Organ-systems-based learning across six semesters — building your complete medical knowledge foundation.
The Basic Science program follows the organ-systems-based approach in six semesters. Students start with the foundational term and move on to the different organ systems covering all aspects of the area including Anatomy, Embryology, Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology and Pharmacology.
Clinical skills courses are offered every semester focusing on the organ system covered. The final semester (Bridging semester) has an Observership component that allows for students to experience a real clinical setting together with an intense preparation for the licensure exam (USMLE Step1) that must be hurdled to finish their MD degree.
| MD1 — Courses | Credits | MD2 — Courses | Credits | MD3 — Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Histology | 6 | Nervous System | 8 | Immunology | 3 |
| Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 4 | Behavioral Science Ethics and Social Sciences | 6 | Dermatology | 3 |
| General Pharmacology | 1 | Hematology | 8 | Musculoskeletal System | 8 |
| General Pathology | 4 | Clinical Skills II | 1 | Clinical Skills III | 1 |
| General Microbiology | 1 | ||||
| Clinical Skills I | 1 |
| MD4 — Courses | Credits | MD5 — Courses | Credits | MD6 — Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiopulmonary System | 8 | Endocrine System | 6 | Pathophysiology | 12 |
| Gastro-intestinal System | 8 | Urinary System | 6 | Biostatistics and Epidemiology | 3 |
| Clinical Skills IV | 1 | Reproductive System | 6 | Patient-Doctor Relationship + Observership | 4 |
| Clinical Skills V | 1 |
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structural organization of cells, tissues and organ systems of the microscopic level. Gross structure and development of organs and systems of the human body are also given focus. Within the course, an emphasis is placed on applied and clinical aspects of gross anatomy. It focuses on the relationships between structure and function. Students observe micro-anatomical structure in the classroom and begin using their knowledge of normal structure and function in clinical problem solving.
This course stresses the complex relationship between psychological make-up and experience, by providing a knowledge base for normative and non-normative human development throughout the life cycle. The course also introduces the student to the behavioral basis of clinical medicine by focusing on common behavioral problems and the circumstances that evoke important behavioral/emotional responses. The concept of culturally competent care will be defined, and the basics of recognizing organic and functional psychological disturbances are described.
The course aims to comprehensively cover the fundamental concepts needed to understand life processes and pathological states at the molecular and genetic level. The course also covers basic tenets of genetics which bring to light the manifold and subtle diversity in humans and explain how this diversity may render certain individuals more susceptible to pathological conditions. Aspects of biochemistry and genetics having little immediate relevance for physicians are de-emphasized while recent progress in the field will be given emphasis.
This course provides a detailed integrated approach on the relationship between structure and function of the cardiopulmonary system. Topics include but are not limited to cardiopulmonary embryology and anatomy, circulation, blood flow and pressure, cardiac output, mechanics and regulation of ventilation, gas exchange and transport and acid-base states. The pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary disorders will also be discussed together with their management and prevention.
This course will provide the student with the anatomical, physiological, biochemical and genetic aspects of the skin. The course introduces students to the pathogenesis of main skin conditions and rarer conditions where early diagnosis is important. Main therapies such as topical preparations, systems drugs, phototherapy and surgery will also be covered.
This course fosters an understanding of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis that controls the endocrine system. Structure, synthesis, mechanism of action, regulation and function of the different hormones are explained while providing knowledge on the anatomy, histology and development of the endocrine glands. An exhaustive description and explanation of high-yield endocrine disorders and their treatment will also be provided.
The course covers the fundamental concepts of biostatistics with epidemiology. Topics include central tendency and distribution, correlation coefficient and regressions analysis that will allow a deeper understanding of public health-related research studies. Students in this course will be required to perform a critical evaluation of available medical literature based on sound statistical principles.
This course is an intensive and integrated approach that will provide a comprehensive description of the digestive system. The course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system and explains the common mechanisms of disease and appropriate treatments.
The Microbiology course is delivered as a balanced combination of formal classroom lectures, practical laboratory experience, image-based practical sessions and case-based learning. The didactic aspect of the course will include the basic principles of pathogen taxonomy, classification, and microbial biology including growth, metabolism, genetics and prevention of infectious diseases by use of physical and chemical agents, therapy with antimicrobials, and resistance to antimicrobials by microbes, host-parasite relationships, and important epidemiological concepts.
