DETAILED OVERVIEW

OF THE DIPLOMA COURSE IN PURE -TRICHOLOGY

FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT MEDICAL QUALIFICATION

(Revised 26-8-2010)

MEDICAL GRADUATES UNDERTAKE AN ABBREVIATED COURSE (please click here)

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Are you a prospective student wishing to study Pure-Trichology at the highest academic level available worldwide?

We are pleased to present this diploma course in Pure-Trichology (the science of Human Scalp & Hair in health, disease and distress). Our Open University style course provides a vehicle to qualification as a Trichologist within the parameters of TTS (The Trichological Society). Graduands will be elected to Licentiateship and be entitled to use the post-nominal letters LTTS.   Graduates of this course pay reasonable annual subscriptions to TTS (a not-for-profit professional association) and receive listing on its celebrated Portal, an ongoing advice service and the opportunity of joining the reasonably priced Group Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme (UK only).

It must be stated at the onset that this course is demanding for every student. Gaining the TTS Diploma (LTTS) which is set at the highest academic standards within this discipline - worldwide will require determination and tenacity.

We are pleased to accept students who demonstrate the determination to succeed and will endeavour to assist each to gain this coveted qualification in the discipline. Each student will be assigned a College appointed mentor to whom any problems, difficulties or other questions can be addressed.

The following is a detailed expose of the curriculum and current syllabus, however as hair science is an area of continuing research, there may be updates and additions at any time:

The academic part of these courses is conducted by distance learning, employing internet and email facilities (an up-to-date computer equipped for internet and email is therefore an essential). The practical part is conducted at clinical centres (currently in UK) either by regular monthly one-day attendances or less-frequent multi-day visits. It is to be hoped that other centres worldwide will become available in the years ahead.

Each of the subjects within the syllabus should be researched using carefully chosen Internet resources and the recommended textbooks, written up as academic standard essays in your own words and submitted via e-mail to your mentor. All essays relative to scalp and hair conditions/diseases must (where possible) include an aetiology, diagnosis and prognosis together with any recommendations as to treatment regimes. Where examiner’s comments suggest further work is required on any essay, this should be carried out as a matter of priority. You may present up to 20 essays per academic year on the basis of two per month (not December or August) - any three starred * topics count as one essay. The course which usually takes up to 3 years can be extended if required (at additional cost relative to the extra time taken).

Too much well presented information is never criticised. Essays must provide brief but clear explanations of any medical / scientific words / terms used. Remember that a diagram or picture can paint a thousand words. Words guides are not generally given because written material will vary in length according to individual composition styles. However the importance of including all relevant data and points of interest cannot be overstated. If, after the initial essays have been received it is felt that further guidance is required, the College will send you sample essays.

An essay for each and every topic listed herein must be submitted. Each will attract valuable credits and collectively create your own personal 'textbook' for future reference. This material will also be used as a basis for the Viva part of the examination (held at the conclusion of the final year's study) - so you are urged to revise each marked essay regularly in order to commit the material to memory. Always remember that material learned thoroughly at an early age will be readily recollected throughout your academic life.

Your success as a professional will depend on your practical skills and ability to recall academic information accurately.

Good Luck !

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ENROLMENT PROCEDURE

A prospective student seeking enrolment should email The Registrar for an Application for Enrolment Form.

This will usually be sent by email.

On completion this is to be returned to The Registrar by email.

The College will then review the application and inform the applicant accordingly.

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course to commence either September or March.

Having accepted the place, the student is required to pay a holding fee of £125 without delay to secure it and guarantee that he/she will honour the reservation. This sum will be deducted from the first course fee paid. This holding fee will not be refunded if the student cancels his/her course within 28 days of its commencement date.

The Course fees are to be received by The College not less than 14 days prior to the commencement date.

Cancellation of a Course

It is to be understood that no refunds of academic fees will be considered where a student drops-out or otherwise fails to complete any Part of the course.

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THiS COURSE HAS 3 SECTIONS

SECTION 1 - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (time allowed - 6 months ) Fee £1100
(8 Credits available)

THE TOPICS

The Heart – the physiology and function of the heart together with a convincing overview of the cardiovascular system.

The Skeletal system – an overview of the skeletal structure with a detailed description of the bones of the face and cranium. Mention the numerous fontanelle and their origins.

The Muscular system - a description of muscle types with detailed description of the muscles of the face and head.

The Renal System.

The Endocrine system. This will be an extensive work detailing the numerous hormones their function and effect. Mention any known affect on hair.

