SUNY's New Curriculum

[sgreen]

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Hey,

I don't think there are any discussion posts for this yet, but I recently found out that SUNY will be making a few changes to their curriculum for the upcoming Fall 2008 class. This means it affects those of us who are applying right now.
It looks like they're going to be changing the duration of a few courses, making some more spread out over the years and others more condensed. http://www.sunyopt.edu/academics/od_curriculum.shtml#curriculum

Their goal is to focus on more integration of information, problem solving and critical thinking. I think this is pretty interesting since I come from a n undergrad program that focuses a lot on problem-based learning, and that I've heard that all professional programs run using a more traditional, lecture-based approach.

I'm just curious what your thoughts are on how this will change the program and how it affects the quality of education students will be receiving.

 

[cunikki]

Due to the new boards I believe that almost every school is restructuring their courses. I know that my school (SCCO) is making a lot of new changes, some will be implemented for this years second year class during next summer and for all future classes. in general i believe all schools will need to switch to a critical thinking/problem solving type of program in order for their students to succeed on boards so i think that is where the future of optometry curriculum is going.

 

[iowaeyes]

IU changed curriculum beginning with last year's class (Class of 2010), mainly in response to changes in boards. Several classes have been condensed and combined, eliminating overlap and tying the subjects together. I am only a first year and can't speak for the old curriculum, but I think the change will help us relate our classes better (especially in the first couple years). For example, as you are learning about the pathology of inflammation, you are also learning about the biochemical pathways and the pharmacological treatments. Basically the classes are more synchronized. We also have a problem-based learning class where we are given a patient case each week with 4-6 guiding questions. We do research and write a 2 page summary of our findings. The next week we meet with our class of 8-12 students and one professor (usually a clinical optometrist) to discuss the case. It is meant to help us prepare for boards, and also to better prepare us for clinic.

 

[iowaeyes]

I also meant to add that I believe SCO changed their curriculum beginning with the class of 2010 as well.

 

[CarltonBanks]

With SUNY already rumored on being one of the most academically challenging schools, will this transition to a semester based system make things easier or harder?

 

[sniklegem]

SCO did change.
It was mainly "altered" for the class of 2010.
Then ALL the changes were implemented for the class of 2011 when we finally switched to semesters.

I want my 10 week quarters back! 🙂
It's a marathon, I tell ya!

 

[CarltonBanks]

I want my 10 week quarters back! 🙂
It's a marathon, I tell ya!

So you feel the semester system is more demanding than the quarter system? I come from a semester-based school and have never experienced the quarter system, so I am interested to know.

 

[sniklegem]

I went to a semester school all of undergrad.
Then I was teased with the quarter system last year.
Now I'm back on semesters. Readjustment is fun.

I'm not going to compare semesters and quarters for you because we won't be going back to quarters any time soon at SCO. No need to stir up a debate. And the classes are all basically the same anyway. 😛

 

[CarltonBanks]

No need to stir up a debate.

I am not trying to start a debate, I am simply asking you for the pros and cons between a semester and quarter based system. And seeing how you have actual experience in optometry school between the two, your input would be beneficial to prospective students like me who have yet to set foot in a optometric learning facility (fancy way of saying optometry school 🙂)

 

[hfpepperbean47]

Hmmm...isn't a quarter technically half a semester? I don't think it matters either way, you learn the same material.

I've experienced quarters, semesters, and trimesters (in high school - we were weird). I prefer semesters because that's what I'm used to...but the difference between the three is minimal at most. Like I said...you are responsible for learning the same information either way.

 

[sniklegem]

optometric learning facility

I like this. I need to tell our admin.
I didn't actually mean debate, per se... I was just trying to say it's like a moot point. Quarters are shorter, semesters are longer. Shorter means less time, so less burnout. I guess it kind of got lost in translation; please excuse, we have final exams and my brain doesn't work quite right currently.

Hmmm...isn't a quarter technically half a semester?

Yes it technically is... however the higher ups at SCO deemed it the semester schedule when it is, in fact, a trimester. Fall, Spring, and Summer. Bunch of crazies. 😛

 

[still_confused]

With SUNY already rumored on being one of the most academically challenging schools, will this transition to a semester based system make things easier or harder?

relax, the teachers here are so ingrained in their way of teaching (i.e ancient). There will be no significant change. Its all for show.

If anything, there will be chaos and talk of revolt by the students, oh wait that is already happening.

 

[CarltonBanks]

I am still trying to decide between SUNY and SCCO and can't make my decision! I would love to go to New York, but according to some posts on this forum it seems like SUNY is a much tougher school and I wont have much time to enjoy the city.

Ahhhhhhh decisions! Why couldn't I just go to Princeton!

 

[hello07]

Carlton, I don't know how much this will help you or not but I know several people who graduated from SUNY years ago. The school can be very unforgiving and is considered one of the more maligant OD schools out there. Ask around before committing yourself.

Good Luck with either choice.

 

[EyeBaller]

I am still trying to decide between SUNY and SCCO and can't make my decision! I would love to go to New York, but according to some posts on this forum it seems like SUNY is a much tougher school and I wont have much time to enjoy the city.

Ahhhhhhh decisions! Why couldn't I just go to Princeton!

That's ridiculous, of course you will have time to enjoy the city. Yes you have to work hard, but that just means you play harder.