Masters in Medical Science with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Medical Science (IMS)

The Interdisciplinary Medical Science degree (IMS) is designed to provide qualified students with advanced training in the science basic to the practice of medicine. Students successfully completing the program willhave a foundation that fosters opportunities in the private sector, teaching, or the pursuit of further advance degrees. A primary goal of this concentration is to provide promising medical school applicants an opportunity to develp the knowledge, skills and attitudes that would enable them to have a career in the medical sciences. This concentration creates a unique opportunity for students interested in graduate work with a broad medical base. Students will take courses that, while not identical to the first year of medical school will provide the same level of depth, breadth and intensity, allowing successful participants to demonstrate their readiness for the rigors of a medical school curriculum. Alternatively, appropriate selection of elective courses will allow any student who completes the program to tailor their educational experience to best suit their future plans and aspirations.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates for the IMS degree are students who do not meet the University of South Florida, College of Medicine admissions requirements. Ideally, candidates will meet the following requirements.

• GPA: 3.0
• MCAT: 22
• Completed 1 year of the following undergraduate coursework:
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • General Biology
  • General Physics

Please note that GRE scores will not be accepted. You must take the MCAT

Curriculum

Classes begin July 7, 2008. Below is an overview of the IMS curriculum.

IMS Curriculum

• Summer Courses:
  • Medical Science Learning Skills
  • Basic Prinicples in Ethics
• Fall Courses:
  • Molecular Medicine Section
• Spring Courses:
  • Human Anatomy Section 1
  • Core Physiology
• Elective Tracks:
  • Students must select a minimum of two courses within one of the following elective tracks:
    • Medical Track:
      • Neuroscience
      • Behavioral Medicine
    • Research Track:
      • Foundations of Clinical Research for Health Professionals.
      • Biostatics
      • Epidemiology
    • Pharmacology Track:
      • Principles of Pharmacology and Thearpeutics
      • Neuropharmacology
      • Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals

Total Hours: 35-39 (29 required credit hours plus 6-10 elective credit hours)

Medical Science Learning Skills (Summer 2008)

This course has 2 essential components that are integrated and applied in a case-based, small group learning curriculum.

Case-based Learning- Patient oriented cases are presented to the student small groups. Students will be required to identify, research and share learning issues necessary to solve the case. The cases are designed to encompass information from all the basic science disciplines involved in the first two years of the medical school curriculum. At the conclusion of each case an exam will be given that reflects the style, format, and level of difficulty that can be anticipated in the first two academic years.

Skill Assessment and Development - Each student will be evaluated for learning style, reading skills, test taking skills, etc. Based on this assessment, an individualized plan will be developed to improve and enhance these essential learning skills. The application and practice of these skills will be integrated with the case-based learning component. Additional practice and improvement will be provided through laboratory exercises.

IMS Application Process:

The application process is now closed. The selection committee has decided NOT to interview applicants for the incoming class. The current applicants will be notified by April 15,2008 of their acceptance into the program. The application process will re-open October 2008!

The Office of Student Diversity and Enrichment
Promoting Student Diversity and Cultural Acceptance
Seema Rampersad
Email: srampers@hsc.usf.edu
Website: http://hsc.usf.edu/medicine/osde/