Basic Science Curriculum

for both 5^1/2 and 4 years MD Program

The Basic Sciences program at Vanguard University School of Medicine (VUSOM) spans five semesters, covering both pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects. Our problem-based learning approach integrates comprehensive USMLE preparation throughout the program, ensuring students develop a strong foundation for success.
To enhance their readiness for USMLE and medical practice in the U.S., students are encouraged to take NBME practice exams, which closely reflect USMLE standards. By combining MD coursework with rigorous USMLE training, students maximize their preparation and improve their chances of achieving high scores on their first attempt.

SEMESTER - I

Anatomy-I

This course is taught into two semesters MD1 & 2 using regional approach to teaching anatomy. During the first Basic Medical Sciences semester (MD 1) thorax, abdomen, pelvis, Upper and Lower Limbs are completed. Within each section, the students are given lectures on human gross anatomy (and embryology wherever relevant), three-dimensional relationships and the anatomical variation.

Embryology

This course will introduce embryological development and will enable students to understand the development of the foetus during intrauterine life. It will also impart the knowledge with respect to the development of various human systems and developmental anomalies with its applications in medical research.

Biochemistry-I

This course explores the study of the chemical processes and constituents of life. Students must have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry at least to the level of CAPE with good appreciation of organic chemistry and plant and animal cell structures. This course is a good asset to Biochemistry II as it provides the background chemical information for biological processes involved in health assessment.

Physiology-I

The course in Physiology is divided in two semesters. The purpose of the course is to provide an understanding of the functioning of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems in a healthy individual. Furthermore, the course lays the basis for establishing a diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

This course is designed to introduce students to basic epidemiological and biostatistical principles and concepts. Key areas include methods of epidemiological investigation, study designs for investigating associations between risk factors and disease outcomes, summarizing and displaying data, measures of prevention and evaluation of screening tests.

Physical Diagnosis-I

This course will concentrate on building the skills necessary for performing focused medical interviews and physical examinations. A combination of lectures, discussions and skills labs will be used to present and practice the necessary concepts and skills. This course will teach students the skills necessary to obtain and document a comprehensive medical history and to perform and document a complete physical examination. Students will also develop the necessary skills to proficiently and comfortably handle medical equipment and instruments.

SEMESTER - II

Anatomy-II

In furtherance of the course covered during MD 1 the second half includes detailed anatomy of the head, neck and brain. The students are lectured on gross human anatomy (and embryology wherever relevant), three-dimensional relationships with their anatomic variations and relevant clinical correlations. The students also participate in team-based learning and small-group activities.

Biochemistry-II

This course provides the background chemical information for biological processes used during health assessment. Students will be taught along with practical exposure which will reinforce their knowledge to understand processes in health and deviation from normal in disease.

Physiology-II

This course provides the knowledge to appreciate the normal workings of the human body and the deviation from normal in disease state. The subject also teaches the students to advise various laboratory and imaging tests in order to understand the disease. The mechanism of action of pharmacological agents prescribed for the management of disease is also an essential part of the course.

Behavioral Science

This course considers the changing behavioral pattern throughout the life of an individual, focusing on development in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. The primary factors affecting behavioral patterns are biological, psychological, cultural, environmental and social. This course focuses primarily on the biological and psychological factors. It addresses a wide range of subjects including aggression, drug abuse, psychiatric disorders and sexuality, among others.

Physical Diagnosis-II

This course continues with the teaching of the concepts and skills for patient interaction that have been taught in the previous semester, thereby making the students more confident.

SEMESTER - III

Pathology-I

Medical Pathology I course is aimed at providing students with a general knowledge of the mechanisms and causes of diseases, in order to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural history and clinical manifestations of diseases. The General Pathology segment deals with how tissues respond to injury, ischemia, cell death and inflammation. It explores the phenomenon of hemodynamic dysfunction with special emphasis on thromboembolic processes. It also deals with the response to infections, environmental pollutants and disease states related to abnormal immune responses. Mechanisms of tumor development and how tumors spread are studied under "neoplasia". The understanding of these fundamental topics paves the way for grasping the concepts of Systemic Pathology that are covered in Medical Pathology II.

