One-Year Program

One-Year Program

Course sequence*

*Please note that the curriculum has been updated to reflect the new MD curriculum

**Courses taken with first-year medical students.

Course Descriptions

BM 536 - Human Structure

The Human Structure course provides a comprehensive overview of clinically relevant human anatomy through a case-based, collaborative approach. The module describes the human body’s form, structure, function, and development by recognizing typical variations and using these variations to describe and explain clinically relevant abnormalities.  Students utilize critical thinking skills and then learn to integrate the anatomical sciences, and medical imaging while engaging with content that strongly emphasizes cultural humility, professionalism, and ethical behavior. 

BM 501 - Foundations of Disease

Foundations of Disease teaches foundational knowledge that provides the fundamental building blocks necessary to progress to subsequent organ system modules within the curriculum.  This course covers molecular cell biology and biochemistry, the interaction of cells with their environment, including the structure and function of tissues, electrical activity in cellular function, autonomic physiology, and the basic principles of pharmacology. 

The course prioritizes the principles for discriminating healthy from pathologic conditions and predicting clinical manifestations from available data. It further integrates the general mechanisms of disease with an introduction to pathology and genetics. Microorganisms are introduced to provide context for the foundations of immunology, infectious disease, and relevant pharmacology.

Students will also learn and apply the basic principles of biostatistics and the scientific method as they apply them to clinical problems Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).

BM 519 - Presentation Skills and Professional Knowledge

This course will explore non-academic aspects of preparing for admission to and success in medical school. The students will develop communication skills by engaging in team-based activities and mock interviews. They will be introduced to clinical skills by participating in standardized patient encounters. Group activities will help students develop their professionalism and professional identity. Guest physician lecturers will enhance the students’ knowledge of the practice of medicine.

BM 502 - Introduction to Organ Systems

Introduction to Organ Systems represents the transition to organ system courses in the Care Forward Curriculum. Students will explore the histology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, physiology/pathophysiology, and pharmacology of the following – heme, musculoskeletal (muscle/bone), skin, and gastrointestinal organ systems.  Integration is achieved across all major medical basic science disciplines, from normal anatomic and physiologic functions to abnormal disease states to relevant pharmacotherapy. 

BM 503- Hormones

The Hormones course will enable students to acquire and apply knowledge of internal homeostasis/metabolism from basic science to clinical situations.  Students will review the embryological and anatomical development of the endocrine system; they will acquire and apply physiological, pharmacological, and pathological knowledge necessary to prevent, evaluate, and treat metabolic, and endocrine disorders.