Medical Program
Basic Sciences

The first two years of the Doctor of Medicine degree program concentrate on the traditional basic science disciplines. Laboratory experience is an integral part of these first two years, along with small group discussions designed for problem-based learning and early integration of Basic Sciences into the clinical experience. Clinical skills begin in the first term with various Basic Sciences courses teaching specific components of clinical skills. Part of gross anatomy focuses on surface anatomy and living anatomy, which is a basis of much of physical diagnosis. Physical diagnosis continues in the second term in neuroscience and physiology. Clinical skills taught in the fourth term is a formal segment on communication skills and physical diagnosis, including signs and symptoms. In Term 5, the Department of Clinical Skills teaches Introduction to Clinical Medicine, which involves visits to the Grenada General Hospital, as well as small groups on campus to discuss history taking, physical examination, and generating a problem list for a given patient. The gross anatomy laboratory in Grenada is amply supplied with cadavers and the new microbiology, pathology, and histology laboratories have extensive collections of microscopic and gross preparations. In the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program, the anatomy labs at Northumbria University use plastinated cadavers, whole and part, which are specially prepared to utilize the latest, state-of-the-art preservation technologies. Labs are set up to utilize our up-to-date array of audio/visual and computerized materials in all subjects.

Molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, and neuroscience are emphasized within a framework of traditional disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. In Term 5, students enroll in courses in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, and also courses in pathophysiology that review all of the basic sciences comprehensively in a clinical context under each organ system. A new course has been added called Basic Sciences Foundation for Clinical Reasoning, which will be taught in a modified team-based learning setup where students would be actively recapitulating concepts of basic sciences to solve clinical problems. The Basic Sciences courses use didactic lectures, laboratory instruction, supplemental instruction, case-based learning, question-based reviews, small group tutorials, peer teaching, and computer-assisted instruction. Basic Sciences and Clinical faculty present clinical correlations throughout all six terms. The School of Medicine offers a series of courses entitled Medicine in Society, which is taught throughout the first three terms. These courses focus on gender, ethnic, and behavioral considerations affecting disease treatment and prevention, including psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental factors. Medicine in Society is made up of the following courses:

Term 1: Bioethics and the Professional:
Medicine in Society I
Term 2: Topics in Community and Preventive Medicine:
Medicine in Society II
Term 3: MODULE: Behavioral Sciences and Medicine

In addition, electives are offered to qualified students by various departments in the Basic Sciences. The School’s curriculum emphasizes the international aspects of medical education by providing students with the opportunity to visit local hospitals and clinics on the island of Grenada. Student participation in community health research projects is also encouraged.

Students must sit the Basic Science Comprehensive Examination I (BSCE I) at the end of their first academic year, and the BSCE II near the completion of the Basic Sciences.