 |
| The Basic Sciences |
The Basic Science
Campus
 The Basic Science campus is located
on 10 acres of land generously provided by the Government of St. Christopher-Nevis. The campus is situated
on the eastern side of Nevis, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, three miles from Newcastle airport and
one mile from Nisbet Plantation Beach.
Currently, the MUA campus consists of an administration building, classroom buildings, student cafeteria, a
multipurpose building with gross anatomy, microbiology, histology and pathology laboratories, as well as a
medical reference library with free wireless internet access. The teaching microbiology lab includes a wet lab
and facilities for incubating and evaluating microbiological cultures.
A new, "state of the art," 38,500 square foot building will house additional classrooms, administrative and
faculty offices,laboratories, meeting rooms, a clinic, and a general function room. All classrooms are
air-conditioned and contain a wide variety of teaching resources such as classroom monitors, slide and
overhead projectors, microscopes with video capability, LCD projectors, and computers. The gross anatomy
laboratory utilizes human cadavers that have been especially prepared for medical dissection. The histology and
pathology laboratories provide each student with a medical quality binocular microscope and prepared slides.
Faculty has access to dual-binocular and trinocular microscopes to facilitate student learning.
The campus cafeteria is open to all students, faculty, and staff from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Services include breakfast,
lunch, and snacks, with food prices subsidized by the University. Recreational facilities on campus include a
swimming pool, two tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, and a children’s play area.
| |
Course |
Lecture
Hrs |
Lab
Hrs |
Total
Hrs |
Credit
Hrs |
| First Semester |
MED |
111 |
Gross Anatomy |
112 |
110 |
222 |
14 |
| |
MED |
112 |
Histology
and Cell Biology** |
100 |
50 |
150 |
10 |
| |
MED |
113 |
Embryology |
45 |
|
45 |
3 |
| |
MED |
114 |
Informatics
and Evidence-Based Medicine |
30 |
|
30 |
2 |
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
447 |
29 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Second Semester |
MED |
211 |
Biochemistry |
150 |
|
150 |
10 |
| |
MED |
212 |
Human Physiology |
125 |
25 |
150 |
10 |
| |
MED |
213 |
Medical Psychology |
150 |
|
150 |
9 |
| |
MED |
214 |
Medical & Legal
Ethics |
45 |
|
45 |
4 |
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
495 |
33 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Third Semester |
MED |
311 |
Microbiology & Immunology |
200 |
25 |
225 |
12 |
| |
MED |
312 |
Neurosciences |
115 |
35 |
150 |
9 |
| |
MED |
313 |
Medical Genetics |
80 |
10 |
90 |
5 |
| |
MED |
314 |
Epidemiology & Public Health
Med. |
60 |
|
60 |
4 |
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
525 |
30 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fourth Semester |
MED |
411 |
Pharmacology |
150 |
|
150 |
12 |
| |
MED |
412 |
Pathology I* |
135 |
15 |
150 |
11 |
| |
MED |
413 |
Physical Diagnosis |
84 |
74 |
158 |
10 |
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
458 |
33 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fifth Semester |
MED |
511 |
Clinical Pathology
II |
135 |
15 |
150 |
11 |
| |
MED |
512 |
Medical Board Review |
160 |
|
160 |
10 |
| |
MED |
513 |
Intro To Clinical Medicine |
110 |
40 |
150 |
10 |
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
460 |
31 |
* grade will be
reported upon completion of Clinical Pathology II
**Includes slide deposit |
|
|
Basic Science Course Description
FIRST
SEMESTER
MED 111 - Gross Anatomy
This is a lecture and laboratory course where students, working in
small groups, perform regional dissection of cadavers and study the
variety of imaging techniques such as x-rays, CT, and MRI scans,
which relate to clinical practice. Emphasis is on the identification
of normal gross structures with lectures and demonstrations to
illustrate clinically relevant normal and abnormal findings.
