Integrated Medical Curriculum

The Integrated Medical School Curriculum (IMC) in the first and second years integrates the basic sciences with clinical case discussions and emphasizes self-directed and small group case-based learning as well as interpersonal and communication skills.

Case studies emphasize common medical conditions which illustrate important scientific principles.

Gross Human Anatomy (PAS 500), given in the first semester, and the four-semester Clinical Practice of Medicine sequence (IDM-520/521 and IDM-620/621) are taught in a more traditional format.

Course Descriptions

  • IMC 500 Medicine and Society, 2 credits
    11/20/20
    This foundation course exposes first-year medical students to issues regarding the role of the physician in society, followed by issues in the prevention of disease in a population.
  • IMC 502 Fundamentals 1: Molecules, Cells and Molecular Genetics, 8 credits
    9/1/21
    This foundation module covers fundamental concepts about the structures and functions of proteins, genes and membranes along with basic principles of signal transduction in response to hormones and factors which control growth and differentiation.
  • IMC 504 Fundamentals 2: Metabolism, Human Genetics and Principles of Pharmacology, 10 credits
    6/21/17
    This foundation block addresses basic issues of metabolism, human genetics and pharmacology, emphasizing their importance in health and disease.
  • IMC 510 Integrated Study of the Gastrointestinal System
    3/27/19
    This required system based block integrates the basic sciences into the study of the gastrointestinal system in both health and disease.
  • IMC 512 Integrated Study of the Urinary Tract and Renal System, 6 credits
    1/23/20
    This required system based block integrates the basic sciences into a study of the urinary tract and renal system in both health and disease.
  • IMC 514 Integrated Study of the Musculoskeletal System and Integument, 4 credits
    11/20/20
    This required system-based block integrates the basic sciences into a study of the musculoskeletal system and integument in both health and disease.
  • IMC 516 Host Defenses and Hematology, 5 credits
    3/27/19
    This required course in hematology and host defenses integrates the basic science knowledge of the blood and hematopoetic systems with basic concepts of immunology, pathology and microbiology.
  • IMC 560 Medical Students as Co-Agents of Change in Health Systems, 2 credits
    11/1/23
    This elective experience is designed to empower medical students to be co-agents of change in the health system. By participating in this elective, students will be active members of interprofessional teams in the health care system examining key elements of health systems science in daily practice and contribute to improvements in quality and safety.
  • IMC 565 Asylum Medicine, 3 credits
    4/20/23
    The goal of this elective is to provide an encompassing experience in advocacy and medical legal partnerships created to support individuals seeking asylum in the United States.
  • IMC 602 The Human Cardiovascular System, 8 credits
    6/12/18
    This course provides instruction into the mechanisms of operation of the human cardiovascular system.
  • IMC 604 Lung and Respiration, 8 credits
    6/12/18
    This required system‑based block integrates the basic sciences into a study of the pulmonary system in both health and disease.
  • IMC 606/610 Neuroscience and Behavior, 12 credits
    3/27/19
    This required system based block integrates the basic sciences into a study of neuroscience and behavior in both health and disease.
  • IMC 612 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems, 10 credits
    3/7/22
    This required system based block integrates the basic sciences into a study of the endocrine and reproductive systems in both health and disease.
  • IMC 631 USMLE Step 1 Dedicated Study, 6 credits
    10/29/20
    This required seminar and dedicated study period (DSP), students will be provided workshops and resources to assist in their USMLE Step 1 preparation.
  • IMC 815 Biomedical Informatics, 4 credits
    6/6/23
    This elective course teaches students clinical informatics. They will work on patient safety issues and quality. They will participate in the EHR committees and the implementation and maintenance of clinical systems. They will have a supervised project which will lead to an abstract for publication and in some cases national presentation.