Question: Basic sciences curriculum courses

[blankguy]

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I noticed some schools have one large course that covers several courses that are traditionally listed separately such as anatomy, histology, physiology and so forth. I know schools like BU do that while others keep them separate. What are advantages of doing this? Disadvantage?

 

[jackbauer!]

the purpose combining courses is to streamline what you need to know for the boards.

for example, there is only so much histology you need for the dental boards, so some schools decide to incorporate it into another course...

at maryland, our "cell & molecular biology" course includes some histology, while our "microbiology course" includes some immunology.

it seems most schools combine courses to some extent in order to make more time for "dental classes." i don't really see any disadvantage to combining courses.. as long as they're not leaving out pertinent, board-related material.

jb!🙂

 

[Cold Front]

I noticed some schools have one large course that covers several courses that are traditionally listed separately such as anatomy, histology, physiology and so forth. I know schools like BU do that while others keep them separate.

"Be You" does not have one large course.

For example; Anatomy I course, is neuroanatomy + histology, while Anatomy II is gross anatomy. Physiology is a course of itself, doesn't fall under another didactic course.

 

[SuperC]

At UF we have

Structure and Function of Body Systems I (Histo, Physio, Neuro)
Structure and Function of Body Systems II (Immuno only)

I am sure that there are other reasons (along with what the others have said) but you could not have an entire semester dedicated to some of these courses, you would have WAY to many classes. Also dental school moves at a MUCH faster pace, therefore an entire semester is not required. For example we finished the histo text in about 8 weeks.

-C

 

[crazy_sherm]

UCSF changed to this type of integrated curriculum a few years ago and it seems to be doing well. It's not one huge course, but several "streams" as they call it there. For example, for the biomedical stream, if the theme that week was the cardiovascular system, they would learn the anatomy, histology, biochem, microbio, and path associated with that system. This cuts down a lot on learning redundant material that students would experience if all these classes were separate. It gives the student an opportunity to learn these subjects in a greater context and also understand how they relate to one another. Learning to think this way early on will carry over well for taking boards or in clinic when you have to be able to combine the different disciplines.

 

[Columbia07]

Integration of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry & pathology with each "system" is exactly what USC's curriculum does. Didn't realize other schools did this too. Only we do it with cases and lectures (resource sessions).

 

[Turnerjo13]

We are now doing this at OHSU. This is the first year that is it being done and we have only been at it for two weeks now. Our integrative bioscience course combines biochem, physiology and neuro into one. I am not sure if this is a good idea yet. As one of our professors said this will be a great course in a few years once all the bug are worked out.