Basic Medical Science Curriculum

MTH 1001 – MATHEMACATICS I : Algebra and Calculus  

This course provides students with the knowledge to apply Mathematics strategies in solving everyday problems and applying techniques in calculus to real life situations.  It allows students to develop a good Mathematical background that is essential to grasp concepts which are quantitative in nature. 4 credits 

MTH 1002 – MATHEMATICS II: BIOSTATISTICS 

The objective of this course is to teach the principles of biostatistical analysis and epidemiology.  It focuses on quantitative data analysis and the application of biostatistics in medical research. Terms such as incidence, prevalence, reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity and different research study designs are facts premed and medical students will have to know for the rest of their life.  This course is an extension from Mathematics 101 and allows students to focus on concepts which allow them to organize and make sense of all the information that they will encounter as they continue their studies.  4 credits    

ENG 1001 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE I 

English Language I course focuses on the ability to communicate effectively and intelligently in society today. Students will engage in expository and argumentative writing, as well as the fundamentals of research writing.  Emphasis is also placed on oral communication skills.  4 credits   

ENG 1002 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE II 

There will be two main modes of academic writing examined and explored by students during this course: expository and argumentative writing. Students will also be exposed to the fundamentals of research writing and will be asked to write an extensive research paper using the appropriate citation style (MLA). Students will be introduced to the roles that culture and perception play in speech and will be asked to analyse the impact and influence that both roles play on verbal and non-verbal forms of communication.  4 credits 

ENG 1003 – ENLGISH LANGUAGE III: Scholar Literacy 

The course of scholarly literacy designed to foster a knowledge base in the fundamentals of research, critical to a career in any of area of medicine. The course will include didactics on biostatistics, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, research methods and other critically appraised topics. Across all activities, students will be exposed to overarching concepts and critical language for implementing and interpreting research. Students will demonstrate integration of knowledge through the completion of authentic individual and group assignments. The course will focus on synthesizing and translating evidence that will inform clinical and research practices. 3 credits 

CHM 1001 – GENERAL CHEMISTRY I 

General Chemistry I focus on inorganic and physical chemistry and also on an introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry.   This course highlights topics such as atomic structures, covalent and ionic bonding, chemical reactions and calculations, acid base relationship, radiochemistry and chemistry of hydrocarbon.  Students are expected to develop quantitative reasoning skills and a good grasp of the basic concepts.  7 credits 

CHM 1002 – GENERAL CHEMISTRY II  

General Chemistry I focuses on inorganic and physical chemistry and also on the introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry.   This course highlights topics such as Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics.  Students are expected to develop quantitative reasoning skills and a good grasp of the basic concepts. 7 credits   

OCHEM 1001 – ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I 

This course is a comprehensive survey of aliphatic and aromatic organic chemistry, with emphasis on medical sciences.   Students are exposed to topics such as phenols and aryl halides, aldehydes and ketones. Amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives.  Organic chemistry lays the foundation for biochemistry. 7 credits   

OCHEM 1002 – ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 

This course focuses on the metabolic pathway of the biological macromolecules, such as glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, lactose synthesis, breakdown products of metabolic pathways, structure and function of vitamins.   Organic chemistry provides a solid foundation for biochemistry.   7 credits   

PHY 1001 – PHYSICS I 

Physics I covers basic principles and methods of all branches of classical physics at an introductory level.  It also covers areas such as Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, waves, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism. 7 credits  

PHY 1002 – PHYSICS II 

Physics II is a continuation of Physics I.  It covers areas of basic knowledge of biophysics.  It includes the basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and optics as applied in Medicine.  Students will be introduced to basic applications of radiographic, CT-Scan, PET scan, Ultrasound and MRI imaging technology.  7 credits  

BIO 1001 – BIOLOGY I  

Biology I provide students with a foundation in biological concepts such as the chemical foundations in biology, classification system of all living things and biochemical pathways that are integral in the survival of all living things. 7 credits  

BIO 1002 – BIOLOGY II 

Biology II is a continuation of the foundational course Biology I.  It builds on the understanding of biologic changes and introduces the concepts of genetics.   Topics to be covered include cell structure and function, organic biomolecules structures and function and protein synthesis.  7 credits  

SOC 1001 – SOCIOLOGY 

This course introduces the main idea, themes and issues of Sociology.  It lays a theoretical base for the consideration of the nature of the Caribbean society and culture and encourages the adoption of a scientific approach to issues of social and economic analysis.  5 credits 

