BASIC SCIENCE CURRICULUM

FIRST SEMESTER

MED 111 – Gross Anatomy

This is a lecture and laboratory course where students will acquire a basic knowledge of both the gross structure and functional anatomy of organs and systems of the adult human body and how these relate to clinical disease. Concurrent with lecture and small group work, students perform regional dissection of cadavers and study a variety of imaging techniques (including  X-rays, CT, and MRI scans).  Emphasis is on the identification of normal gross structures with lectures and demonstrations to illustrate clinically relevant normal and abnormal findings. The classroom lectures are integrated with small group sessions to provide a sound foundation for learning in other Basic Science courses including Physiology, Pathology and Physical Diagnosis.
(14 credits; 222 hrs. Lecture/lab)

MED 112 – Histology and Cell Biology

This course is the study of tissue organization which explores the operation of the human body from a cellular and sub-cellular level. It is essential for understanding the mechanism and pathogenesis of disease states and the intricate relationships among the organ systems. Histology also provides the visual picture of the molecular mechanisms of cellular growth, cellular differentiation, tissue repair, and the inter- and intra-cellular defense mechanisms. Lectures are integrated with the laboratory experiences in which students identify the microscopic structures of various tissues and organs in the human body, correlating these structures with their functions (a prerequisite for understanding the altered state in various disease processes). This class also lays the groundwork for future courses such as physiology and pathology.
(10 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

MED 113 – Embryology

This course provides students with a practical approach to the basic principles of embryology including genetic inheritance. Lectures describe the stages involved in development of the organs and systems from the time of conception until birth. In addition, students learn to recognize the critical stages of normal development and the effects of common teratogens, genetic mutations and environmental hazards on the development of the fetus. This course also provides a practical approach to the  developmental basis of major variations, abnormalities and congenital anomalies. Lectures are supplemented with embryologic models, slides, and computer graphics characterizing morphogenesis.
(3 credits; 45 hrs. Lecture)

MED 114 – Informatics and Evidence-Based Medicine

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the integration of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.  The best evidence is usually found in clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology. This course introduces students to the general concepts and strategies that are relevant to clinical practice and serves as the foundation for lifelong learning and self study. Objectives of the course include, understanding the basic principles and tools utilized in research including methods, and descriptive and inferential statistics; to enhance skills in data analysis and in the interpretation of medical literature; to appreciate the value and applicability of sound research in clinical decision-making. Student will use this practical learning in subsequent research projects.
(2 credits; 30 hrs. Lecture)

SECOND SEMESTER

MED 211 – Biochemistry

In this course students learn the molecular, cellular, and chemical basis of life, such as those related to the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Key areas of emphasis include intermediary metabolism and its regulation, genetic basis of inherited diseases, and 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.  The course lays a foundation in the normal biochemical functions and processes of the human body that prepares medical students for later learning of disease processes and pharmacological principles.
(10 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture)

MED 212 – Human Physiology

During this course students learn the normal functions and regulation of cells, organs and organ systems and physiological integration of the systems to maintain homeostasis with emphasis on clinically relevant concepts. Lectures cover the neural and humoral homeostatic mechanisms and understanding of the physiology of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, gastrointestinal, and renal systems.  In addition, the pathophysiology of selected disease states are also explored. Students get a chance to experience what they have learned in the laboratory component of this course. This course builds on the students growing understanding of normal structure and function, laying the foundation for exploration into Pathophysiology and pharmacological effects on organ systems.
(10 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: MED 111 & 112 are recommended.

MED 215 – Medical Genetics

Medical Genetics is 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.
(5 credits; 90 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisites:  Completion of MED 112 and MED 113 is required. Completion of Biochemistry is recommended.

MED 216 – Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

This course introduces the students to the fundamental concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology. Using the principles of disease distribution, students are able to realize the importance of 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.
(4 credits; 60 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisites: Completion of MED 114 is required.

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.  This course explores the workings of the human immune system including the intricate processes of antigen recognition, immunoglobulin production and the detection of antigen-antibody reactions.  Basic genetic and molecular biological concepts are integrated and connected to clinical manifestations of disease and immunopathological reactions (such as hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation concerns, tumor immunology, hematology, reproduction, infectious disease, and immunodeficiency).  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.
(12 credits; 225 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Completion of MED 111 is required. Completion of MED 212 is recommended.

MED 312 – Neurosciences

Neurosciences is a lecture and laboratory course that provides an integrated multidisciplinary study of the structure and functional relationships of the central and peripheral nervous systems and relies on basic knowledge of the anatomy of Head and Cranial nerves.  Neurobiology and neurophysiology, brain metabolism, and the effects of damage and disease on cells of the central nervous system are covered in depth during the initial part of the course. Students are also introduced to techniques of neuroimaging and taught introductory clinical assessment during this time. Each aspect of the central nervous system is discussed with regards to both normal structures & processes integrated with the pertinent clinical correlations. Learning is enhanced through laboratory gross brain dissection, imaging techniques and discussion of clinical correlations.
(9 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Completion of MED 111 is required. Completion of MED 212 is recommended.

