Course Information and Policies

Course Organization

MFM will be presented in three segments:

A. Biomolecules & Genetics
B. Cell Biology and Metabolism
C. Metabolic Integration and Nutrition

Lectures

The Lectures have been designed to provide a systematic, coherent introduction to the essential course content. The course Syllabus and other handouts complement the Lectures and facilitate notetaking. Recommended readings in texts and in materials placed on Blackboard (see Texts link) also complement the Lectures and enrich the learning experience.

Clinical Problems (CP) Sessions

The CP sessions are a case-based, ‘active-learning’ component of the course. These sessions have several purposes: (a) to reinforce key concepts; (b) to foster facility in the application of basic science concepts to clinical problems; (c) to develop greater facility in problem solving, calculating, and applying quantitative reasoning; (d) to introduce additional topics selected for their clinical relevance; and (e) to promote cooperative, active learning in an informal small-group setting.

• All CP sessions will be workshops comprised of about 25 students. For the first part of each session, students will work on assigned cases (in groups of 4-5 students per case). Then members of each group will report on their case to the entire class.
• Attendance is required at small-group CP sessions.
• Material covered in the CP sessions will be included in the exams, with each CP session weighted approximately the same as one Lecture.

Conferences

The Conferences are another active-learning component of MFM. They have several purposes: (a) to reinforce key concepts, with an emphasis on integrating biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics; (b) to develop facility in the critical reading of the biomedical literature; (c) to develop facility in oral presentation using PowerPoint slides; and (d) to promote cooperative, active learning in an informal small-group setting.

• The class will be divided into15 Conference groups of about ten students each. Each group will meet with the same instructor on three occasions: an introductory organizational session and two working sessions.
• Each student will give one 20-minute presentation on assigned papers. After each presentation, there will be a brief discussion. All students are expected to contribute to the discussions.
• Attendance is required at all Conference sessions. Conference participation will account for 50 points (10%) of the course grade.
• Material covered in Conferences will be included in Exam 2, with each Conference session weighted approximately the same as one Lecture.

Optional Review Sessions

Large-group review sessions are scheduled at appropriate intervals throughout the course. These optional sessions may include some structured review of major points followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

In addition to reviews of material presented during the course, two other optional review sessions have been scheduled for the first two days of the course covering Mendelian genetics and college chemistry for students who would like to review these important subjects.

Folders

Each student will have an individual folder that will be used to distribute handouts and similar materials.