| The Scientific Basis of Medicine occupies the mornings of the second year. It consists of lectures and a variety of small group activities that focus on the traditional disciplines of genetics, immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, pathophysiology, general and systemic pathology, pharmacology, psychiatry, and medical psychology. Like Structure–Function, it is arranged into units organized mostly by organ system. The course begins with the "Tool Box" which consists of basic science concepts that will be applied in each of the following units: Renal, Endocrine, Reproduction/Female and Male Genito-urinary, Musculoskeletal, Skin, Respiratory, GI and Liver, Nutrition, Cardiovascular, Hematology, Oncology, Eye and Nervous System and Behavior. The SBM course has small group sessions (SGS) in two basic formats that rely on group participation and discussion as a primary learning mode. The class is divided into six groups of approximately 28 students with a faculty facilitator in each group. Some SGSs are largely under the direction of a faculty facilitator and others are entirely led by one or a few students who present a specific assigned topic. In other sessions, a faculty facilitator directs the discussion. In both formats, the material is mostly new, integral to the SBM course, and affords an active learning setting for students instead of lecture or review. Three microbiology laboratory sessions take place early in the course. The purpose of this course is for students to learn the scientific basis of the disease process in the human body. Upon successful completion of this course, a student is expected to: - Describe the pathological and pathophysiological processes of cells, tissues and organs in each of the body systems
- Identify the different classes of infectious agents and describe their mechanisms of action in the process of infection. Identify the specific infectious agent for each of the major diseases.
- Describe the mechanisms of the immune response of the body to invading organisms, foreign bodies or self antigens.
- Identify the different classes of drugs and describe their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects and toxicities in the treatment of disease.
- Describe the genetic basis of congenital disorders
- Describe the embryonic and molecular basis of congenital disorders
- Describe the epidemiological characteristics of the major diseases
- Explain the scientific principles that relate to disease symptoms
- Describe the role of nutrition in preventing diseases and treating diseases
Seven written exams, consisting of multiple choice questions, contribute to the course grade in Scientific Basis of Medicine. | |