The Skin. This work will include a detailed explanation of its structure and function but will exclude any detailed description of the pilo-sebaceous follicle, nails and hair/skin diseases/deformities, which will each be the focus of future individual assignments.

The Hair. This extensive work will include a detailed morphology from conception, in-depth accounts of hair type (Afroid, Caucasoid Mongoloid) physical/ chemical structure, development, growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen) and follicular re-genesis, post puberty development, pigmentation, genetic factors, natural curl, density and other specific characteristics but exclude diseases which will each be the focus of future individual assignments.

The Nails include a detailed account of physical structure, growth cycles. Mention pigmentation and diseases (with photographs were possible).

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SECTION 2 - HAIR and SCALP CONDITIONS (time allowed - 24 months)  Fee - £4400
(40 Credits available).                                      

Many of the topics in this section will constitute a major essay, which will take time to research effectively to satisfy TTS academic standards.
it is also important that you undergo as much clinical experience training as possible. You are always welcome at your mentor’s clinical practice and possibly others. Please take every opportunity to do this.
As some of the conditions listed herein are rare, we cannot guarantee that students will see live examples of them during practical sessions. The recommendation is therefore that the student researches and collects an extensive personal photographic library from which to become acquainted with the visual symptoms of all conditions/diseases. Alternatively, dermatology textbooks which include clear photographs are available.

Topics suffixed with a star * indicate that short explanations are expected - three such topics may be submitted as one essay.

THE TOPICS

Acne Necrotica Miliaris* & Varioliformis*

Acquired progressive kinking.

Alopecia areata, totalis and universalis.

Androgenetic alopecia in males –include details and discussion regarding modern drug therapies, surgical hair replacement techniques, and non-surgical hair replacement.

Androgenic alopecia in females - include details and opinion on currently used drug therapies and suitability to surgical hair replacement. Discuss non-surgical replacement methods.

Bubble Hair Syndrome

Canities* Leucotrichia* Poliosis*

Eczema's - with special reference to scalp and effect on hair.

Effluvium's (anagen, telogen, loose anagen syndrome)

Favus

Folliculitis Decalvans

Hair Pigmentation Chemistry - Mention the chemistry, function and source of melanin, its distribution and the consequences of its absence.

Hair fall associated with fever

Hair fall associated with eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa).

Herpes (Shingles)

Hirsutism

Hyperkeratosis Cystica Follicularis*

Hypertrichosis

Idiopathic Trichoclasia*

Impetigo - with special reference to scalp and effect on hair.

Lichen Planus (Planopilaris)

Lupus Erythematosus (discoid and systemic)

Malignant Melanomas - with special reference to scalp
Non-Melanoma skin cancers - with special reference to scalp.

Monilethrix*

Neurodermatitis.

Nutrition and hair health. Mention

Pediculus capitis - mention the body and pubic louse and discuss the treatments available.

Pemphigus - with special reference to scalp.

Pityriasis ('Seborrhoeic dermatitis') with special reference to scalp and effect on hair. (Include graphic descriptions of each together with recommendations as to treatment regimes - include photos where possible.

Plica Polonica

Pseudo-pelade (Brocq)

Post-natal alopecia.

Psoriasis of the scalp.

Dermatophytosis Capitis (Ringworm) with special reference to scalp and effect on hair. Include details of anthropophilic and zoophilic fungi, microspora, trichophyta, epidermophyta.

Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, Vitamin B12 and hair status.

Thyroid functions and hair status - mention hair loss and changes in character

Traction Alopecia.

Trichokinesis*

Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Trichomycosis Nodosa

Trichothiodystrophy

Trichoptilosis*

Trichonodosis*

Trichosporosis*

Trichotillomania

Trichophagy*

Urticaria with special reference to scalp and effect on hair.

Vitiligo with special reference to scalp and hair.

Woolly Hair Syndrome.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS

Gray's Anatomy (Barnes & Noble) or other reputable Anatomy and Physiology volume.
Diseases of the Hair and Scalp (R Dawber)
Disorders of Hair Growth Diagnosis and Treatment by Elise A Olsen (2nd Edition)
The Illustrated Medical Dictionary (Harper Collins).
Please make full use of the Internet as your primary research facility.

MENTORS (to be assigned)
Each will be appropriately qualified and experienced.

                                                              STUDY ASSISTANCE (via e-mail): Anytime with the assigned Mentor - or with TTS Office.