This course bridges the gap between pure basic science and disease processes related to clinical medicine. The course also prepares students for the initiation into patient care and combines morphologic and functional changes to determine mechanisms of pathologic processes. Mechanisms of disease and the associated alterations of structure and function are explored in this course.
This course concentrates on how chemical and other therapeutic agents (drugs) regulate or modify physiological functions of the body, demonstrating how interactions of drugs with living organisms contribute to diagnosis, prevention, treatment or cure of diseases. Biologic responses, physiological alterations, and correction of disorder or disease are discussed for each drug class highlighting drug-receptor interaction, which defines the agent's boundaries of efficacy. A strong attempt is made to maintain this integrated approach in lectures, tutorials and case studies.
This course describes the normal hematological system which includes the function, anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry and hemodynamics. The course outlines pathology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations, including bleeding and thrombotic disorders and their management.
Immunology provides students with an understanding of the basic functions of cells and molecules that mediate immune responses and examines how the immune response relates to various clinical scenarios. The course explains how various immune system components are integrated as a response to infectious agents. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity, antibody diversity, hypersensitivity and immunological failure in disease.
This course provides a comprehensive structural and functional description of the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and joints. Limb development and the histology of this system are also given focus together with a comprehensive explanation of muscle contraction, excitation and bone physiology. The last section of this course deals with the pathogenesis, prevention and management of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system.
The course will provide basic knowledge of integrated structure and function of the nervous system. The fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuro-cytology, neuropathology, neuroembryology, neuroradiology, neuropharmacology and neurology will be related to the functional aspects of normal and diseased human nervous system. At the end of neurosciences course, students will be able to relate the function of the normal and diseased human nervous system and understand the functional neurological deficits.
This course provides instructions in basic knowledge and clinical skills focused on reproductive health maintenance and disorders. Reproductive physiology, anatomy, pathology and pharmacological management of both the male and the female reproductive system are emphasized.
This course covers the fundamental knowledge of the structure and function of the kidneys and associated organs. The pathophysiology, clinical presentations and management of fluid and electrolyte disorders, chronic kidney disease, renal injuries and other anomalies related to the kidneys are also covered.
This course is designed to introduce the students to the importance of clinical skills in the curriculum. It identifies the role of a good doctor-patient relationship in clinical practice. Students will learn and demonstrate the most basic skill of checking the vital signs with an introduction to history taking. A brief introduction to professionalism and ethics will also be given on this course.
This course introduces the student to the culture and professional attitude in the world of clinical medicine. Lectures and exercises in communication skills, behaviors, attitude, and history taking forms the bedrock of this experience. The student, after going through the precepts of behavioral and communication skills, is given training in gathering data using the principle of history taking. The steps of the interview process are highlighted in class. Clinical skills focused on the organ-systems taken in MD2 will be discussed and demonstrated during the term.
This course re-emphasizes the objectives of the previous clinical skills course. It further provides the student with an understanding of the structure and rationale of the patient's history and its variations with emphasis on the context of organ systems taken up in MD3. The student is also expected to refine the art of history taking and acquire the skill of conducting a complete physical examination. Findings from the physical examination will be presented orally and in writing.
This course provides the student with an understanding of physical diagnosis. Variations of clinical skills acquired within the context of organ system diagnosis will be emphasized. There will be training in this course to determine the indications and rationale for performing special examinations and maneuvers in a culturally appropriate manner. Students will conduct a thorough physical examination in adults and children for conditions pertaining to all the organs systems that have been covered.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic skills needed to function as effective clinicians. History taking is reviewed to include specific situations (pregnant patient, pediatric patient and surgical patient) and methods. Physical examination skills are taught in practical classes using available resources including patient simulators. Didactics are blended with laboratory data interpretation, radiology and other imaging techniques, and electrocardiography. Critical emphasis is on the development of ethical standards and compassionate care.
The clinical observership is a bridging program that facilitates the transition from the Basic Sciences to the Clinical Sciences. It has been created to provide students who are in the terminal semester in the Basic Science courses with community clinical experience. Over-all, goals for this bridging program are to provide students with an opportunity to directly observe clinical practice in-person at assigned clinics in Barbados. Students will consolidate and apply the basic science concepts underlying various disease presentations and their complications as well as inculcate the value of a team approach to disease management.
After completing the Basic Sciences Phase, students progress to real-world clinical rotations in the USA and India.