PSY 1004 – PSYCHOLOGY 

This course provides a foundation for a physician to deal with very difficult patients and their families.  Areas covered include Psychiatry, abnormal behavior, mental health diseases and diagnostic skills.  Students will be introduced to the stages of life, Freud’s topographic and structural theory of the mind, psychoanalytic theory, learning theories, substance abuse, sleep cycles and disturbances and genetics and biochemistry of behavior.  4 credits   

RESEARCH 

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to initiate a research project. Students are introduced to qualitative and quantitative research methods.  Students will be engaged in group research work to analyze research publications and carry out individual or group research. 3 credits  

NUT 1001 – INTRO TO NUTRITION  

PH 1010 – FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH 

This course introduces students to historic public health concepts with an emphasis on principles and tools for population health, disease prevention, health professions and healthcare systems, and public health professions and systems. The course also provides an overview of the broad field of public health, centered on health promotion and disease prevention. Throughout the course, students will be actively engaged in discussions and activities that promote a greater understanding of public health as a system, as well as its interdisciplinary connections to other health care fields. 3 credits 

PH 1011 – INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY 

This course introduces students to public health impact of environmental agents (e.g. chemical, biological, physical) present in air, water, soil, food, and the community, and describes how these agents cause adverse health effects and ways to assess the risk of such effects and apply strategies for preventive interventions. This course introduces systems that have major impacts on environmental health as well as applications of the science in the real domestic and international world. 3 credits 

PH 1012 – INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 

This course introduces students to the principles of epidemiology and covers investigative methods for disease distribution, measures of morbidity and mortality; vital statistics; incidence and prevalence measurements; adjustment of rates; measurements of risk; biological variability; screening; measurements of error; sampling; statistical significance; surveillance; study design; association and causation; and outbreak investigation. The course includes conceptual and practical issues around the design, conduct, and analysis of epidemiologic research and the interpretation of epidemiologic data. 3 credits 

PH 1021 – INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN DISEASES 

This course introduces students to the major pathological processes of interest to practitioners of public health. Students will examine the physiological mechanisms of disease, an understanding of the cellular, biochemical and molecular processes that underlie diseases of major public health impact, and those that determine disparities in health outcomes and health care. These include communicable (infectious) and non-communicable (non-infectious) diseases, chronic diseases and their prevalence (e.g. cancer, neurodegenerative disease, pulmonary disease such as COPD, environmental toxicant effects on early development, and reproductive anomalies and their treatment). 3 credits 

PH 1022 – COMMUNITY HEALTH & COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT 

This course introduces students to the principles of epidemiology and covers investigative methods for disease distribution, measures of morbidity and mortality; vital statistics; incidence and prevalence measurements; adjustment of rates; measurements of risk; biological variability; screening; measurements of error; sampling; statistical significance; surveillance; study design; association and causation; and outbreak investigation. The course includes conceptual and practical issues around the design, conduct, and analysis of epidemiologic research and the interpretation of epidemiologic data.  3 credits 

PH 1023 – BEHAVIORAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES IN PUBLIC HEALTH 

This course introduces students to social and behavioral determinants of health and includes a review of epidemiological data. The course addresses several prominent theories, models and frameworks used to help design, implement, and evaluate public health interventions. The application of models, theories and frameworks to specific public health efforts will be discussed. This course will help prepare students to review and synthesize public health literature, apply theory-driven approaches, and incorporate evidence and tools to inform public health practice. This course introduces the evidence base from social and behavioral sciences as it applies to public health programs, policies and practice.  3 credits 

PH 1024 – COMMUNICATION IN PUBLIC HEALTH 

This course introduces students to the design, implementation and evaluation of communication campaigns to promote public health goals. The course examines theories and research on media influences with respect to its potential harmful effects on wellbeing. The course content provides students with a critical understanding of the effects of communication—mass, social, and participatory— in promoting and impeding the achievement of public health goals. Students will develop the skills necessary to use communication strategically to advance public health policies and social change.  3 credits 

PH 1031 – INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL HEALTH 

This course introduces students to the global parameters of public health in order to apply public health principles to issues and challenges in global public health. Students will learn about the strong linkages between health, economic and social development, as well as disparities in health and related socio-economic indicators, challenges to public health faced by wealthier countries, and the role of globalization and its impacts on health. Population-based public health interventions to include the role of community-based efforts in improving public health, and the need for interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches to address global health issues, will be discussed. 3 credits 

