Undergraduate Medical Education

Required Preclerkship Core Courses

Year 1 - Fall Quarter

  • Foundations of Human Biology
    School of Medicine Core (SOM C) 220

    This five-week introductory course for first-year medical students covers cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Students will also receive an introduction to human anatomy and histology.

    Holm and faculty

  • Cardiovascular System I
    SOMC 221
    This four-week course begins with the coverage of topics foundational to physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics. The course then focuses on the cardiovascular system, emphasizing normal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Laiken and faculty

  • Pulmonary System I
    SOMC 222

    This three-week course covers the pulmonary system, with an emphasis on normal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Powell and faculty

  • Gastrointestinal System I
    SOMC 223

    This three-week course covers the gastrointestinal system, with an emphasis on normal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Eckman and faculty

  • Clinical Foundations IA
    SOMC 224A

    This 15-week course provides an introduction to the practice of medicine. Techniques of patient communication and physical examination are taught, and material related to professional development introduced. Problem-based learning integrates multiple perspectives, and students participate in a fortnightly ambulatory apprenticeship.

    Goldberg and faculty

Year 1 - Winter Quarter

  • Clinical Foundations IB
    SOMC 224B

    Prerequisite: Completion of SOMC 224A

    This course builds on skills introduced in SOMC 224A. Skills and attitudes of patient communication and physical examination are practiced, and professional development material is introduced. Problem-based learning integrates multiple perspectives, and students participate in a fortnightly ambulatory apprenticeship.

    Cadenhead and faculty

  • Renal System I
    SOMC 225

    This three-week course covers the renal system, focusing on normal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Laiken and faculty

  • Musculoskeletal System I
    SOMC 226

    This two-week course covers the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on normal function. Related anatomy, physiology, histology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Whitehead and faculty

  • Mind, Brain, and Behavior I
    SOMC 227

    This five-week course during year one teaches neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, principles of neurological function and dysfunction, human growth and development, and anatomy, function and dysfunction of head and neck, including eye and ear.

    Kritchevsky and faculty

Year 1 - Spring Quarter

  • Clinical Foundations IC
    SOMC 224C

    Prerequisite: Completion of SOMC 224A and SOMC 224B or consent of instructor

    In this course, students continue to learn patient communication and physical examination, and material related to professional development is introduced. Problem-based learning integrates multiple perspectives, and students participate in a fortnightly ambulatory apprenticeship.

    Kallenberg and faculty

  • Endocrinology, Reproduction, and Metabolism I
    SOMC 229

    This three-week course covers principles and important concepts in the following areas: metabolism, endocrinology, and reproduction. Related biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, histology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.
    Glass, Kingston and faculty

  • Immunology and Hematology
    SOMC 241

    This five-week course covers concepts and principles in immunology and hematology. Related physiology, cell and molecular biology, histology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Reid, Rashidi and faculty

  • Microbiology
    SOMC 242

    This three-week course covers important concepts in microbiology. Related physiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Reed and faculty

Year 2 - Fall Quarter

  • Principles of Clinical Oncology
    SOMC 231

    This two and one-half week course covers the principles of clinical oncology. Topics will include cancer biology and related epidemiology. Clinical cases will be explored, including approaches to treatment and related pharmacology. This course also covers response to injury, with a focus on general/systemic pathology.

    Pilz and faculty

  • Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics
    SOMC 243

    This one and one-half week course covers concepts and key topics in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics.

    Garfein and faculty

  • Musculoskeletal System II
    SOMC 232

    Prerequisite: SOMC 226 or consent of instructor

    This two-week course continues to cover the musculoskeletal system, with a focus on disorders and abnormal function. Related anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology, histology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Whitehead and faculty

  • Gastrointestinal System II
    SOMC 233

    Prerequisite: SOMC 223 or consent of instructor

    This two-week course covers the diseases of the digestive system (gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, etc) with an emphasis on its anatomy, histology, cell and molecular biology, pathology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

    Eckmann and faculty

  • Endocrinology, Reproduction, and Metabolism II
    SOMC 234

    Prerequisite: SOMC 229 or consent of instructor

    This four-week course covers principles and advanced concepts in the following areas: endocrinology, reproduction, and metabolism. Related biochemistry, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology, histology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Chi, Kingston and faculty

  • Cardiovascular System II
    SOMC 235

    Prerequisite: SOMC 221 or consent of instructor

    This three-week course continues to cover the cardiovascular system, with an emphasis on abnormal function. Related anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology, histology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Penny and faculty

  • Clinical Foundations IIA
    SOMC 236A

    In this 15-week course, students continue to learn patient communication and physical examination, and material related to professional development is introduced. Problem-based learning integrates multiple perspectives, and students participate in a fortnightly ambulatory apprenticeship.

    Harrity and faculty

Year 2 - Winter Quarter

  • Clinical Foundations IIB
    SOMC 236B

    Prerequisite: SOMC 236A or consent of instructor

    In this course, students continue to learn patient communication and physical examination, and material related to professional development is introduced. Problem-based learning integrates multiple perspectives, and students participate in a fortnightly ambulatory apprenticeship.

    Goldberg and faculty

  • Mind, Brain, and Behavior II
    SOMC 237

    Prerequisite: SOMC 227 or consent of instructor

    This five-week course during year two covers neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological, otolaryngological, and general head and neck principles, syndromes and disorders. Clinically relevant etiology, pathology, pathophysiology, and therapies are included.

    Kritchevsky and faculty

  • Pulmonary System II
    SOMC 238

    Prerequisite: SOMC 222 or consent of instructor

    This three-week course continues to cover the pulmonary system, with an emphasis on abnormal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, pathology, pathophysiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Powell and faculty

  • Renal System II
    SOMC 239

    Prerequisite: SOMC 225 or consent of instructor

    This two-week course continues to cover the renal system, focusing on abnormal function. Related anatomy, histology, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology will be covered.

    Gabbai and faculty

Year 2 - Spring Quarter

  • Multi-Organ System Disorders
    SOMC 240

    This two-week course covers complex multi-organ system disorders of medical relevance. Related anatomy, histology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, and pharmacology will be covered. This course also includes a review of integrative cases.

    Jassal and faculty

  • Comprehensive Review and Preparation for the USMLE Step 1
    SOMC 244

    Independent study and review for the United States Medical Licensing Step 1 Exam, which is a UCSD School of Medicine requirement.

    Mandel and faculty

Section 'Sub' Navigation:

Back to Top

Page 'Breadcrumb' Navigation:

Back to Top