The Basic Science courses, semesters 1-4, take place at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences St. Kitts campus.
Our Basic Science Program faculty are highly credentialed and recruited primarily from the United States. They are focused on the success of each student.
A traditional medical school curriculum is taught that compares with U.S. medical schools. The curriculum utilizes problem-based learning, with an emphasis on clinical correlations. A thorough knowledge of the basic biomedical sciences is emphasized, and students are introduced to history taking, physical exam skills, and problem solving techniques.
Clinical Settings
A compelling differentiator at UMHS is the students’ access to a variety of clinical settings. Not only are students involved at community health centers, local hospitals, and with professional patients, UMHS offers its students a virtual hospital ward on the campus. Students will work with computerized human simulators in a 24 bed hospital ward setting to integrate their Basic Science Program in a clinically relevant manner.
Examinations
During the Basic Science Program at UMHS, students take comprehensive block examinations at various points throughout each semester.
Tablet/Laptop Computers
To maximize use of the technology capabilities on campus, students are required to bring a laptop computer with them. By May 2009, students will be required to have a tablet/laptop computer.
Students use their laptop computers in histology and pathology classes to manipulate images rather than using a microscope. With a laptop computer, students have access to these images and other online resources at any time from home, class, the library or the Learning Resource Center.
Learn more about tablet/laptop computer requirements.
Curriculum
Curriculum as of May 2009
Course Description
Semester I |
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| MANT 0602 |
Anatomy |
10 credits |
| Anatomy focuses on the gross structure of organs and function and, through clinical correlations, relates each to clinical medicine. An Anatomical Learning Resource Center has been established to utilize computer-based instruction, anatomical models, radiographic materials as well as supervised laboratory sessions dissecting various parts of the human body. Students study the structure and function of all organs with some interaction with cellular structure. When this course is complete, each student will have extensive knowledge of the gross anatomy of the entire human body as it relates clinically to the practice of medicine. |
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| MANT 0620 |
Histology |
5 credits |
This course centers on the study of the microscopic structure of normal human cells, tissues, and organs. Virtual microscopy is used to study the structure of basic tissue types and their integration into organs and organ systems. The lectures correlate microscopic and gross anatomy with basic histophysiology and function of organ systems. On completion, the student must be able to identify, describe, and give function of cells, tissues, structures, and organs of the human body presented via lecture and digital imagery. Students must complete specific performance objectives which accompany individual lecture segments, and, where appropriate, be able to integrate histology with other classes of the curriculum.
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| MBIO 0650 |
Cell and Molecular Biology |
5 credits |
| This course develops the necessary understanding of how the cell functions at the cellular, organelle and molecular levels. Students are exposed to a wide variety of topics, such as cell structures and their functions, membrane transport, signal transduction, DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, cancer and molecular biology techniques. |
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Semester II |
| MPHY 0711 |
Physiology |
9 credits |
Physiology concentrates on how the various organ systems that comprise the human body function. The major objective of this course is to enable the student to acquire a sound understanding of the mechanisms upon which life depends through an integrated study of the many control systems that maintain homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that maintain a homeostasis under a variety of conditions. The course begins with a study of basic physiological principles, such as, the transport of ions, intracellular signaling, osmosis, membranes and their electrical properties. Following the presentation of the basic principles of cellular physiology, which includes muscle and nerve, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrines, reproductive physiology are taught and integrated into total body function. Temperature regulation and the integrated physiological responses to exercise and adverse environments are also presented. Most disease conditions result from abnormal functioning (i.e., disturbance of homeostasis) of one or more of the basic control systems. Thus it is of fundamental importance that the future physician understands these regulatory mechanisms taught in this basic medical science course. After completing the course, students will have a clear understanding of how the major systems of the body operate in an integrated fashion necessary to maintain a homeostatic state.
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| MBIO 0760 |
Biochemistry |
5 credits |
This course focuses on the interrelationship and regulation of metabolic pathways as it pertains to understanding the mechanism of disease states. The student is prepared accordingly through a discussion of the principles of biochemistry including anabolic and catabolic reactions as permitted by the generation and use of energy. Biochemical mechanisms are utilized to justify particular signs and symptoms noted in certain clinical conditions. In so doing a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism of Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids and other Nitrogen containing molecules is achieved.
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| MBIO 0770 |
Genetics |
3 credits |
This course provides a description of the human genome including the details of DNA, gene, and chromosome structure, the basics of gene expression, and the various forms of inheritance. The overall goal is to use this knowledge to better understand the molecular mechanisms of how genetic mutations lead to the single gene and complex disorders described in the textbook case studies. Specific course topics include gene mapping and disease gene identification, the treatment of genetic disease, prenatal diagnosis, cancer genetics, and pharmacogenetics.
