This book is "innovative and original in assisting the reader to apply the principles of science to paediatric practice? Professor Neena Modi, Former President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Science of Paediatrics, MRCPCH Mastercourse, provides essential background preparation for the MRCPCH Theory and Science examination. It contains an up-to-date review of the application of science to everyday paediatric clinical practice, whether it is interpreting clinical signs or investigations, prescribing drugs or identifying best management. Although this understanding is essential in order to make informed clinical decisions, it is diffi cult to obtain as it is not usually covered in clinical textbooks. Key features . MRCPCH exam-format questions embedded in each chapter to test understanding . Emphasis on embryology to explain many congenital abnormalities . An overview of the relevant anatomy and physiology . Focus on the application and interpretation of investigations . Examples of recent advances in science and clinical research that have benefi tted the children's care . All clinical specialties covered by paediatric specialists. . Chapters covering evidence-based paediatrics, statistics, ethics and quality improvement. MRCPCH exam-format questions embedded in each chapter to test understandingEmphasis on embryology to explain many congenital abnormalitiesAn overview of the relevant anatomy and physiologyFocus on the application and interpretation of investigationsExamples of recent advances in science and clinical research that have benefitted the children's careAll clinical specialties covered by paediatric specialistsChapters covering evidence-based paediatrics, statistics, ethics and quality improvement

Introduction - The important role of science and research in paediatrics

Epidemiology and public health

History and examination

Normal child development

Developmental problems and the child with special needs

Paediatric emergencies and critical care

Accidents and poisoning

Child protection

Genetics

Perinatal medicine

Neonatal medicine

Growth and puberty

Nutrition

Gastroenterology

Infection and immunity

Allergy

Respiratory medicine

Cardiology

Nephrology

Genitalia

Hepatology

Oncology

Haematology

Emotions and behaviour

Dermatology

Diabetes and endocrinology

Musculoskeletal disorders

Neurology

Metabolic medicine

Ophthalmology

Hearing and balance

Adolescent medicine

Global child health

Palliative medicine

Ethics

Pharmacology and therapeutics

Clinical research

Statistics

Evidence based paediatrics

Quality improvement and the clinician