At UHS the basic science disciplines(anatomy, biochem., histology, micro., pathology, embryology, etc.) are taught by body system. Each section lasts six weeks (there are a few exceptions). Our grade is based on 3 or 4 quizzes per section, anatomy practical score, pathology practical score, lab attendance points, various points for basically showing up and the vast majority of points come from the section final exam. We don't have to write any papers or anything. I think we had one or two bichem lab reports, and we occasionally have micro. lab reports, but they are pretty easy and we all work together on them. Here is what you will see your first year at UHS:
1st semester:
Foundations of Medicine(6 weeks): basically gets everyone on the same page. A lot of genetics, basic path(very important!!), intro. to anatomy, basic histo., basic micro, etc.
Musculoskeletal(6 weeks): a lot of anatomy(all the skeletal muscles minus head and neck, path. of musculoskeletal, physio., biochem, histo. of muscle, etc.
Skin, Blood, and Lymph(6 weeks): Very path. intensive, heavy in hematology, oncology, no anatomy of course, lots of derm., histo of skin and blood, etc.
2nd semester:
Cardiovacular(6 weeks): anatomy of the thorax, lots of physio., histo. of heart muscle, path. of cardio., lots of internal medicine, etc.
Respiratory(6 weeks): anatomy of G.I.(don't ask me why), histo. of repiratory, path., physio., a lot of micro., etc.
Gastrointestinal (5 weeks): anatomy of pelvis(again screwed up, I know), lots of biochem, histo. of G.I. micro. path, etc.
Hope that helped.