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| MEMB 0750 |
Embryology |
3 credits |
This course is a study of the development of the human body beginning with gametogenesis and fertilization and continuing with the development of the various organ systems through the period of embryogenesis and their subsequent maturation and growth during the fetal period. Current concepts in molecular development, teratology and the etiology and pathogenesis of some of the more common congenital abnormalities will be reviewed.
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Semester III |
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| MPAT 0800 |
Pathology I |
5 credits |
| Pathology introduces students to the cellular system of each organ and traces the morphological changes in a cell that are responsible for a disease in an organ. As cells undergo alteration, their change in function is studied in respect to its deviation from the "normal" state. Course presentation includes the response of cells, tissues and organs to disease and injury; the normal and adapted cell; degeneration and necrosis, inflammation, fluid and hemodynamic derangements; neoplasia; immunopathology; systemic, environmental and nutritional disease. Lecture discussions are supplemented by a study of gross and microscopic specimens. |
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| MNEU 0810 |
Neuroscience/Neuroanatomy |
5 credits |
| Neuroscience begins with an overview of the entire nervous system. As the course progresses, the focus is on comprehending the basic structure and function of each level of the nervous system, integrating both the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The principles that underlie the anatomical structure of each system of the brain are correlated with its physiology; correlations between the functional deficits and the pathological anatomy in several neurological diseases which require working knowledge of anatomy and physiology are stressed. Special attention is given to integrating current understandings of human neurological and psychiatric diseases, and each topic is supplemented by relevant lab exercises which include detailed brain dissection and exposure to angiograms, CT scans, MRI, etc. |
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| MMCR 0820 |
Immunology / Microbiology |
5 credits |
| This course is the study of the etiologic agents and host resistance mechanisms of infectious disease, presented through didactics and laboratory exercises, including identification methods, classification systems and detailed case studies. Immunology/Microbiology is designed to help students gain a working knowledge of the immune system, the development of immune response. Medical microbiology highlights the aspects of microorganisms that are important to the causation of disease. Basic microbiology covers general structures, growth and genetics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and the antimicrobial antibiotics and chemotherapeutics agents. |
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| MBEH 0830 |
Behavioral Science |
5 credits |
| Behavioral Sciences 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. Workshops on realistic clinical problems are an integral part of this course; sexual dysfunction, bereavement, suicide and sociological disorders received detailed attention. Additionally, the student should develop increased insight into personal functioning and feelings and develop the skills needed to act as an empathetic and effective interviewer and behavioral change agent. |
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Semester IV |
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| MPAT 0900 |
Pathology II (8 hrs) |
5 credits |
| Pathology II applies the basic concepts learned in Pathology I to continue the study of pathologic basis of disease using a physiologic system, or organ-based approach. This course covers red and white cell diseases, male and female genital tracts, and kidney and liver systems. Course presentations include etiology, pathogenesis and morphologic changes in diseases according to organ system. Appropriate use of the laboratory is stressed in the diagnosis of disease while case presentations further emphasize the clinical aspects of the pathologic processes. |
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| MPHM 0910 |
Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
5 credits |
| This course concentrates on how chemical 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 receptor interaction, which defines the agent's boundaries of efficacy. Because pharmacology and therapeutics is an integrated science, strong attempt is made to maintain this integrated approach in lectures, tutorials and case studies. Major emphasis will be on principles of pharmacogenetics (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, teratogenicity, etc.) as well as therapeutics of common drugs used in infectious disease, malignant diseases, and endocrinal disorders. |
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| MBEH 0920 |
Biostatistics & Epidemiology |
3 credits |
| The principles of biostatistics are introduced in this course, emphasizing both the practice of interviewing and collecting data. The epidemiology of disease and concepts of Public Health and Industrial Medicine are also covered in this course. Finally, the course will end with discussions of broad issues related to healthcare delivery, healthcare legislation and costs, and a comparative discussion of healthcare systems. |
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| MICM 0930 |
Introduction to Clinical Medicine |
5 credits |
| This course is designed to introduce students to the basic skills they will need to function as effective clinicians. History taken and physical examination skills are taught in practical classes using the latest technological media, including Laerdal patient stimulators (adult, pediatric and adolescent). The course addresses a range of clinical skills necessary for the future development as a physician, including clinical assessment and plan for the care of patients using library and computer search of evidence based information for patient care. Didactics are blended with laboratory date interpretation, radiology and other imaging techniques, and electrocardiography, introducing core medical information ready for the third and fourth years of clinical training. Critical emphasis is on the development of ethical standards, specialization, as well as education and licensing requirements in the various states. Class size is small-group to facilitate free discussion and pertinent technique demonstrations. |
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| MICM 0940 |
Medical Ethics |
2 credits |
| Medical Ethics is designed to introduce ethical, professional and legal issues that arise in the practice of medicine. This course provides an overview of the salient issues for students, tools used to recognize ethical, professional and legal conflicts in clinical settings, and resources to critically examine and address questions and concerns these conflicts present in patient care. |
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Course listings, course numbers, and the schedule when taught may change without prior notice.
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