MED 315 – Medical Psychology

Through learning assignments and group discussions based on clinical problems, students learn about the behavioral sciences. Lectures highlight both normal and abnormal behaviors and include discussions on theories of learning, theories of personality, child development, cognitive functioning, death, sexual behavior, sleep, and the mind-body relationship.  Common psychiatric illnesses are covered (symptoms, causes, and treatments) as are other important problems in medical practice such as domestic violence, child abuse, and defense mechanisms. Practical learning experiences focus on teaching interviewing skills, Mental Status Examinations, differential diagnosis, defense mechanisms, and practical engagement with patients.
(9 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture)

MED 316 – Medical & 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 moral and ethical healthcare questions depicting real life issues taken from current literature and public records.
(4 credits; 45 hrs. Lecture)

FOURTH SEMESTER

MED 411 – Pharmacology

This course provides a thorough approach to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of common pharmaceutical preparations.  The understanding of molecular structure and orientation, the mechanisms of action of medications, and characteristics of tolerance, sensitivity, therapeutic indices, dependency, withdrawal, and drug interactions are described in depth.  Students will gain a functional understanding of major therapeutic drugs, their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination, dose-response relationships, efficacy, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, drug interactions, and toxicity. In addition to focusing on the pharmacological actions and interactions of medications, this course specifically examines the therapeutic uses and effects of clinical disease states using a case-based method.
(12 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisite: Completion of MED 311 & 312 is recommended.

MED 412 – Pathology I

This course introduces students to the responses of cells, tissues, and organs to major disease processes.  Topic areas covered include cell injury and cell death, inflammation, blood coagulation, immune deficiency diseases, and some tumors.  Group discussions are also a part of the course, as are laboratory exercises that utilize computerized slides and computer assisted modules to explore concepts discussed in lectures.
(11 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Completion of MED 311 is required. Completion of MED 215 is recommended.

MED 413 – Physical Diagnosis

In this course, students learn the skills involved in a systematic approach to acquiring important medical data through the patient’s history and the physical examination. Groups of students learn about and practice these crucial physician skills under the supervision of experienced and licensed physicians.  Clinical skill development includes patient communication skills, psychomotor examination techniques, and the accurate interpretation of data.
(10 credits; 158 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Completion of Semester III courses is recommended.

FIFTH SEMESTER

MED 511 – Clinical Pathology II

During this course, students build upon the knowledge base developed in Pathology I (MED 412) and explore 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.
(11 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Completion of MED 412 is required.

MED 512 – Integrative Study of the Basic Science

This course provides an integrative approach to Basic Sciences for MUA students as they prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam. During the opening weeks of the course students are offered a diagnostic pretest to help identify areas of challenge to assist in developing strategically designed study goals and schedules. In addition to the review materials, students are presented with the essential key elements in live review sessions in each subject area by experienced faculty and guest lectures. Frequent assessment throughout the course provides students the feedback they need to focus their specific needs. Following the completion of the program, students are offered a simulated USMLE Step 1 exam to evaluate the comprehensiveness of their preparation.
(10 credits; 250 Hours)
Prerequisites: Students must have completed all courses in Semesters I-IV, as well as have completed or simultaneously enrolled in Semester V courses.

MED 513 – Introduction to Clinical Medicine

This course is 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 and to gain experience applying this knowledge to the practical approach of patient care. Students study the clinical presentation and management of major systemic disease processes including pertinent laboratory tests and radiologic studies of diagnostic importance. Advanced skills in interviewing techniques, history taking, and physical examination during problem-focused patient encounters will be covered. Emphasis is placed on the development of a student’s case presentation skills. The course faculty also team-teach small group clinical tutorials related to lecture and lab content. 
(10 credits; 150 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Students must have completed all courses in Semesters I-IV, as well as completed or simultaneously have enrolled in MED 511.

CLINICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM

THIRD YEAR

Internal Medicine

12 Weeks

Students build on skills acquired in physical diagnosis to include the completion of a thorough history and physical examination of primarily adult patients. Students will be a part of the clinical management team and given responsibilities for certain aspects of direct patient care under the close supervision of a preceptor. Students will have clerkship experiences in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings. Instruction will include the management of commonly encountered disease processes as well as an introduction to the use of diagnostic procedures.

Surgery

12 Weeks

Students will be introduced to disease processes which require various levels of surgical intervention. Initially, students will be taught the policies and procedures of the operating room to include scrubbing and the maintaining of sterile technique. They will have opportunities to do pre-surgical histories and physical examinations. Opportunities will be provided for direct practice of simple procedures such as suturing, debridement and wound care. Under close supervision of a preceptor, students will be able to observe and assist during various procedures in the operating room and participate in the follow-up and treatment of the post surgical patient in the hospital and in ambulatory practice settings.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

6 Weeks

Students will be introduced to the normal course of pregnancy to include pre-natal care, labor, delivery and the postpartum period. Students will be taught the fundamentals of a proper obstetric and gynecologic history and examination. Observation and participation in a number of live births will be provided. Students will also participate in discussions and receive direct experience with various disease processes and complications of pregnancy and delivery. Students will learn the fundamentals of family planning and dealing with patients with sexually transmitted diseases.

Pediatrics

6 Weeks

This clinical rotation introduces the student to the challenging medical treatment of infants, children and adolescents. Students will initially learn to take histories and perform physical examinations on well infants and children in inpatient and outpatient clinic settings. The diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses will be emphasized, but the student will have opportunities to learn about the more rare congenital as well as acquired disorders.

Psychiatry

6 Weeks

In this rotation, students learn about the major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, affective and anxiety disorders. Special emphasis will be placed on the difference between organic and functional mental illnesses through taking a proper psychiatric history and performing a mental status examination. Students will be instructed in the judicious use of major classes of psychotropic medications.

FOURTH YEAR

Elective rotations are usually completed during the fourth year of medical school, to assist the student in identifying areas of special interest in medicine for future practice and graduate residency training.

Highly recommended electives include:

• Cardiology
• Primary Care Medicine (required)
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Neurology
• Pathology
• Plastic Surgery
• Radiology
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery

Since a few states in the U.S. require a clinical rotation in Primary Care Medicine as a prerequisite to licensure, it is highly recommended that all students complete an elective rotation of at least four weeks in a Primary Care field, such as Family Medicine.