Basic Sciences Component & Curriculum
Conducted on the island of Antigua, Basic Sciences comprises four semesters of didactic education integrated with hospital and patient interaction.
The courses employ a variety of teaching methods other than large group didactics, such as small group sessions, clinical case discussions, simulations and hands-on laboratory and patient contact where students are placed in hospital settings. As part of the hospital-integrated program, fourth-semester students attend teaching rounds at the newly constructed Mount St. John’s Medical Centre supervised by AUA faculty. The 180-bed hospital is one of the newest and most modern in the Caribbean. Students work with patients of all age groups.
In addition, students practice history taking and physical examinations with patients in the on-campus ICM Lab. Practice continues in the Patient Simulation Lab, which features SimMan® 3G, SimBaby™, and Harvey® simulators.
Course descriptions for the Basic Sciences component (Semesters One through Four) in Antigua.
FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMESTER ONE
|
Course Number
|
Course
|
# of Credits
|
Clinical Correlations
|
|
5111
|
2
|
|
|
|
5121
|
1
|
√
|
|
|
5131
|
10
|
√
|
|
|
5141
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
SEMESTER TWO
|
Course Number
|
Course
|
# of Credits
|
Clinical Correlations
|
|
5221
|
1
|
√
|
|
|
5241
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
5231
|
10
|
√
|
|
|
14
|
SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMESTER THREE
|
Course Number
|
Course
|
# of Credits
|
Clinical Correlations
|
|
6312
|
4
|
|
|
|
6322
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
6332
|
4
|
√
|
|
|
6342
|
4
|
√
|
|
|
6352
|
2
|
√
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
SEMESTER FOUR
|
Course Number
|
Course
|
# of Credits
|
Clinical Correlations
|
|
6422
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
6432
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
6442
|
7
|
√
|
|
|
6452
|
3
|
√
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
Course descriptions for the Basic Sciences component (Semesters One through Four) in Antigua:
This course is offered during the first semester of Basic Sciences course work. The majority of the course objectives, however, are covered within the first few weeks of the semester.
This course is modeled to help students understand how the structure and function of cells are integrated at “molecular to organs” levels. Understanding the functions of the organ systems requires profound knowledge of basic cellular mechanisms. The topics covered in this course serve to provide a solid foundation on which all Basic Sciences courses, including anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and pathophysiology are built. Special emphasis is placed on genomes and gene engineering.
The Foundation of Medicine (FM) course is intended to provide students with their first exposure to the practice of medicine. Fundamental principles and concepts essential to modern medical practice are presented and discussed, such as the impact of family and culture on medical practice, the fundamentals of clinical epidemiology, biostatistics and evidence-based medicine. Students will be introduced to the skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients. The overarching values of professionalism will be emphasized throughout.
In addition, this course will provide students with the opportunity to apply concepts learned in anatomy and physiology to the clinical practice of medicine. As such, the timetable for this course is fully integrated with the anatomy and physiology courses. By providing clinical applications for anatomy and physiology concepts, the course will enhance the student’s understanding, retention and application of critical Basic Sciences concepts. For example, use of the stethoscope and sphygmomanometer (blood pressure equipment), electrocardiogram recording and heart sound simulator will be introduced in Foundation of Medicine at the same time that the cardiovascular system is being taught in anatomy and physiology.
FM is taught in a dynamic learning environment consisting of both lectures and small group sessions. Each small group has a clinical facilitator. The content focus in FM Clinical Scenarios (or Clinical Correlations) is presented by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, text, video, models, simulated patients or student partners. A fully equipped, state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Laboratory provides students with the opportunity to practice their clinical skills without risk to patients. Practice in the Clinical Simulation Laboratory provides students with the opportunity to synthesize content from the Basic Sciences courses and apply it to clinical skills, thereby gaining the background necessary to approach their first patients with confidence.
The AUA Anatomy and Physiology courses are the first in the Caribbean medical schools to truly integrate anatomy and physiology into a seamless, clinically oriented approach to the structure and function of the human body.
The disciplines of gross anatomy, histology, embryology and physiology are taught in an integrated fashion using 60 clinical scenarios (Clinical Correlations). Over the first two semesters the Clinical Correlations are presented using the most modern body-systems approach as an organizational framework for the course. Such an integrated approach facilitates students learning, retention and application of Basic Sciences content thereby enhancing prospects of success on USMLE Part I exams, which are now based on clinical vignettes.
Small groups of students along with a faculty member interactively discuss the clinical scenarios. To support this learning style, the students will have access to cadavers, models, multimedia programs, simulators and other aids to learning. These learning tools are available throughout both anatomy and physiology labs as well as in a modern, fully equipped Clinical Simulations Laboratory. Didactic lectures to the entire class will serve to provide a summary and overview of content discussed in the small groups.
The following example will serve to illustrate this approach which is widely used in leading North American medical schools, but is unique to AUA among Caribbean medical schools. A Clinical Correlation for the cardiovascular system presents a patient who attends the emergency room with chest pain. The students and a faculty member then work together to determine the cause of the pain; one differential diagnosis could be myocardial ischemia (heart attack). The small group considers the anatomy, histology and physiology required to fully understand this condition using the complete resources of the gross anatomy, physiology and simulation laboratories. Furthermore, the Foundation of Medicine course simultaneously uses the same Clinical Correlation to teach the associated clinical skills.
