Lecture Discussion Pathway Courses Phase 1

Lecture presentations and laboratories are at the heart of the Lecture/Discussion Pathway. Students usually spend the morning in lecture sessions and the afternoon in a combination of lectures, laboratories, tutorials, small-group discussions and independent study where they have ample access to faculty members in the basic and clinical sciences.

The Lecture/Discussion Pathway is ideal for those students who:

  • Learn well from a combination of lecture presentations, workshops, laboratories, and directed study readings; and,
  • Are more comfortable with a highly structured academic schedule and teacher-directed environment.

Phase I: Core Curriculum

The beginning of the first year is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of Gross Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology. Coursework and hands-on clinical training in osteopathic principles and practice and History and Physical Exam is also interwoven throughout the Phase I curriculum. An introduction to medical ethics, biostatistics and health care management is also presented in year one. During Phase II of the curriculum, each of the basic sciences is further developed in each body systems course, thus providing continuity in the educational process, which promotes learning rather than memorization.

Overall Curriculum Phase I

Course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.

First Year: First Semester
  • Gross Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Embryology
  • Microbiology/Immunology
  • Biochemistry I
  • Physiology
  • Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) I
  • History and Physical (H&P) Examination I
  • Introduction to Biostatistics and Research Methodology
First Year: Second Semester
  • Biochemistry II/Medical Genetics
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Healthcare Management I
  • Human Sexuality