Medical Module Descriptions

M-1: First Year Modules

HB-1: Human Body:  From Molecules to Cells.  The objective of this module is a better understanding of the biology and biological processes of healthy humans from the molecular to the cellular level. This module is designed to cover specific bio-themes each week (e.g., Week 1: Nucleic acids), and integrates the four disciplines of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology. In this manner, students will study the biomolecular structure of cellular components, learn about their role in molecular biology and genetics, and observe their functions inside the whole cell or within the cellular domain.  As more molecules and cellular components are introduced, students will also relate how the molecular structure influences the compound’s ability to interact with other biomolecules.  

Weekly topics will include interdisciplinary discussions of Nucleic acids, Proteins, Structure-Function of Proteins, Energy, Carbohydrates and Metabolism, Lipids and Metabolism, Steroids and Hormones, Nutrients and Metabolism, and Minerals and Vitamins. In addition, we will discuss the role of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics in medicine. Positioned at the beginning of the curriculum, the HB-1 course will also provide an introduction to specific applications and principles of medical informatics.

HB-2: Human Body: Structure and Function. This module is a multidisciplinary approach to fully integrate the disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology, Radiology and Neuroscience. The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the normal human body and development, with emphasis on the dynamic relationships between structure and function. The module runs in parallel, and is integrated with P-1: The Practice of Medicine, so that students have the opportunity to apply their understanding of the normal body immediately to the diagnosis, treatment, and identification of abnormal findings and disease processes.

This sixteen-week module utilizes multiple learning modalities including problem-based learning (PBL), lectures, laboratories (cadaver dissection, radiology, histology, computer embryology labs, computer neuroscience labs and physiology), demonstrations, small group reviews and journal clubs.  Small group settings are designed to supplement a strong rational approach towards understanding the concepts discussed in lecture and to enhance problem-solving skills. 

HB-3: Human Body: Health and Disease. HB-3 is the final eight-week basic science module of the integrated first-year curriculum.  This module is designed to serve as a firm underpinning for students’ knowledge of Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, and Pathology, and students will demonstrate the ability to discuss advanced topics in each of these disciplines.  Students will also be introduced to the principal antibiotic and antiviral treatments available for medically important pathogens, and understand their modes of action at the cellular and molecular level.  Didactic lectures will be complemented with web-based lectures and  interactive sessions, along with small group discussions to enhance concepts learned in class. The lectures will also incorporate computer-directed study of microbiological samples and pathological specimens.

C-1: Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare. The goal of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the role of psychosocial factors in illness and its treatment.  Students are introduced to a range of issues that affect how they diagnose, treat and interact with patients and their families.  Students also learn about not only wellness and preventive medicine, but also assessing and improving adherence with treatment recommendations. The focus of this module is on development and refinement of communication skills, particularly when interacting with patients whose values, beliefs and experiences differ from those of the student.  Other topics include human sexuality, domestic violence and child/elder abuse, and alcohol misuse.  These concepts are developed through team-based learning methods.  Students apply their knowledge and test their mastery of course objectives through clinical case discussions and practice with Standardized Patients. 

P-1: The Practice of Medicine. P-1 is a year-long course that will prepare students for the clinical aspects of medicine such as patient interaction, physical diagnosis skills, ethical and medico-socioeconomic issues, and skills necessary for effective communication. Students will master basic interviewing techniques and physical examination skills with emphasis on compassionate dealing with individuals. The course also emphasizes data management and effective organization with exposure to information screening and gathering using various information technology sources.

Incorporated into the Practice of Medicine is a Community of Practice component that provides opportunity for additional structured interaction with the Central Florida medical community.  Content of this module is fully integrated with the other first-year modules to correlate basic science concepts and apply them immediately to clinical patients.  Students will encounter Standardized Patients, and use simulation and web-based activities in this module for the learning, practice and assessment of these vital physician skills.

I-1: Focused Individualized Study and Research. The goal of this module is to ignite passion in medical students—specifically, to allow them to pursue their own interests while being exposed to research topics and scientific methods important to healthcare and medical science.  The course will provide a basic grounding in scientific and research methods and expose students to possible focus topics through lectures, colloquia and seminars.  Students will be encouraged to find innovative areas of research and will work with a mentor (from UCF or the community) who is approved by the course director. 

Students are encouraged to pursue research projects for which they have excitement and passion. For many, that will lead to study in the traditional biomedical sciences. For others that may mean research in health education, health policy, health business, health law or other related fields. Students will be limited only by their imagination and their willingness to work hard to reach their goals. The objective is to foster a desire within students to develop creative approaches to the field of healthcare and medicine, formulate hypotheses regarding the feasibility and impact of their novel approaches, and design experimental protocols to test and assess the outcomes. 

Students will complete a project contract (either individually or in teams) and present their projects to the class at the end of the first year.  They will be required to engage in self-assessments and to devise plans to address areas in need of development in the second year.  Students will be required to complete all or part of their project or study in the second year.  Projects and research may extend into the third and fourth years. 

To provide additional visibility for these research efforts, the college has included a miniconference on research that will highlight the projects of the second-year students.  The conference is scheduled so that both first-year and second-year students can attend.  For students continuing research into the fourth year, there will be another opportunity for presentation.  The expectation is that each of the projects will result in a scholarly presentation or publication. 

S-1: Hematology and Oncology. This module is the first of the organ system-based modules and will provide an overview of hematology and oncology, focusing on major disease classification and terminology, signs and symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and differential diagnosis, as well as current treatments dictated and justified by evidence-based medicine.

This module involves the diagnosis and management of patients who have malignant diseases and/or diseases of the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems including anemias and cytopenias.  As in all the S modules, this program integrates basic science concepts from the HB modules, as well as the physical diagnosis and communication skills – learned in P-1– and the psychosocial issues in health care (C-1).  All of these elements incorporate the diagnosis and treatment of disease processes in oncology and hematology, including pathology, pharmacology, laboratory medicine and clinical medicine. Students will become skilled at the humanistic approach to patients with life-threatening diseases, emphasizing empathy, respect and a rigid code of medical ethics as it relates to clinical research trials. 

Course material will include risk factors, risk reduction, diagnostic and screening tests, appropriate referrals to specialists, palliative care and chemotherapeutic agents, their side-effects and potential drug interactions.  Also included will be determining the need for invasive diagnostic tests, evaluation of coagulopathies, indications for blood transfusion and apheresis, management of anticoagulant drugs, and recognition of the immunosuppressed state.

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