Pre Medical Curriculum

Only for 5½ years MD Program

A dedicated faculty, caring and encouraging counselors, an enriching community, all wrapped up in a beautiful and vibrant environment, is what awaits our high school finishers (12th graders) at the American University of Barbados for the Pre Medical program. The program consists of 4 semesters. The subjects taught during this phase strengthen our medical student's foundational knowledge.

SEMESTER - I

Biology I: Introduces the fundamental concepts in biology. Emphasis is laid on cell structures & functions, metabolism, organism genetics, energy transformation, evolution, classification and other related topics. The course also includes the role of the cell cycle with regard to inheritance.

General Chemistry I: Identifies the fundamental concepts of chemistry and explores atomic structure, the Periodic table, chemical equations, concepts of bonding, stoichiometry and types of reactions. The course also seeks to introduce minor concepts of acid-base balance from medical physiology.

Pre Calculus: This course is designed to provide a comprehensive study of functions, which are the basis of calculus and other higher mathematics courses. The students will study the properties and graphs of trigonometric, polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential and logarithmic functions. This course meets the pre-requirements for Calculus.

Computer Science: Equips students with a basic understanding of the computer, its uses and applications. It also includes the mastery of basic computer skills such as word processing, databases, reports, spreadsheets and multimedia presentations. The course seeks to outline the computer operations required to access, create, manage, integrate, store and retrieve information.

English I: Provides a systematic and practical introduction to effective college level English skills. A review of grammar and syntax is included which will help students build the necessary skills to write papers effectively.

SEMESTER - II

Biology II: Elaborates the relationships between normal structure and function in human cells, tissues and organs, along with mechanisms that maintain homeostasis within an individual. The course materials are organized into modules dealing with organ systems such as Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary, Reproductive and Endocrine systems. Emphasis is also given to the understanding of the connectivity of all these organ systems to each other to maintain life.

Chemistry II: Expands on concepts such as Periodicity and Chemical Bonding which were introduced in General Chemistry 1. The course also introduces new concepts such as Reaction Kinetics, Acids and Bases as well as Chemical Equilibrium. The usefulness of knowledge on these concepts as it relates to the body and medicine is also taught.

Calculus: This course builds on concepts covered in Pre-calculus. It covers optimization of functions with two or more variables, various integration techniques and differential equations.

English II: Addresses the various means of improving effective communication through critical thinking, careful writing and vocabulary expansion. Improving the student's reading rate and comprehension is the ultimate goal.

SEMESTER - III

General Physics I: Introduces fundamental concepts of physics, including mechanics, properties of matter, thermodynamics, heat and wave motion. It is specifically oriented to benefit the medical students.

General Psychology: An introductory class that explores key theories and the science of behavior, focusing on the individual as an adapting biological system. Topics covered include research methodology, psychological disorders, memory and neuropsychology.

Organic Chemistry I: Introduces the structure, nomenclature, properties & reactions of carbon compounds, hydrocarbons, nonfunctional & polyfunctional compounds. The role of organic compounds in the field of medicine is also emphasized.It provides the concepts needed to successfully complete Organic Chemistry II.

Communications Skills and Community Health: This course helps students to develop their communication skills which are essential in the health care profession. Students are introduced to the multidimensional work of community health care where they will liaise with medical organizations in Barbados. Additionally, students will develop skills in public speaking, history taking and essentials of the doctor-patient relationship.

Introduction to Cell Biology: This course explores the cellular basis of life in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The course deals with the basic biological concepts and principles with emphasis on the structure and function of the different cells responsible for life. The focus is on the structure, function and biosynthesis of cell membranes and organelles. Additionally concepts of cell growth, oncogenic transformation, transport, receptors, cell signaling, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, cell movements, chromatin structure and RNA synthesis are also taught. Particular emphasis is placed on cellular processes such as gene expression, mutation and the regulation of gene expression.

Ethics: Examines a selection of moral issues in contemporary society. Topics include biomedical ethics, environmental quality, philosophical foundations and sexuality.

SEMESTER - IV

Clinical Cases and Terminology: Equips students with a solid foundation to understand the various terminology used in many aspects of medicine. The course is intended to provide insight into the analysis of minor clinical cases and their relation to the appropriate human organ systems.

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology: Focuses on the structure and function of the body's various systems. It introduces students to the terminology used in both Anatomy & Physiology and teaches students about the general types of tissue found in the human body (Histology). Additionally, some functional disease pathologies, biochemical systems and anatomical kinetics are also taught.

Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology: Provides a basic introduction to the fields of microbiology and immunology. In this course students will explore the microbial world while gaining knowledge on the history of microbiology, review characteristics of microbial groups, microbial genetics, culture and staining techniques, pathogenicity, epidemiology, host defense mechanism and aspects of microbial diseases.

General Physics II: This subject is an introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and optics. This course does not require the mastery of calculus.

Organic Chemistry II: Builds upon concepts outlined in the first semester of organic chemistry. It emphasizes on the structure and reactivity of functional groups (aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, carbohydrates, organometallic compounds, carboxylic acids & their derivatives, amines and amino acids). This course covers all the essentials needed for biochemistry like the introduction to lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and spectroscopy as they relate to clinical medicine.

Note : Students who complete the Pre-Medical program successfully will be promoted to the 1st semester of the basic sciences of the 4 year MD program.