▪ Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications of Drugs used in Ophthalmology ▪ Drugs used in Allergic, Inflammatory & Degenerative Conditions of the Eye and more topics concerning the basic and ocular pharmacology

INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY
Quality Assurance and Management ▪ Basics of Emergency Care and Life Support Skills ▪ Biomedical Waste Management and Environment Safety ▪ Infection and Prevention Control ▪ Antibiotic Resistance ▪ Disaster Preparedness and Management and other topics related to quality and patient safety

MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction to Psychology ▪ Intelligence Learning ▪ Memory, Personality, Motivation ▪ Body Integrity – One’s Body Image ▪ The Self-Concept of the Therapist ▪ Therapist-Patient Relationship -  some guidelines ▪ Illness, its Impact on the Patient ▪ Maladies of the Age and their Impact on the Patient’s own and others concept of his body image ▪ Adapting changes in Vision ▪ Why Medical Psychology demands commitment and other related topics 

CLINICAL OPTOMETRY III
Unit of Competency: Refraction, Elements of Competence ▪ Applied Optics ▪ Elements of Competence ▪, Comprehensive Eye Care ▪ Ocular Diseases 1, Understanding of Symptoms Associated with Internal Eye Disease ▪ Manage patient presenting with Red eyes and different other topics related to clinical optometry 

SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well. 

SEMESTER  V (THIRD YEAR)

CONTACT LENS I
Introduction to Contact Lenses ▪ Definition and Classification ▪ History of Contact Lenses ▪ Introduction to CL Materials, Monomers, Polymers, Properties of CL materials ▪ RGP Contact Lens Materials ▪ Manufacturing Rigid and Soft Contact Lenses – various methods ▪ Types of Fit – Steep, Flat, Optimum – on Spherical Cornea with Spherical Lenses ▪ Types of Fit – Steep, Flat, Optimum - on Toric Cornea with Spherical Lenses ▪ Modifications possible with Rigid lenses ▪ Common Handling Instructions ▪ Insertion & Removal Techniques and other topics related to contact lenses

LOW VISION CARE
Definitions & Classification of Low Vision ▪ Epidemiology of Low Vision ▪ Model of Low Vision Service ▪ Pre-clinical Evaluation of Low Vision Patients - Prognostic & Psychological Factors ▪ Psycho- Social Impact of Low Vision ▪ Types of Low Vision Aids - Optical Aids, Non-Optical Aids & Electronic Devices ▪ Optics of Low Vision Aids ▪ Paediatric Low Vision Care ▪ Low Vision Aids - Dispensing & Prescribing Aspects ▪ Visual Rehabilitation & Counselling ▪ Legal Aspects of Low Vision in India ▪ Case Analysis and other related topics and assignments

GERIATRIC OPTOMETRY & PAEDIATRIC OPTOMETRY
Objective: To provide students with the knowledge of general and ocular physiological changes of ageing, common geriatric systemic and ocular diseases.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to examine and manage paediatric as well as geriatric patients and different other related topics

BINOCULAR VISION- I
Binocular Vision and Space Perception ▪ Relative Subjective Visual Direction ▪ Retino Motor Value ▪ Physiological Diplopia and Suppression ▪ Theories of Binocular Vision ▪ Anatomy of Extra Ocular Muscles ▪ Recti and Oblique, LPS ▪ Innervation & Blood Supply ▪ Near Vision Complex Accommodation ▪ Definition and Mechanism (process) ▪ Convergence ▪ Definition and Mechanism ▪ Methods of Measurement ▪ Sensory Adaptations ▪ Confusion ▪ Suppression- Investigation and Management ▪ Blind Spot Syndrome ▪ Eccentric Fixation-Investigation and Management and other topics and assignments concerning binocular vision

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & BIOSTATISTICS
Measures of Morality ▪ Sampling, Statistical significance ▪ Correlation, Sample Size Determination ▪ Introduction to Research Methods ▪ Identifying Research Problem ▪ Ethical Issues in Research ▪ Research Design ▪Types of Data ▪ Research Tools and Data Collection Methods ▪ Sampling Methods ▪ Developing a Research Proposal and other associated topics

