Biomedical Science | Clinical Science | International Students | Public Lectures
First-Year Biomedical Science (FBS) Curriculum
Seattle Mini Medical School’s curriculum is designed for students serious about pursuing a career in medicine or healthcare professions. FBS is a shortened, simplified version of the first two-year pre-clinical medical school curriculum. Courses include lectures, seminars, webinars, workshops, hands-on labs, note-taking, scientific reading, writing, and presentations. Writing involves personal reflections, case studies, journal entries, and descriptive narratives.
Human Anatomy
Course Code: 03054 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
The Human Anatomy course presents the gross structure and function of the human body using models, multimedia, radiology, and cadaver simulation. The course includes embryology and 3D anatomy visualization. Students gain a three-dimensional understanding of structural relationships, selected birth defects, and anatomical variants. Course materials include a syllabus with self-study questions, a companion website, CD-ROM animations, and supplementary textbooks.
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to describe basic principles of embryology and general anatomical concepts, develop a broad understanding of structural organization at the macroscopic level, develop a foundation for physical examination and functional assessment, describe the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities and their viscera, describe the three-dimensional interrelationships and general principles of blood and nerve supply, describe the gross anatomy of skull, head, and neck, and provide the anatomical basis for cross-sectional and 3D digital imaging.
Biochemistry
Course Code: 03059 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Medical Biochemistry introduces molecular biology and biochemistry as applied to medicine. The course covers proteins, nucleic acids, metabolism, and related disease mechanisms. Students explore amino acids, nucleic acids, metabolic pathways, and the biochemical basis of disease including diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to solve problems in diagnosis and treatment of disease using biochemical principles, use scientific literature for problem-solving, define and contrast functions of genes and macromolecules, define systemic metabolic biochemistry, deduce therapeutic mechanisms, interpret new medical discoveries, and explain the molecular basis of diseases affecting cellular function or development.
Cell Biology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Biology of Cells and Tissues introduces the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems as observed at the light microscopy level. Students learn structure-function relationships and how cellular or tissue dysfunction leads to disease.
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to recognize cell components, explain correlations between structure and function, predict dysfunction outcomes, identify tissue components, explain tissue organization, predict effects of dysfunction, describe organ tissue composition, understand organ function, use microscopy, practice problem-solving, communicate with peers, and participate in team exercises.
Genetics
Course Code: 03059 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Medical Genetics introduces human genetics and its application to clinical medicine. Topics include chromosome abnormalities, inheritance patterns, metabolic disorders, gene mapping, cancer genetics, pharmacogenetics, gene therapy, genetic counseling, ethical decision-making, and diagnostic techniques.
At the conclusion of this course, students should understand gene organization and function, mutations, inheritance patterns, chromosomal anomalies, gene mapping, multifactorial traits, genetics in disease and cancer, diagnostic techniques, prenatal diagnosis, treatment approaches, pedigree construction, and professional attitudes including sympathy, non-judgment, and lifelong self-motivation.
Immunology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Fundamentals of Immunology introduces the immune system, its cells, molecules, interactions, pathogen recognition, vaccines, autoimmunity, transplantation, tumor immunity, and clinical interventions.
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to describe immune cells, products, and responses, explain T and B cell interactions, compare innate and adaptive immunity, explain hypersensitivity, transplantation, and tumor immunity, understand immunodeficiencies and therapies, perform immune-based diagnostics, function as a team member, and present disease information.
Virology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Virology covers virus structure, replication, pathogenesis, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
At the conclusion of this course, students should recognize virus structure, replication strategies, pathogenesis, spread, epidemic patterns, immune response, vaccination, antiviral strategies, tumor virus interactions, experimental design, and systematic problem-solving in virology.
Neuroscience
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Medical neuroscience introduces neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, and clinical neurology through team-based learning and labs.
At the conclusion of this course, students should define nervous system terminology, explain cellular/molecular mechanisms, identify brain structures, describe blood supply, development, CSF flow, sensory and motor pathways, cognitive functions, integrate neuroendocrine and autonomic control, use lab techniques, demonstrate problem-solving, communicate neuroscience concepts, and contribute constructively in team settings.
Microbiology & Infectious Disease
Course Code: 03060 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Covers bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogenesis, immunity, epidemiology, control measures, chemotherapy, sterilization, asepsis, and nosocomial infections.
At the conclusion of this course, students should compare microorganisms, describe structure, growth, genetics, life cycles, mechanisms of pathogenesis, diagnostics, therapy, and prevention.
Pharmacology
Course Code: 14253 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Medical Pharmacology introduces pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, drug classes, clinical correlations, and adverse effects.
At the conclusion of this course, students should understand absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, drug-receptor interactions, drug effects, interactions, clinical indications, contraindications, and implications of the placebo effect.
Medical Seminar
Course Code: 22106 | Grade: 7–12 | Credits: 0.5–1
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Seminars provide opportunities for small group investigation, research, presentation, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and college/career exploration.
Scientific Research & Design
Course Code: 03212 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5–5
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Students design and complete scientific projects using inquiry and experimentation, emphasizing safety, protocols, variable control, data analysis, and presentation of results.
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