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Phase 1 (Year 1) Welcome
Welcome to the first year curriculum at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This first year is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of biomedical sciences, in preparation for extensive training in later years of the curriculum. The first year starts off with an extensive period devoted to the study of gross anatomy. Students will learn of the macroscopic components of the body through didactic lectures, laboratory sessions dedicated to dissection, and through interactions with clinical faculty. Students then begin to learn about human body on a molecular level through courses that stress its microscopic appearance and through courses that stress the mechanics of metabolism, genetics, and host defenses against infections. The first year ends with courses designed to expose students to the pharmacokinetics of drug metabolism and to introduce them to the importance of pathology in certain disease states. In the latter part of the year, first year medical students are required to complete an elective. These electives are very diverse and could include exposure to basic science research, clinical research, shadowing physicians, or other activities. The first year curriculum also includes an online course called Health Information Resources, which is designed to help students identify ways of facilitating their access to medical information via the Internet. Lastly, throughout the first year of the curriculum students are enrolled in Applied Clinical Skills 1 (ACS1). ACS1 is comprised of a series of courses that encompass human development, ethics, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, and other related course work. Taken together, the first year curriculum forms the building blocks of knowledge that will be expanded upon as students advance through the curriculum.
All the best and again, welcome
Gregory S. Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Educational Development
Phase I Director
Course Director, Cell Biology
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