The first year is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of human anatomy (gross anatomy, neuroscience, histology, and embryology), biochemistry and physiology. Interwoven throughout the curriculum are osteopathic principles and practice, introductions to clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, problem based learning, and preventative medicine and public health.
Introduction to Biochemistry and Tissues
(2 credit hours)
This course investigates basic chemical and physiological principles such as osmosis, diffusion, mass action, Keq, etc. As well, the structures of important biomolecules are studied from simple sugars to complex biomembranes. General enzyme action and kinetics are covered and are applied to the pathways of energy (carbohydrate and lipid) metabolism. Basic tissues are introduced as a prelude to the study of organ systems later in the year. Molecular and classical genetics are presented. The course is intended to provide a solid understanding of many basic biological principles in preparation for the Basic Science Foundations course.
Basic Science Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine 1 & 2
(14.5 credit hours total)
Basic Science Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine is an integrated basic science course designed to demonstrate the natural relationships of material presented in traditional physiology, biochemistry, and histology courses. The basic principles of all three disciplines are presented, but the material is organized in a unified matrix centered on organ systems. For each organ system the histology, physiology, and biochemistry are described, not as isolated facets, but as thoroughly related properties. The emphasis is on the normal functioning of each system and its relationship to total body function; however, some organ pathology is introduced. As another integral part of the course, principles of osteopathic medicine are applied where applicable within the various organ systems. Systems to be covered include nerve/homeostasis, muscle/connective tissue, cardiovascular, liver/nutrition, blood/lymph, darespiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive/aging.
Human Gross Anatomy and Embryology
(10 credit hours) This presents the observable structure, function, and clinical manifestations of the human body through lectures and cadaver dissection laboratories. The course integrates the systems of the body with anatomical regions, embryological development, and diagnostic imaging. Anatomical knowledge that relates to the practice of osteopathic medicine is emphasized. The lectures emphasize developmental, functional and clinical anatomy. The laboratories offer a challenging series of dissection exercises that promote discovery-based learning.
Neuroscience
(5 credit hours) This course is designed to introduce the student to the normal anatomy and function of the central nervous system. This comprehensive course covers basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in both a lecture and laboratory format. The course builds on knowledge of neural structure and function to encompass complex brain activities such as sleep, learning and memory, emotion, language, and cognition.
Basic Science Foundations of Infection and Immunity
(1 credit hour) This course is intended to provide the student with insight into the foundations of pathogenesis and treatment of microbial-induced diseases of the human body. The course begins by examining in detail the basic mechanisms by which the immune system functions in protecting against human disease. The basic principles of microbial pathogenesis will then be described along with the characteristic features of the major types of microbial pathogens.
Problem Based Learning
(0.5 credit hours) This course provides a student-centered, faculty-facilitated series of small group work sessions, in which clinical cases will be presented. Each case will provide an opportunity to develop clinical reasoning skills. Students will analyze and synthesize the available data, develop and test hypotheses, consult journals, conduct on-line searches, and collaborate with other members of the group in the process of developing diagnoses and prevention/treatment options.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 1 & 2
(6 credit hours total) These courses are designed to introduce and develop the history, philosophy, and principles and skills of osteopathic health care. The course is offered throughout the four semesters of Phase I and Phase II. Emphasis is on the sequential development of palpatory diagnostic and therapeutic skills of osteopathic manipulative medicine. Recognizing the contribution of the musculoskeletal system to health and disease, the course integrates the osteopathic philosophy with patient care. The courses will teach osteopathic approaches to problem solving and patient management, incorporating multiple osteopathic manipulative techniques as appropriate, including: muscle energy, fascial release, high velocity low amplitude, counter strain, articulatory techniques, and osteopathy in the cranial field and other course content areas.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine 1 & 2
(4 credit hours total) This course is designed to introduce students to the common experience of osteopathic physicians in clinical practice. It will lay foundations for the care of patients in medical setting by examining the interaction of the biological, behavioral, and social factors involved in health. It will focus on the many roles of the physician, development of clinical reasoning, approaches to medical care, medical ethics and cultivating professionalism. The importance of partnership with others will be a common theme.
Physical Diagnosis 1 & 2
(4 credit hours total) The goal of these courses is to prepare students to be able to perform appropriate, high-quality osteopathic history and physical examinations. Students will obtain proficiency in acknowledging the patient, interviewing to obtain a thorough and pertinent history, understanding the use of screening versus focused exams, using basic diagnostic equipment, skillfully performing a physical examination, integrating the structural exam into the classical "visceral"; exam, and documenting the examination findings.
Preventive Medicine and Public Health 1 & 2
(2 credit hours total) This course will expose students to biostatistics, concepts of evidence-based medicine, epidemiology, preventative medicine, and global and cultural health issues. The basic tenets of disease prevention and health promotion are taught in a manner such that they will become incorporated into the everyday practice of the health professional. This course covers a variety of topics including: an overview of public health and health care delivery systems; an introduction to evidence-based medicine; epidemiology; definitions and applications in prevention and control of communicable and chronic diseases; biostatistics and hypothesis testing; definitions and appropriate uses; major public health issues for families, children, and older adults; managed care; and legal and ethical aspects of medical and public health practices.
