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Basic science is a crucial part of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program as it lays the foundations for clinical medicine, residency, and the career ahead. Lasting for about five semesters, basic science is all about understanding and learning the basic medical terms and procedures through lectures and tutorials.
The basic science curriculum is also designed to introduce students to the world of medical science and prepare them for what follows. The program is structured in such a way that it will help you successfully attend the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step one with adequate preparation and confidence.
Basic science is a wide area that requires a lot of attention. Let’s learn more about this period of medical education here.
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What is basic science?
Basic science is the first step to building your career as a doctor. As students might be coming from various educational backgrounds with little academic knowledge in science subjects, basic science teaches you the basic to advanced levels of science subjects. The five semesters as a basic science student help you learn the various aspects of the human body, diseases, diagnosis, and treatment.
In short, basic science is a theoretical approach to learning medicine and incorporates various lectures and tutorials to guide the student to an understanding of medical concepts which they can use in their clinical rotations to gain practical experience.
What is a basic science curriculum?
Basic science lessons start from semester one and conclude by semester five of the MD program. By this time, you will learn the basic medical concepts and clinical skills to be applied during the clinical rotations and in the career ahead.
The five basic science semesters will teach you about human body structure and its functions, histology and physiology, metabolism and nutrition, genetics and development, infections, defense, and response, neuroscience, and systems, and diseases.
More importantly, you will develop the clinical skills necessary for your career as well as understand the values of medical ethics, and professionalism.
Why is basic science important in the MD program?
As discussed, basic science introduces you to the world of the human body, diseases, and medicine which acts as the foundation throughout your journey as a doctor. These lessons are invaluable and support your choices in elective rotation and residency. Going further without a strong base is useless which is why basic science is an integral part of your MD program. The lessons you learn and the values you acquire during this period can help you navigate through your medical education and career smoothly.
Besides these, a strong grasp of basic science lessons will help you pass the USMLE Step one examination without much difficulty. This examination is significant in your career ahead as a doctor and the basic science lectures can prepare you for attending this examination with ease and confidence in your skills.
If you are interested in applying to an MD program, check the admissions requirements at your preferred university and apply today.