PH 1032 – BASICS OF HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT 

This course introduces students to Health Policy and Management (HPM), one of the five core content areas in public health. HPM is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry and practice concerned with the delivery, quality, and costs of healthcare for individuals and populations. This definition encompasses aspects of policy, systems, and management. This course provides students with an overview of HPM’s overarching principles, concepts, and functions. The course will cover the structure, process, and outcomes of health services including costs, financing, organization, outcomes, and accessibility of care. Course activities will offer students the opportunity to develop their foundational knowledge and awareness of basic health policy and management competencies, with specific emphasis on one public health issue. Each week’s activities will generally include a short lecture, project‐related activities, and discussion. The lecture will review pertinent concepts for the week’s topic area. Activities will include readings, student‐led discussions, guest lecturers, and other online exercises.  3 credits 

PH 1033 – PROGRAM PLANNING IN PUBLIC HEALTH  

This course introduces students to the basics of program planning in public health, in order to develop culturally competent public health programs. The purpose of the development is to address the most important health issues affecting our communities at local, national, and international levels. Students will learn the process of public health programming including assessment, design, planning, and implementations and evaluation. The course will also include an overview of effective public health interventions using the socio-ecologic framework (individual, behavioral, environmental, social, community and policy) as a foundation to explore various levels of interventions.  3 credits 

ANAT 1201 – GROSS ANATOMY 

Human Gross Anatomy engages students in lectures, group presentations, laboratory cadaver dissections and use of Visible Body 3-D imaging software to provide a strong foundation in the Anatomical sciences.   The course strongly focuses on the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominopelvic systems.  Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the anatomical structures and function. 8 credits   

EMB 1202 – EMBRYOLOGY  

Embryology focuses on the major developmental stages and processes, with an emphasis on vertebrate embryos.  Students are introduced to topics such as gametogenesis and early development, formation of primary germ layers and concepts of differentiation, tissue induction and morphogenesis.  4 credits   

EPI 3006 – EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE 

Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine introduces students to the concept of biostatistics and surveillance for the detection of outbreaks and investigative methods used in the control of infectious agents.  Students will focus on case studies from actual disease outbreaks and will learn how to use epidemiological methods in understanding disease outbreak cases and formulating appropriate solutions. 2 credits   

HTG 1204 – HISTOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY  

Histology focuses on the study of the microscopic and ultramicroscopic structure of mammalian tissues and organs, i.e. microscopic anatomy.  Special emphasis is placed on the relationship of structure to function in relation to disease and clinical scenarios.   This course gives the student a thorough and detailed overview of the various normal human tissues and organs.   Students are engaged in both didactic and practical laboratory sessions to supplement the learning experience. 9 credits 

BCHM 2001 – MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 

Medical Biochemistry provides students with a strong foundation to the biochemical structure and function of biological macromolecules and their function in the human body.  Emphasis is placed on the principles of metabolic pathways and their role in diseases. Biochemistry serves as a building block of essential knowledge needed as a foundation for subsequent medical courses.  7 credits  

MGEN 3002 – MEDICAL GENETICS 

Medical Genetics focuses on the important biochemical processes such as the biochemistry of nucleic acids replication and repair, transcription and protein synthesis.  It lays the foundation for a solid understanding of mutations, inheritance patterns and genetic disorders.   Students will learn how to approach cases involving molecular data and requiring problem solving skills.  2 credits  

PHY 2204 – MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY  

Students are introduced to the basics of normal human physiological functions and processes in the human body with a direct correlation to human medicine. Emphasis is place on cell physiology and in depth, coverage of physiological processes in the various organ systems in the body.  9 credits 

NEU 3206 – NEUROSCIENCE 

This course provides students with an interdisciplinary introduction to the fundamental aspects of the nervous system structure and function.  It focuses on the basics of integrative neural functions, including sensory, motor and limbic systems, and computational neuroscience.  it provides a broad overview of the structure and function of the central nervous system with relevance to clinical neurology.  6 credits    

ETH 3115 – MEDICAL ETHICS 

Medical Ethics is a seminar course designed to introduce the Medical student to the principles and concepts to support development of a personal ethical template.  Ethics is the basic standard of conduct which defines the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician in every clinical interaction. 2 credits   

