MEDPREP Curriculum

Curriculum

MEDPREP students complete a rigorous academic program consisting of required and elective courses taught by MEDPREP faculty, in conjunction with supplementary upper-division science courses offered by other departments on the SIUC campus. Each student’s program is uniquely designed in consultation with a MEDPREP advisor to prepare the student for medical, dental or PA school matriculation.

Students in the optional master's degree programs will take graduate level coursework to satisfy master’s program requirements.

• Information for MBS-MP (MEDPREP with concurrent Master of Biological Sciences Degree)

First year curriculum

Summer boot camp: 
Six-week block-scheduled classes in biology, chemistry, quantitative reasoning and research approaches, psychology/sociology, and approaches to medical study (Academic Enrichment).  [6 credits]

Fall and spring semesters: 
MEDPREP courses in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics and quantitative reasoning, psychology/sociology, CARS critical analysis and reading skills (CARS) and academic enrichment. Students also participate in several professional development and program seminars, and take additional courses outside of MEDPREP for the traditional program or master’s degree. 

Second year curriculum
 

Summer: 
Summer coursework at the start of the second year is not required for traditional students, although students may choose to take classes in their second summer. MEDPREP students typically take their MCAT/DAT examination in May and complete their medical school application by mid-summer.

Fall and spring semesters: 
Second-year students work with their advisor to design a course sequence that best prepares them for medical school, as they complete interviews and other aspects of the medical school admission process. Master’s degree students complete required degree courses and projects. Students typically take courses in physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, immunology and pharmacology. 
 

Core MEDPREP Courses

MEDP 400A – Orientation
(1 credit hour, Fall Semester)
This course is designed to examine the factors related to the medical and dental school admissions process. The course focuses on the mechanics of applying to medical or dental school, understanding the admissions criteria, self-assessment as a medical school applicant, and preparation for becoming a competitive applicant. Through class discussions, written and oral assignments, and guest lectures, the student develops a comprehensive understanding of the professional school admissions process.

MEDP 400B – Medical Seminar
(1 credit hour, Spring Semester)
A continuation of MEDP 400A, this course further prepares students for admission to medical or dental schools. Self-exploration of career goals, and writing for the admissions process, are emphasized.  

MEDP 401A – Academic Enrichment
(1 credit hour, Summer Semester; 1 credit hour, Fall Semester Year 1)
Course focuses on developing skills that will provide a foundation for successful learning in medical/dental school and as a health care provider.  Topics include student evaluation of their own learning styles; strategies and techniques for a higher level of learning and testing; organized and active approaches to learning; stress and text anxiety management.

MEDP 401E – Convocation (traditional students) / MEDP 501E Colloquium (graduate students)
(1 credit hour, Fall and Spring Semesters, P/F or S/U, Year 1 and 2)
Convocation and colloquium are designed to give MEDPREP students opportunities to hear speakers address a variety of topics that will enhance their experience as professionals-in-training. Speakers include physicians, medical researchers, or other professionals involved in medical training, social justice, etc.

MEDP 401B – Prematriculation
(1 credit hour, Fall Semester Year 2)
Continuing professional development course for second-year MEDPREP students. This course includes problem-solving activities, guest speakers, focus groups, and opportunities for self-reflection and career development as students prepare for professional school matriculation.

MEDP 401I – Career Development
(1 credit hour, Summer Semester Year 1, P/F and S/U)
Professional development activities for the incoming MEDPREP student. This course includes problem-solving activities, guest speakers, focus groups, and opportunities for self-reflection and career development.

Required Courses

MEDP 401C/501C – Quantitative Skills/Quantitative and Analytical Reasoning
(1 credit hour, Summer, Spring)
These courses emphasizes strong understanding of basic mathematical and statistical principles for the health sciences. Topics covered include mathematical operations, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, logarithms, graphical analysis, SI system of measurement, probability and statistical reasoning. Emphasis is placed on estimation and mathematics without calculators. Master degree students enroll in the 501C course and complete additional requirements. (These are continuation courses, taught over two academic terms).

MEDP 401G, 401H – Critical Analysis and Reading Skills II-III
(2 credit hours, Fall and Spring Semesters)
This course is designed to assist students in developing professional reading and analytical skills. Course focuses on developing higher-level critical reading, strengthening writing in terms of language and organization, developing flexibility in test-taking strategies, building vocabulary, and increasing literary schema.

MEDP 402A – Behavioral and Social Science Applications
(1 credit hour, Summer Semester; 2 credit hours, Fall and Spring Semesters)
The behavioral and social science application course is an introductory overview of psychology and sociology for students entering the health professions. The course will examine factors that influence human behavior, including socio-cultural factors, environmental and behavioral factors, human emotions, and individual and group dynamics. (This is a continuation course, taught over three academic terms.)

MEDP 403G – Biology Applications/ 503G Biological Systems and Processes
(1 credit hour, Summer Semester; 3 credit hours, Fall; 2 credit hours Spring)
Biology Applications covers foundational biology topics for students entering the health professions. Emphasis is placed on improving problem-solving skills and strong understanding of foundational biological and biochemical principles. Course topics include human physiological systems, and principles of cell and molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and evolution. Master degree students enroll in the 503G course and complete additional requirements. (These are continuation courses, taught over three academic terms.)

MEDP 404A – Inorganic Chemistry Applications/504A Chemical Systems and Processes
(1 credit hour, Summer Semester; 2 credit hours, Fall Semester)
Inorganic Chemistry Applications is a review of general chemistry with an emphasis on problem solving. The course provides a solid foundation for the general chemistry topics needed by students entering the health professions: electronic structure and the periodic table, bonding, phases and equilibria, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, solution chemistry, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and atomic and nuclear structure. Master degree students enroll in the 504A course and complete additional requirements. (These are continuation courses taught over two academic terms.)

MEDP 404C – Organic Chemistry Applications/504C Organic Chemistry Systems and Processes
(2 credit hours, Spring Semester)
Organic Chemistry Applications is a review of organic chemistry with an emphasis on problem solving. The course provides a solid foundation for the organic chemistry topics needed by students entering the health professions: covalent bonds, molecular structure and spectra, separations and purifications, hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing compounds, amines, and biological molecules. Master degree students enroll in the 504C course and complete additional requirements.

MEDP 405A – Physics Applications: Biophysics
(1 credit hour, Fall Semester; 1 credit hour, Spring semester)
Physics Applications is an overview of physics topics that are biologically relevant, providing students with knowledge of principles of physics as they applies to the study of the human body, as well as medical technology. Mathematical estimation and test-taking techniques are also emphasized. 

Elective (Second-year) Courses

MEDP 401D/501D – Problem Based Learning
(3 credit hours, Spring Semester, P/F [401D, graded [501D])
Problem Based Learning (PBL) focuses on skills required for success in a problem-based learning professional school curriculum. Using a student-centered learning model, faculty tutors guide students through simulated patient cases to build both thinking strategies and foundational knowledge. Limited enrollment; permission of the PBL course supervisor is required. Master's students take the 501D course and are subject to additional course requirements.

MEDP 404E/504E - Medical Biochemistry
(3 credit hours, Fall Semester)
This course, which may be taken at the graduate or undergraduate level, serves as an introduction to biochemistry as presented in the medical school curriculum, and is taught at the graduate level. Emphasis is placed on application of basic principles of biochemistry to human physiology and disease. Topics include fuel metabolism, molecular biology techniques in medicine, protein metabolism and the urea cycle, enzyme kinetics, blood cell metabolism, and ethanol metabolism and toxicity. Master's students take the 504E course and are subject to additional course requirements.