class structure: blocks v. integrated modules

[Go Ducks]

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I'm an M0 who is deciding between schools. One offers block classes where you learn anatomy at once, then move on to histology, etc. Another offers modules where you learn all about the heart, then all about the limbs...

I'd really appreciate some advice. Does anyone have an opinion about which method of learning works better, or any reasons why you love/hate the block or module structure? Which have you found to be better for long-term retention?

Thanks!

 

[sunset823]

I'm an M0 who is deciding between schools. One offers block classes where you learn anatomy at once, then move on to histology, etc. Another offers modules where you learn all about the heart, then all about the limbs...

I'd really appreciate some advice. Does anyone have an opinion about which method of learning works better, or any reasons why you love/hate the block or module structure? Which have you found to be better for long-term retention?

Thanks!

my school has neither, we just take a bunch of classes together, though they do try to make it somewhat 'module' like in that we try to cover cardiovascular stuff together (just finished), then move on to respiratory, etc.

I have found I actually like taking a lot of classes together - I have a very short attention span and it's good for me to be able to switch between subjects when I'm getting bored with something. In addition, I've heard that the module method prepares you better for the way second year is structured. Plus, the Step 2 covers everything, so it's good to be 'put in the deep end' so to speak earlier so you know what's coming at you later. There isn't going to be a separate anatomy section, physio section, etc. on the Step. From what I've heard, our campus gets higher scores because of this all at once method.

 

[ButImLETired]

I'm an M0 who is deciding between schools. One offers block classes where you learn anatomy at once, then move on to histology, etc. Another offers modules where you learn all about the heart, then all about the limbs...

I'd really appreciate some advice. Does anyone have an opinion about which method of learning works better, or any reasons why you love/hate the block or module structure? Which have you found to be better for long-term retention?

Thanks!

Well, first of all, I have to preface this by saying that you'll get only biased responses because I'm guessing no one has actually tried out more than one curriculum.

That being said, I go to a "module" school- we have a "Molecular Foundations of Medicine" block first (biochem, genetics, cell bio, some histology), and now we're in "Structure, Function, and Development" (anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology), and this latter goes by organ system. For what it's worth, I think our way makes by far the most sense. Sunset is right in saying that Step 1 isn't divided into subjects, and you have to have a very global conceptual understanding of a topic from all perspectives. Also for what it's worth, our Step 1 average is consistently in the top 3 if not the highest in the country, and I think it's largely because the curriculum is taught intelligently. It just makes more sense.

On the other hand, it does make things somewhat more difficult, not just cause you have to switch gears a lot in your studying, but because subjects like embryology (which I despise with all my heart and soul) are dragged on for months instead of being brief exams with a final in the end. Exams are also uber-long cause they have to cover tons of subjects. However, I think both of these things are things we should get used to for the future anyway, so I don't think it's that big a deal. Of course, people who work on the block system will probably think their way is the best, and I'm sure that it works fine as well.

 

[ApoK]

Well, first of all, I have to preface this by saying that you'll get only biased responses because I'm guessing no one has actually tried out more than one curriculum.

That being said, I go to a "module" school- we have a "Molecular Foundations of Medicine" block first (biochem, genetics, cell bio, some histology), and now we're in "Structure, Function, and Development" (anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology), and this latter goes by organ system. For what it's worth, I think our way makes by far the most sense. Sunset is right in saying that Step 1 isn't divided into subjects, and you have to have a very global conceptual understanding of a topic from all perspectives. Also for what it's worth, our Step 1 average is consistently in the top 3 if not the highest in the country, and I think it's largely because the curriculum is taught intelligently. It just makes more sense.

On the other hand, it does make things somewhat more difficult, not just cause you have to switch gears a lot in your studying, but because subjects like embryology (which I despise with all my heart and soul) are dragged on for months instead of being brief exams with a final in the end. Exams are also uber-long cause they have to cover tons of subjects. However, I think both of these things are things we should get used to for the future anyway, so I don't think it's that big a deal. Of course, people who work on the block system will probably think their way is the best, and I'm sure that it works fine as well.

Integrated ftw. It will be HUGE when I finally choose a school.