CLINICAL OPTOMETRY
Unit Of competency: Contact lens -1 ▪ Assessment of Binocular vision ▪ Elements of Competence, Low Vision and Rehabilitation ▪ the ability to Assess a patient with low vision ▪ Distance and Near Vision Chart used for Low Vision ▪ Community Visit: School Screening, Industrial Eye Screening, Community Eye Services

SEMESTER  VI (THIRD YEAR)

CONTACT LENS II
Objective – To provide suitable knowledge to students regarding theoretical as well as practical aspects of contact lenses
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to understand the basics, types, properties, design and adverse effects of contact lenses 

BINOCULAR VISION-II
Neuro-Muscular Anomalies - Classification and Etiological Factors ▪ Convergent and Divergent Strabismus ▪ Vertical and Paralytic Strabismus ▪ Investigations ▪ Non-Surgical Management of Squint ▪ Surgical Management and other topics related to binocular vision

PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY OPTOMETRY
Concept and Implementation ▪ Stages of Diseases ▪ Epidemiology of Blindness - Defining Blindness and Visual Impairment ▪ Eye in Primary Health Care ▪ Community Eye Care Programs ▪ Community Based Rehabilitation Programs ▪ Nutritional Blindness with reference to Vitamin A deficiency ▪
Vision 2020: The Right to Sight ▪ Screening for Eye Diseases ▪ Evaluation and Assessment of Health Programs ▪ Optometrists Role in School Eye Health Programs ▪ Basics of Tele Optometry and its Application in Public Health and other topics concerning public health and community optometry

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Business Management ▪ Practice Establishment and Development ▪ Accounting Principles ▪ Taxation and Taxation Planning ▪ Professionalism and Values ▪ Professional Values - Integrity ▪ Personal Values - Ethical or Moral Values ▪ Attitude and Behaviour - Professional Behaviour ▪ Treating People Equally ▪ Code of Conduct ▪ Professional Accountability, Responsibility, Misconduct and other related topics

OCCUPATIONAL OPTOMETRY
Introduction to Occupational Health ▪ Hygiene and Safety ▪ Electromagnetic Radiation and its Effects on Eye ▪ Light, Colour, Industrial Vision Screening ▪ Vision Standards ▪ Visual Display Units ▪ Contact Lens and other related topics

MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS
Medical Ethics - Definition - Goal - Scope ▪ Introduction to Code of Conduct ▪ Basic Principles of Medical Ethics - Confidentiality ▪ Malpractice and Negligence - Rational and Irrational Drug Therapy ▪ Autonomy and Informed Consent - Right of Patients ▪ Care of the Terminally ill- Euthanasia ▪ Organ Transplantation ▪ Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy ▪ Obtaining an informed consent and other related laws and ethics

RESEARCH PROJECT 1
Students will be undertaking a research project under the guidance of a supervisor (who could be optometrists / vision scientists / ophthalmologist). Project is spread through sixth to eighth semester.

CLINICAL OPTOMETRY -V
Unit of competency: Contact lens II, Paediatric and Geriatric Optometry ▪ Squint Evaluation ▪ Vision Therapy ▪ Comprehensive eye examination and other associated assignments and lessons
 
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well. 

SEMESTER  VII - INTERNSHIP - I  
RETINA, GLAUCOMA, LOW VISION
Students learn about the following: Retina and Vitreous, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Clinical examination of Low Vision Subjects, Optical, Non-Optical, Electronic and Assistive Devices and Visual rehabilitation

PAEDIATRIC & BINOCULAR VISION
Objective: To make the students able to:  Take an appropriate binocular vision history and to assess eye alignment and eye movements ▪ Select appropriate examination procedures for all paediatric patients ▪
Inform and educate patients, parents/caregivers, and other health care providers about the importance and frequency of paediatric eye and vision examinations

SEMESTER VIII - INTERNSHIP - II
CLINIC – VII: COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE & REFRACTION
Learning Outcome: It is expected that upon completion the student will be able to carry out the standard clinical procedures, especially refraction, efficiently and safely.

Integrative Seminar during the Internship
It serves to teach optometry students how the material in the curriculum relates to their role as optometrist. This will be achieved through a synthesis of lecture, clinical observation, case-based learning and small-group discussion. Lecture and small-group discussions will include the participation of both basic and clinical science faculty in order to promote integration of the curricular material and to show how the care provided is related to what is currently being learned. This will enable the future clinician to make informed clinical decisions, encourage critical thinking and promote lifelong independent learning.