(112 hrs. lecture, 110 hrs. lab)
MED 112 - Histology
and Cell Biology
This course explores the organization and operation of the body from
a cellular and sub-cellular level. Using microscopes, prepared
slides, and computer assisted modules, students examine tissues,
cells, and organelles. Lectures will illustrate the microstructures
of major tissues and organs in relation to their function.
(100 hrs. lecture, 50 hrs. lab)
MED 113 - Embryology
Lectures describe the series of processes that take place as a single
fertilized human ovum develops into diverse cells, tissues, and
organs. Students learn the causes and implications of a variety of
congenital abnormalities. Lectures are supplemented with models,
videotapes, slides, and computer graphics of morphogenesis.
(45 hrs lecture)
MED 114 – Informatics and
Evidence-Based Medicine
Biomedical informatics is the interdisciplinary science that deals
with biomedical information, its structure, acquisition and use.
Basic informatics includes coding, storage and retrieval of data
(for patient care or research), clinical decision making (individual
patients or health policy), transmission and teaching of medical
knowledge. Students will be presented with a structured approach
for: a) asking a clinical question relevant to an individual patient
(therapy, diagnosis/screening), b) using search engines/databases to
identify appropriate published studies, critically appraising the
articles retrieved and applying the result to the patient’s problem
and c) presenting their findings in the form of a term paper.
(30 hrs lecture)
SECOND SEMESTER
MED 211 - Biochemistry
A course that teaches the students the molecular, cellular, and
chemical basis of life, such as those related to the structure and
function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The
syllabus areas of emphasis include the following: intermediary
metabolism and its regulation, genetic basis of inherited diseases,
biochemical changes associated with the development/etiology of
disease. The medical relevance is also emphasized through clinical
correlation and group discussions of medically important topics.
(150 hrs lecture)
MED 212 - Human Physiology
A lecture and laboratory course which describes the normal function
of cells and organ systems, establishing a foundation for
understanding the altered physiologic states of specific disease
entities and the entire human organism. Laboratory experiences
reinforce the student’s understanding of the cardiovascular,
respiratory and endocrine systems.
(125 lecture, 25hrs lab) Pre-requisites: MED 111 & 112 or permission of the instructor
MED 213 - Medical Psychology
In lectures, through problem based learning assignments and small
group interactions students learn about the behavioral sciences.
Lectures are split between learning about psychiatric diagnoses
(symptoms, causes, and treatments) and sessions on normal human
behavior including theory of learning, theory of personality, child
development, cognitive functioning, death, sexual behavior, sleep,
and the mind-body relationship. Problem based learning experiences
focus on teaching interviewing skills, Mental Status Examinations,
differential diagnosis, defense mechanisms, and practical engagement
with patients.
(150 hrs. lecture)
MED 214 - Medical and Legal Ethics
Through a combination of lectures and small group interactions,
students are presented with a practical introduction to the current
body of legal and ethical foundations involved in the practice of
modern medicine. Students learn to address a number of controversial
and ambiguous moral and ethical healthcare questions depicting real
life issues taken from current literature and public records.
(45 hrs lecture)
THIRD SEMESTER
MED 311 - Microbiology and Immunology
This lecture and laboratory course provides the fundamental
principles of microbiology including the sub-disciplines of
immunology, virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology.
Students acquire an understanding of the physiological and virulence
properties of microorganisms and epidemiological factors contributing
to human infectious disease; immunological responses contributing to
health and disease; and an introduction to the activities and uses of
antimicrobial agents for asepsis and treatment.
(200 hrs. lecture, 25 hrs. lab) Pre-requisites: MED 211 & 212 or permission of the instructor
MED 312 - Neuroscience
A comprehensive lecture and laboratory course that provides an
integrated multidisciplinary study of the specific structure and
functional relationships of the central and peripheral nervous
systems. Student learning is enhanced through laboratory gross brain
dissection, imaging techniques and discussion of clinical
correlations.
(115 hrs. lecture, 35 hrs. lab) Pre-requisites: MED 111 & 212 or permission of the instructor
MED 313 - Medical Genetics
A lecture course that provides the students with an understanding of
the principles and concepts of inherited disorders. Beginning with a
study of chromosomes and the disorders which result from their
aberrations, the course also covers current diagnosis and treatment,
the genetics of human populations, and ongoing discoveries and
research in molecular biology.
