The first year of medical school was totally redesigned in 1998. Instead of having discipline based courses competing against each other on a semester basis, such as in college, the basic sciences appropriate to medicine are taught in modular blocks. The academic year consists of 38 weeks. Only four courses will be offered simultaneously at any given time. Listed below are the catalog description of the courses to be completed the first year of medical school:

2009-10 Fall Module (16 weeks)

Human Function (CCMD 730). 16 credit hours. PR: For medical students and selected graduate students with instructor consent. Integrated approach combining biochemistry, genetics, and physiology of the human body. Includes molecular, sub cellular, and cellular components of the body, organ systems, and whole body functions. Application of basic sciences to human health and disease. Meets approximately 18 hours per week.

Problem Based Learning. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a weekly student-centered small group session during the first year of medical school facilitated by a faculty member. The objectives of PBL are: 1) to learn basic science in a clinical context through the analysis of simulated clinical cases, and 2) to develop skills in basic science understanding; knowledge acquisition; reasoning and problem solving; and communication, teamwork, self and group assessment. Meets approximately 1.5 hours per week.

Public Health (CCMD 712). 4 credit hours. PR: For medical students and with instructor consent. Introduction to causal inference, study design, common statistical tests, interpretation of epidemiological studies (chance, bias, confounding), occupational health, health care systems, administrative aspects of health care, preventive medicine, social influences on health, and international health. Meets approximately 4 hours per week.

Physical Diagnosis & Clinical Integration-1 (CCMD 745). 3 credit hours. For medical students only. This course will introduce the student to persons with health concerns. Students will begin development of skills of medical communication, data gathering, and physical examination techniques.Meets approximately 3 hours per week.

2009-10 Winter Module (15 weeks)

Human Structure (NBAN 703). 17 Credit hours. PR: For medical and selected graduate students in the medical basic sciences with instructor consent. Integrated approach combining human gross anatomy, microanatomy and embryology. Includes human cadaver dissection, microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues and organs with application to human health and disease. Meets approximately 18 hours per week.

Problem Based Learning. Continuation from Fall Module.

Physical Diagnosis & Clinical Integration-1 (CCMD 746). Second-semester PDCI-1 course.

2009-10 Spring Module (7 weeks)

Neurobiology (CCMD 775). 6 Credit hours. PR: CCMD 730 Human Function and NBAN 703 Human Structure. Introduction to basic structure and function of the human nervous system with a focus on clinical application of basic information. The course emphasizes the normal neurobiology (at the cell and systems level) essential to understanding human behavior and to recognizing abnormality seen in clinical practice. Meets approximately 18 hours per week.

Problem Based Learning. Continuation from Winter Module.

Physical Diagnosis & Clinical Integration-1 (CCMD 746). Continuation of second-semester PDCI-1 course.