Sequence of Courses

Go To: First Year | Second Year | Third and Fourth Year 

D.O. Course of Study: Class of 2008

Overview

Please note: the length, distribution and sequencing of courses and clerkships are subject to change from what is listed. The most current clerkship information is available in the Office of Clinical Affairs.

First Year
Semesters 1 and 2 include about 80 percent basic science and 20 percent clinical science instruction, and are devoted to learning the preclinical sciences in the context of a patient's clinical problems. The first 6 weeks cover basic knowledge in cellular science, preventative medicine, information science, osteopathic manipulative medicine and clinical medicine. Students then move through a sequence of seven organ system courses, in which the content of the basic sciences is organized around normal human structure, functions and clinical problems affecting the organ system. The final course in the first year curriculum is an intensive study of the mechanisms of disease.

Note: SCH refers to semester credit hours

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Second Year

Semesters 3 and 4 are about 80 percent clinical science and 20 percent basic science instruction, and are devoted to learning the clinical sciences and their ties to basic science. This time the focus is on abnormal structure and functions in each of the organ systems.

Note: SCH refers to semester credit hours

The required Comprehensive Basic Science Examination is administered during Semester 4. A three week block is used to prepare for the national board examination.

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Third and Fourth Year
The next 23 months consist of clerkship rotations and preceptorship assignments. Each student rotates through a series of core clinical clerkships. These clinical rotations are scheduled in TCOM teaching hospitals, TCOM clinics and physicians' offices in or near the Fort Worth/Dallas area. The remaining time is spent in elective clerkships.

Please note: the length, distribution and sequencing of courses and clerkships are subject to change from what is listed in this catalog. The most current clerkship information is available in the Office of Clinical Affairs.

Semester 8 is a two-week period of on-campus instruction that includes clinical and classroom activities that are designed to round out each student's preparation for graduation.

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