(80 hrs lecture, 10 hrs lab). Pre-requisite: MED 211 or permission of the instructor.
MED 314 - Epidemiology & Preventative Medicine
This course will introduce the students to the essential concepts of biostatistics and
epidemiology. Using the principles of disease distribution, students are able to utilize
epidemiologic research to clinical practice. In addition to being able to evaluate current
epidemiological issues, students learn the historical importance of how diseases are
distributed in various populations and the impact this has on health issues in the 21st
century.
(60 hrs. lecture) Pre-requisites: MED 114.
FOURTH SEMESTER
MED 411 - Pharmacology
A study of the principles of pharmacology as well as major therapeutic
drugs, their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination, dose-response
relationships, efficacy, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, drug
interactions, and toxicity.
(150 hrs. lecture) Pre-requisites: Completion of all courses in Semesters I & II & MED 311 & 312.
MED 412 - Pathology I
A lecture and laboratory course that introduces the student to the
responses of cells, tissues, and organs to major disease processes.
Specific lecture areas include cell injury and cell death,
inflammation, blood coagulation, immune deficiency diseases, and some
tumors. Small group discussions are also a part of the course.
Laboratory exercises use computerized microscopic slides and computer
assisted modules.
(135 hrs. lecture, 15 hrs. lab). Pre-requisites: Completion of all courses in Semester I, II, & III.
MED
413 - Physical Diagnosis
In this course, students learn the skills of a systematic approach to
acquiring important medical data through the patient’s history and
the physical examination. Medical communication skills, psychomotor
examination techniques, and the accurate interpretation of data are
important criteria. Learning is also enhanced by video tapes and
faculty demonstrations.
(84 hrs. lecture, 74 hrs. lab) Pre-requisites: Completion of all courses in Semester I, II, & III.
FIFTH SEMESTER
MED 511 - Clinical Pathology II
During this course, students build upon the knowledge base developed
in general pathology and go through the pathology of each organ system
in detail including pediatric pathology. Through the use of microscopes,
slides, and computer modules, students learn about pathophysiologic
abnormalities of disease processes. Case studies are used to enhance the
relationship between the pathologic basis of diseases and clinical treatment
protocols. Students are required to use a microscope and glass slides in the
laboratory exercises.
(135 hrs. lecture, 15 hrs. lab) Pre-requisite: MED 4.
MED 512 - Medical Board Review
The Medical University of the Americas offers the Kaplan MedPass ®
program as part of the medical board review course. Students are
presented with the essential key elements in each subject area by
experienced faculty, guest lectures, and problem based computer
modules. In addition, students are given practice exams, previously
used shelf boards, and structured curriculum review materials to enhance their test-taking skills.
(160 hrs. lecture) Pre-requisites: All courses in Semesters I-IV and
simultaneous enrollment or completion of Semester V courses.
MED 513 - Introduction to Clinical Medicine
A lecture and skills practice course designed to help the student
integrate the knowledge learned in the Basic Sciences into the
cognitive processes required for successful transition into the
clinical sciences. Students study the clinical presentation and
management of major systemic disease processes including pertinent
laboratory tests and radiologic studies of diagnostic importance.
They acquire advanced skills in interviewing techniques, history
taking, and physical examination during problem-focused patient
encounters. Emphasis is placed on the development of a student’s
oral case presentation skills. The course faculty also team-teach
small group clinical tutorials related to lecture and lab
content.
(110 hrs. lecture, 40 hrs. lab) Pre-requisite: All courses in
Semesters I-IV must be completed, and enrollment or completion of
Clinical Pathology II, are required.
Elective Courses
There are two types of elective courses offered: workshops (ELEW
series) and short courses (ELEC series). Workshops meet a limited
number of times and are generally focused on skills development
(active and reflective learning methods, suturing and surgical knot
tying, etc.). Short courses meet multiple times during the semester,
typically for 1 hour at each session (journal clubs are an example of
short courses). Availability of specific offerings changes from
semester to semester. All electives are graded as Pass/Fail.