PSY 3014 – BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 

Behavioral Sciences addresses the compassionate and humanistic aspects of Medicine.  It provides the prospective physician with the basic understanding of human behavior in the context of health and sickness.  It provides the student with an opportunity to understand principles of medical ethics of his/her own conduct in various medical settings.  6 credits 

MIC 2104 – MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 

Medical Microbiology introduces students to the fundamental chemistry of Microbiology and cell-host pathogen relationships.  The course follows an organ system approach to the disease mechanism and life cycle of infectious agents.  Students learn about antimicrobial agent, pathogenesis of infectious organisms, techniques of disinfection and sterilization and laboratory diagnostic methods.  Students will learn about the host’s defense mechanisms and methods of control and treatment of infectious diseases. 8 credits    

PTH 3301 – GENERAL PATHOLOGY 

Pathology is the study of disease.  The course sets the foundation for understanding the biology of disease, necessary for competent patient care and health and safety of the general population.   It introduces students to an understanding of the changes in a cell’s response to harmful stimuli.   The course focuses on the cell’s adaptations to changes, inflammation, healing process and hemodynamic disorders.  10 credits  

PTH 4401 – SYSTEMIC PATHOLOGY 

Systemic Pathology focuses on organ system pathology and helps the student understand the changes in the organ systems when affected with various medical illnesses.  Pathology I provides the foundation necessary to develop a concrete understanding of the disease pathology of the organ systems. 12 credits  

PHM 4404 – MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY  

Medical Pharmacology provides an understanding of the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.  It focuses on the mechanism of action of medications at the molecular, cellular, organ, system and whole-body level.  10 credits 

NUT 4403 – NUTRITION  

This course is a component of the Clinical Medicine Lecture series designed to provide an overview of nutrition and healthy diets according to current nutrition standards and models to prevent and manage diseases. Health promotion, disease prevention, and cost containment will be reinforced and demonstrated as essential to delivery of health care. 2 credits 

REV 6000 – PRECLINICAL REVIEW 

Board review is a course designed to encourage students to review the Basic Medical Sciences curriculum in preparation for the NBME examinations.  The design of the course follows the USMLE Step 1 type of questions and clinical vignettes.  The comprehensive review is in preparation for the comprehensive NBME, USMLE Step 1, PLAB, MCI, MCCEE Examinations.  10 credits 

ICM 1001 – INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE I  

Introduction to Clinical Medicine I is designed to lay the foundation for the clinical skills essential to the practice of Medicine.  It focuses on communication, relationship building skills and obtaining a medical history.  Students will learn the foundation of establishing a patient-doctor relationship.  They will learn various methods of gathering information, such as closed and open-ended questions, as well as using body language as a means of getting information.  Students will engage in standardized and real patients in practice sessions.  3 credits   

ICM 2002 – INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE II  

The second semester Introduction to Clinical Medicine course is designed to add to the clinical skills essential to the practice of Medicine.  It teaches medical students to interview, examine, and understand patients and their problems to formulate differential diagnosis and plan for the treatment of the patient. The course consists primarily of lectures and laboratory sessions, with patient interaction demonstrating specific clinical skills and techniques in the examination of various systems, such as Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Abdomen. 3 credits 

ICM 3003 – INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE III  

Introduction to Clinical Medicine III is designed to expound on the skills acquired in the previous semester. Students continue to improve on their interview skills and physical examination techniques.  Students are expected to demonstrate the core competencies of Medicine. The course teaches medical students to interview patients with psychiatric related issues, perform mental examination, form a differential diagnosis and plan for the treatment of the patient. Patient interaction labs accompany lecture topics and the examination of the neurological system and psychiatric issues are taught with demonstration of specific clinical skill and techniques in an interactive session just after the lecture. The course is organized into various competencies, such as psychiatric interview skills, mini mental status examination and neurological examinations.  3 credits  

ICM 4004 – INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE IV  

Introduction to Clinical Medicine IV continues to build on the foundation of the previous semester.   Students are expected to complete patient interviews, full physical examinations and write SOAP notes.   Lectures and demonstrations will review and reinforce the communication, professionalism, interviewing, screening physical and neurological examination skills learned in previous semester courses. Students will practice these skills in small groups in a Clinical Skills Laboratory with individual physicians. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences with specific and special clinical skills in physical examination to identify pathological to normal findings. Students will also have the learning skills in clinical reasoning during their encounter with a patient involving all systems.  3 credits 

