Academics

The curricular structure of Year 1 and Year 2 is made up of integrated blocks that offer a more consistent approach to teaching science concepts within a clinical context, limited lecture hours and emphasizes lifelong learning strategies.

The blocks use a "case of the week" format to align course content with clearly defined objectives which map out the work necessary for successful student learning. Each block concludes with an assessment week for clinical skills testing and a comprehensive examination.

Along with the integrated blocks, the Practice of Medicine blocks run longitudinally across both Years 1 and 2 and include community-based preceptorships in both academic years.

Block Structure

The Year 1 curricular structure includes 35 weeks of instruction and five weeks of assessment as displayed in the diagram above. The five blocks for Year 1 include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, integumentary, human behavior and the nervous system. The Practice of Medicine runs concurrently with the blocks for both fall and spring, which includes ambulatory care experiences.

Block 1 - Foundations and Principles of Medical Science I - MED 631 - 9 weeks

This block prepares students for the subsequent organ/systems-based blocks by introducing foundational principles of science and medicine, and developing their clinical problem solving skills. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 2 - Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems I - MED 632 - 9 weeks

CRR Systems I provides medical students a strong foundation in the basic sciences of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems with integrated clinical science applications. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 3 - Gastrointestinal, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems I - MED 633 - 10 weeks

This block gives students a solid foundation of knowledge relating to the digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems, including nutrition and integrative metabolism. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 4 - Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems - MED 634 - 5 weeks

The Musculoskeletal and Integument block provides students with an integrated understanding of the back and limbs from both basic science and clinical perspective. Limited to M.D. Students.

Block 5 - Nervous System and Human Behavior I- MED 635 - 7 weeks

The course provides a systematic introduction to and overview of neuroscience, the head and neck region, and human behavior, using lectures, labs and clinical experiences. Limited to M.D. students.