Examples of some of the elective courses available:
ELEW 101 - Active and Reflective Learning Methods
The purpose of this elective workshop is to provide students with basic skills for study
time scheduling and with basic skills for applying active study methods along with multiple
cycles of review and self-assessment to learning in medical school courses/clerkships.
ELEW 102 – Poisonous Plants, Fatal Foods and Murderous Medicines
This course was designed with two elements. The first is a classroom
discussion on common poisonous plants that are often used around the
house or in gardens, things children may eat, adults may handle, or
even foods that may be fatal in the wrong form. The lecture portion
will be followed with a 2 hour hike up the mountainside discussing
traditional medicines, what they were used for, and how they could
either kill or cure.
ELEC 101 - Complementary & Alternative Medicines
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to alternative
medical systems being practiced in various parts of the world that
are gaining acceptance in North America (including Ayurvedic
medicine, Chinese and Kampo medicine, Greco-Arab medicine,
homeopathy, and herbal therapies). Topics including brief history,
concepts of health/disease states, treatment modalities, common uses
as adjunctive treatment, and potential interactions with standard
therapies will be explored in a lecture/discussion format.
ELEC 102 - Journal Club
Faculty and students analyze and discuss current journal articles
typically relating to clinical questions and patient care (diagnosis/screening,
therapy, harm, and prognosis). Each week a participant presents a journal
article(s) of his/her choice and leads a discussion incorporating elements of
evidence based medicine.
ELEC 103 – Yoga for Stress Management
This enjoyable short course, for both beginners and those with some
experience, leads students at a moderate pace through basic Hatha
Yoga postures, combined with body strengthening, alignment,
balancing, relaxation, and breathing techniques. It is a rewarding
way to stay fit, remove stiffness, and improve flexibility, while
releasing stress and preventing fatigue. Students should return to
their class and study schedules feeling as if they’ve just had a
great massage - invigorated, with renewed mental energy and without
excessive perspiration.
Research
Students and faculty are encouraged to participate in research
projects. The Leeward Islands Health Research Unit (LIHRU) is housed
at the MUA campus. Students are able to engage in projects that will
benefit health care on Nevis and in the Caribbean region.
ELEC 104 – Research
Students are invited to participate in research projects at the
discretion of the professor. The amount of credit and time will
be determined on a case-by-case basis.
MED 515 – Independent Study
In this course, students learn the skills of a systematic approach
to acquiring important medical data via independent study. Medical
information acquisition and further review of topics of interest will
be accomplished under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students will
develop their skills by working with an individual professor who
agrees to monitor their experience. Students will be responsible for
defining their area of interests, and arranging the experience with
their faculty mentor (variable hours and credits). This course may
be taken any semester with permission of the Dean of Basic Sciences
and the instructor.
|
|
|
Medical Clinic on Campus
Under supervision of the Nevis island physicians and Medical
University staff, senior medical students enrolled in Physical
Diagnosis and Introduction to Clinical Medicine will be allowed
to participate in the assessment and treatment of local patients.
One of several island clinics will be established on the Medical
University campus and staffed by government appointed physicians
and medical staff from the University. The purpose of the clinic
is to provide services to local citizens of Nevis as well as
provide a training facility for MUA students in their pre-clinical
coursework.
Clearance from Nevis
Students completing the Basic Sciences or concluding studies
for any reason are required to complete a "Financial Clearance
Letter" from the University administration office. Clearance
signatures are required from the student's landlord, major utility
company, and local telephone company where the student may have
acquired debts. This is done to insure that no student leaves
Nevis with financial debts. Transcripts may be withheld for
students who do not pay expenses incurred while on Nevis.
Click Here To View The Academic Calendar
Click Here To View
The Admissions Requirements
Click Here To View
The Tuitions and Fees
|
|
|
Curriculum • Basic Sciences 
Home
Curriculum