In biochemistry and genetics the student not only studies the nature of chemical constituents such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids of the human body but also various chemical events by which these constituents are formed, maintained and degraded within the body. Since the alterations in biochemical constituents and mechanisms are involved in various disease conditions, the knowledge of biochemistry is indispensable for all the students of medical sciences. Biochemistry also has an impact in understanding the molecular mechanism of several clinical disorders. Biochemistry plays a key role in the diagnosis of a number of pathological conditions and in designing therapeutic strategies for different diseases.
Medical genetics addresses the diagnosis, treatment and management of genetic disorders. Several common adult diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, various types of cancers and a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders are known to have a genetic etiology and incidences of congenital birth defects having genetic lineage are common across the globe. Knowledge of medical genetics is the basis for understanding the molecular mechanism involved in genetic diseases.
Behavioral Sciences & Medicine
Behavioral Sciences & Medicine is a broad-based module that examines the biological, developmental, environmental, and social/cultural aspects of cognition, emotions and behavior. In this module, students will observe and learn the importance of the physician-patient relationship and develop skills in clinical interviewing. In addition, students will discuss and review possible legal and ethical dilemmas as well as strategies towards resolving them. Psychopathology is presented by learning about psychiatric assessment and interviewing as well as how mental disorders are categorized (e.g., Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Thought Disorders, etc.). The etiology, diagnosis and prognosis of psychiatric conditions are reviewed. Interviewing techniques, methods of assessment and treatment modalities (including psychotropic medications and various psychotherapies) are included.
It is important to note that the Behavioral Sciences & Medicine curriculum is integrated with several other sections or modules including Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Foundation of Medicine. This module involves didactic lectures, laboratory exercises and small-group experiences designed to develop clinical interviewing skills, increase ethical awareness, and encourage sensitivity to social and cultural differences.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM)
ICM introduces students to the integration of Basic Sciences into the clinical setting. It uses problem-based learning and clinical vignette analysis together with developing advanced physical examination and history taking skills in order to achieve a well rounded approach to clinical problems. Learning is achieved by use of real patient scenarios, video and dramatized situations, as well as tutorial-style small group sessions. The course focus is on promoting knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for Fifth Semester placement as well as embedding Basic Sciences into diagnostic core competencies. Hospital-based physician consultants further emphasize physical examination findings and Basic Science skills during bedside teaching sessions. All students in this course become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) according to the standards of the American Heart Association.
Immunology is taught in the third semester and describes the immune system in health and disease. The immune system prevents disease through various mechanisms that confer immunity to infectious disease but can also cause diseases through immunodeficiency.
In the third semester, students will also be introduced to the features of microorganisms that cause human diseases and the mechanism of their virulence. The student will also learn about the various sterilization and disinfection procedures employed in the healthcare setting, and the use of antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents and vaccines. The laboratory module includes exercises in staining techniques and identification of commonly used culture media.
In the fourth semester, the students will learn the epidemiology, prevention and control of various infectious diseases. This part of the course relates prior topics to organ systems with the intention of training the students in the analysis of symptoms and signs in evaluating clinical problems that they might encounter in examinations as well as in clinical practice. Clinical problem-solving is an important component of the laboratory module in this semester, which seeks to train the student in the methodology of approaching a clinical case, making the most probable diagnosis and determining the possible treatment options.
General Pathology is taught in the third semester. Concepts taught during this course help students to understand the significance of etiology, pathogenesis, morphological changes, clinical course and complications arising out of disease processes in clinical practice.
Didactic teaching includes lectures, dramatizations, small group discussions and problem-based learning. Periodic participation in "Topic Presentations" and taking questions from fellow students further helps to improve the level of confidence. Reviewing clinical vignettes and exposure to frequent examinations are some other methods of the continuous teaching-learning process. The course director makes every effort to provide a total learning experience. The subject is taught so the student is able to correlate the concepts learned in Physiology & Medicine and are bridged to pathology.
The Pharmacology course is designed to build a strong foundation illustrating basic and systemic pharmacology coupled with case studies of therapeutic agents. The course emphasizes the clinical aspects of pharmacology and incorporates the latest updates and developments in the pharmacological management of various clinical conditions.
At first, important concepts of drug action are introduced in the form of didactic lectures. This includes a systematic study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs as well as a thorough explanation of drug effects, side effects and interactions. Building extensively upon this knowledge of drug action, treatment of various diseases and disorders is taught.
Enhancement / Remedial
Semester I, II, & III students who successfully complete all academic requirements for the semester and are promoted to the next semester must participate in one of the following structured academic enhancement programs during each semester break:
- Clinical attachment
- Research
- Community outreach activities.
All students must complete at least one clinical enhancement option and may opt for more during the Basic Sciences tenure.
All students must submit an application for their intended program to the chair of the Academic Enhancement Committee. The committee has the responsibility to guide, mentor and process the applications. If the application is approved, the committee will communicate the guidelines and assessment procedures with the activity site.
Students who fail to complete all academic requirements to advance to the next semester will be offered remedial sessions during the semester break.