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Curriculum
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Curriculum: Phase 1
Basic Science
Our basic science curriculum spans years 1 and 2 of medical
school and is both innovative and integrative. Subjects such as
anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology are not taught in
isolation. Instead students learn using an organ systems-based
approach. As a result, the anatomy, physiology, and biochemical
processes of an organ are studied all at once, allowing for
efficiency and a greater depth of understanding.
 Entering students begin their study of medicine with the
Human Systems course that lasts for 38 weeks. The year begins
with a presentation of key concepts in biochemistry, molecular
and cell biology, genetics, and immunology. After a few months, the
organ systems based curriculum begins. Throughout the year,
normal human function and form is emphasized.
The second year of phase 1 begins with an eight week course
known as Human Development and Health. Here, students learn and
discuss the following topics: the health care system, health and
behavior across the lifespan, health law and ethics, clinical
epidemiology, and the biopsychosocial perspective on health and
disease. Students study perspectives of the doctor-patient
relationship, the doctor-society relationship and the
society-patient relationship.
Phase 1 concludes with Mechanisms of Disease, a 30-week
course that focuses on pathology and pathophysiology of the
individual organ systems. Infectious diseases, cancer biology,
principles of therapeutics, and pharmacology are integral
components as well.
Correlated Medical Problem Solving (CMPS)
Throughout phase 1, basic science concepts are correlated to
real-life clinical scenarios through the
Correlated Medical Problem Solving (CMPS) course.
Using a format of problem-based learning, eight students meet
with two faculty preceptors for three hours each week. This
course provides the analytical skills necessary to solve the
diagnostic challenges of clinical medicine.
Clinical Medicine
Course
One of the major strengths of our school of medicine is the
early exposure to patient care. The Clinical Medicine Course is
divided into two sections: Principles of Clinical Medicine
and
Student Continuity Practice.
Principles of Clinical Medicine (PCM) meets for one
afternoon each week and teaches necessary skills to examine and
interact with patients. As part of the PCM course, students
regularly visit the clinical skills assessment program located
on-site. Here, students are able to practice on trained actors
in fully equipped patient rooms. After the encounter, students
are given valuable feedback on both the content and delivery of
the patient interaction. The first year of PCM focuses on
learning how to perform a thorough history and physical exam.
The second year expands upon this knowledge and teaches students
to use their skills to appropriately diagnose and treat a wide
array of clinical scenarios. This training is critical to
success on the clinical wards during the third year and beyond.
Student Continuity Practice (SCP) is unique program where students are paired with a community
physician, allowing the student to interact with actual
patients. Within a month of starting medical school, students
begin practicing the skills that they learn in PCM on actual
patients in a doctor's office. This experience lasts for at least the
first three years (may be continued during fourth year on an
elective basis), allowing for significant personal and
professional growth.
Electives
Phase I electives expand the core basic medical science
curriculum. Electives provide additional opportunities for
advanced students when the basic curricular materials represent
areas of personal strength, and for all students to broaden
basic academic skills. Electives also offer opportunities to
study an extensive range of bio-behavioral and social issues
important to medicine and health, to be exposed to clinical
activities, and to participate in biomedical research. Courses
in the Graduate School, including the M.P.H. program, are
accessible to medical students. Graduate courses at other
schools of the University, such as the Business and Law Schools,
also occasionally offer courses appropriate for medical student
electives. A wide variety of electives are offered throughout
the academic year.
Some recent electives include:
- Mind, Body, Spirit; Global Literature and Women’s Health
- Ayurveda: The Ancient Art of
Healing
- Introduction to Emergency Medicine; Radiology
Imaging
- Topics in Advanced Immunology
- Effective On-Line
Research Tools
- Movies and Medicine; and HIV Pathogenesis and
AIDS.
Continue to
Phase 2 (Year 3) >
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 “UConn’s pass/fail system promotes the ideal environment
for learning. A few days before my first exam of medical
school, I received an email from a classmate that was
sent to the entire class. The email contained a list of
key facts that she received at a review session with one
of the faculty members. I couldn’t believe her
willingness to share this key information, which ended
up being critical information for the test. This one
example is not a rare occurrence at UConn but instead is
central to the culture of our school.”
—
Michael Kelleher, Class of 2011
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