ICM 5005 – INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE V 

Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine V is a crucial course in the development of young medical professionals.  It helps students organize their knowledge base, their thoughts, and to learn how to analyze gathered information.  Didactic teaching focuses on systems related to Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery. 7 Credits   

IMED 5000 – INTERNAL MEDICINE 

The Internal Medicine clerkship is for a duration of 12 weeks.  Students are expected to be competent in taking a patient’s medical history and performing a physical examination.  They are required to formulate a list of differential diagnosis and a management plan for each case seen.  Internal Medicine is a broad specialty and the core of Medicine.   Students will be expected to have exposure to patients with a variety of conditions in the areas of cardiorespiratory, hematology, oncology, rheumatology, neurology, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases, renal and fluid electrolyte imbalance, endocrine and geriatrics medical cases. By the end of the Internal Medicine rotation, the student is expected to apply the core competencies and procedural skills in the management of a vast array of medical conditions.  The achievement of these competencies will be reflected in the evaluation of the student by the preceptor. 12 credits  

SURC 5000 – GENERAL SURGERY 

The General Surgery clerkship is for a duration of 12 weeks.  In addition to the core competencies outlined above, students are expected to have a thorough exposure to surgical problems during which they develop surgical skills, knowledge, attitudes and behavior necessary for all physicians.  Students will be expected to perform venipuncture, placement of intravenous catheter, insertion of a nasogastric tube and urinary catheter, suturing wounds, removing sutures and staples in post-surgical patients, scrubbing techniques, operating room protocols, and assist in surgical cases.   Students should be competent in the pre-op, intraop and post-op care of the patient.  12 credits  

FAMC 5000 – FAMILY MEDICINE 

The duration of the Family Medicine Rotation is 6 weeks.  The Family Medicine Clerkship is structured to provide an outstanding learning experience for medical students by teaching them the importance of primary care in any health care system, with emphasis on prevention and wellness, acute and chronic illnesses, also community and population medicine.  The aim is to instill in students the Family Medicine principles that define the profession, which should guide all educational activities accordingly in the:  

• Context of care  
• Continuity of care  
• Comprehensive care  
• Coordination of care  
• Bio-psychosocial approach  

At the end of the Family Medicine Rotation, students should be able to develop and demonstrate certain core competencies and apply them to their daily practices as physicians. 6 credits 

OBGC 5000 – OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 

The duration of the Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation is 6 weeks.   The rotation is designed to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to manage common and important clinical problems that women present with in the discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Students should be able to elicit a detailed obstetrical, gynecological and sexual history, perform basic techniques and physical examination relevant to the discipline, such as pap smear, pelvic and cervical exams, Leopold maneuver and fundal height measurement, obstetrical ultrasound and breast examination.  Students should be knowledgeable about common conditions such as ante-partum hemorrhage, diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy, pre-natal screening, labor and its progression, post-partum care and complications, abnormal vaginal conditions, contraception, infertility and menopause.  It is expected that students would develop the knowledge and judgment necessary to manage a patient presenting with these problems.  6 credits 

PEDC 5000 – PEDIATRICS 

Pediatrics Core Clerkship is for a duration of 6 weeks.  This rotation requires students to demonstrate patience and sensitivity when dealing with ill neonates, children and their worried and concerned parents. Students will be involved in pediatric health promotion, screening tool, immunization of newborns and adolescents, taking the history of a pediatric patient and developing age-appropriate differential diagnosis. Students will learn about the use of APGAR score, growth curves and charts and performance of procedures under the supervision of their preceptors. 6 credits 

PSYC 5000 – PSYCHIATRY 

The duration of the Psychiatry rotation is 6 weeks.  Students should be in tune with the verbal and extra verbal language of the patient. They should be versed in both psychiatric and general medical knowledge and skills, with emphasis on clinical neurologic physiopathology in order to make effective differential diagnosis between mental illnesses and general medical conditions. Students are required to have exposure to cases involving mood disorders, psychotic and personality disorders, anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, substance use disorders, somatoform disorders, suicidal risks, psychotherapy and psychopharmacological treatment.  At the end of this rotation, students should be able to develop and demonstrate certain core competencies during their encounters with psychiatric cases.  6 credits