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SECTION 3 - MEDICINES, CHEMISTRY,  SURGERY, CLINICAL PROTOCOLS, HAIRDRESSING PROCEDURES (time allowed - 6 months) Fee £1100.

(16 Credits available - 2 Credits each)

THE TOPICS

Detailed and extensive essays are required on the following topics.

Medicines:   An overview of OTC BTC POM medicines.  Include an in-depth description of the families of drugs (e.g. antibiotics, steroids, homeopathic, chemotherapeutic etc) together with details of any known responses relative or potentially relative to hair / scalp. (2 Credits)

Biochemistry : (explaining briefly the structure and function of cellular components in living organisms). The work should include an overview of the structure of amino-acids, carbohydrates, fungi and other micro-organisms, lipids, monomers, nucleic acids, polymers, proteins, vitamins. (2 Credits)

Bacilli: Demonstrate a clear understanding of staphylococci and streptococci. Mention other members of the Kingdom ‘Bacteria’.  Give examples of disease (especially to scalp follicles) associated with any of these and suggest appropriate action. (2 Credits)

Surfactants Chemistry: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the chemicals used in the manufacture of shampoos and the national laws governing their formulation and manufacture. Mention known adverse reactions with hair or scalp. (2 Credits)

Hair Processing: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the chemical and physical procedures viz bleaching, dying, permanent waving, hair relaxing, extensions, braiding corn-rowing etc involved in current hairdressing procedures. (2 Credits)

Hairdressing Observation - The student is required to spend a minimum of 10 certified hours within a reputable hair salon observing chemical procedures (relaxing, straightening, permanent-waving, colouring, blanching, highlighting, corn rowing, plaiting, hair-extensions etc). The follow up essay to provide detailed accounts + a potential damage assessment for each. Please note this must be arranged by the student personally. (2 Credits)

Hair Restoration Surgery - Observation time with a TTS Registered Doctor who specialises in these procedures - followed by a fully descriptive essay. (2 Credits)

Clinical protocol lectures:  Clinical management, Consultation procedures, Principles of diagnosis, Treatment regimes and other matters applicable to pure-trichologists in professional practice. (2 Credits)

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PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
(21 Credits available)

This vitally important part of training involves clinical experience with actual patients and assisting with the day to day running of a successful clinical practice. Students residing in UK are expected to attend a clinical practice no less than once per month throughout the course, however those who live long distances from the practice may be permitted to attend less frequently but in groups of 2-3 days at a time. All students are encouraged to attend more frequently if they can.  Practitioners who offer these clinical experience opportunities to students in UK are well qualified and successful - they also do so willingly and without charge.

Overseas students will be expected (where possible) to attend a dermatology department in their locality, or attend UK trichology practices for periods of 7-14 days per year of study.  Well illustrated dermatology textbooks are very helpful. The Registrar will be happy to discuss any problems you may have (UK 01708 728980 or email ).

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FINAL DISSERTATION
(5 Credits)

A final year dissertation shall be of 6000+ words embracing a trichological subject of the student's choice.This should be presented no less than eight weeks prior to the examinations held annually in UK during September and May.

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VIVA EXAMINATION
(Total - 10 Credits)

This will consist of an extensive verbal questions and answers examination based on the individual student's coursework + the execution of real-life trichology procedures (consultation, diagnosis, prognosis, discussion regarding treatment options and the performance of any recommended treatment) with new patients in the presence of examiners. The examinations take place each year in May, prior to the Graduation Day ceremony.

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REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION

Graduands will have passed each section of this course to the satisfaction of the Examiners and accrued a total credits score of 85

(the maximum possible credits score is 100).

GRADUATION

The President's Day & Graduation Ceremony is held annually at Hunton Park (Hertfordshire) - a delightful Queen Anne Mansion set in parkland. Graduands (wearing the academic robes and colours of TTS) receive their well earned Diplomas from the President in the presence of Family and Friends.

                                                                                                   RDO BOOK AWARD (at the Graduation Ceremony)

The Robert D Olding Book Award. This is a valuable volume occasionally presented where a student has demonstrated an outstanding performance throughout the course.

OTHER  INFORMATION

MENTORS will be appropriately qualified and experienced persons

                                                              STUDY ASSISTANCE (via e-mail): Anytime with the assigned Mentor - or with TTS Office

This overview represents the current syllabus (as at 26-8-2010).  As the science of pure trichology advances the College reserves the right to implement changes to the curriculum as appropriate. Students are therefore asked to refer to this page from time to time.

© The College of Trichology