Pharmacology-I

The course has been designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of Pharmacology, with emphasis on its role in clinical practice. It provides students with a strong background in basic components of clinical pharmacology. Different groups of drugs along with their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics are taught in detail. Based on the recent advancements in pharmacology, we emphasize the study of molecular pharmacology, molecular biomarkers, stem cell therapy, molecular signaling, molecular imaging, nano-pharmacology and pharmacogenomics in this training course for our students.

Microbiology and Immunology-I

This course is covered in two parts. In Part I, students will be introduced to the immune system and the specific classes of bacteria and viruses. Details will be given with respect to the aseptic techniques employed to assist in the identification of the individual microbe. Lectures, seminars and presentations are an essential part of the curriculum.

Medical and Legal Ethics

This course explores the various situations that medical graduates may face in clinical practice. It ensures that they are knowledgeable about the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, justice and nonmaleficence which every physician must uphold. The course also highlights key areas such as physician-patient communication, physician misconduct, advanced directives, confidentiality, organ donation and reportable illnesses, among others.

Physical Diagnosis-III

This course continues with the teaching of the concepts and skills for patient interaction that have been taught in the previous semester, thereby making the students more confident.

SEMESTER - IV

Pathology-II

This part of medical pathology focuses on Systemic Pathology. It involves similar principles to that of Medical Pathology I but applied in detail to individual organ systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and so forth. In addition, students are taught to correlate gross and microscopic changes as well as interpret various laboratory tests for the disease. Overall this course provides an understanding in tandem with pharmacology and introduction to clinical medicine in an integrated fashion. Case studies, multiple choice sessions and problem-based learning are used to solidify concepts taught during the didactic lectures.

Pharmacology-II

The central goal of the Pharmacology and Therapeutics course is two-fold. First, to provide students with a solid grounding in the basic concepts and scientific underpinnings of Pharmacology. Second, to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental Pharmacology and uses of the major classes of clinically important drugs currently used in medical practice.

Microbiology and Immunology-II

Microbiology and Immunology II is the second part of a two course package aimed at introducing the student to the field of Medical Microbiology. In this course the fields of virology, mycology and parasitology are explored. Students will be introduced to the taxonomy, morphology and pathogenesis of selected microbes, fungi and parasites of human importance. Areas which will be highlighted include the general characteristics of the groups being studied, life cycle, the ecological conditions which would affect when and how transmission occurs, host response to invasion and the adaptations to avoid the host defenses, tests and an introduction to the measures taken to reduce and prevent the spread of infection. Laboratory exercises will focus primarily on identification of organisms encountered in virology, mycology and parasitology.

Nutrition

This course reviews the metabolism of the various components of food and energy production. Changes in dietary needs with age and health, disorders associated with nutrition and enteral/parenteral nutrition are also taught. At the end of this course students can appreciate the importance of nutrition in clinical practice and understand how to assess a patient’s diet and assist in designing a meal with regards to specific health concerns.

Physical Diagnosis-IV

This course continues with the teaching of the concepts and skills for patient interaction that have been taught in the previous semester, thereby making the students more confident.

SEMESTER - V

Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine (AICM)

This course is designed to prepare students for clinical rotations that begin prior to or post their USMLE Step-1 exams. For optimum learning the advanced ICM course goes hand in hand with the USMLE preparation course. This course will introduce the key concepts in diagnosing the most common diseases which the students have learnt about during their preparation course sessions.

USMLE Review

This course highlights the fundamental concepts and techniques needed for students to be successful in their USMLE step 1 exam. Students will develop a critical perspective on the way they learn. They will become aware of their strong points and their limitations and in time develop skills to learn the materials they are deficient in. Here we work to improve the students' study habit by using different approaches to enhance memory/recall.