Foundations of Medicine I

Enrollment is limited to MD candidates. Foundations of Medicine I provides an integrated introduction to the molecular, cellular, genetic, biochemical, immunologic, microbiologic, and pharmacologic principles that underpin human health and disease. Students examine the biochemical basis of metabolism, including vitamins, cofactors, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides, alongside the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, gene expression, genomics, and protein function. The course explores innate and adaptive immunity and their roles in infectious, autoimmune, allergic, neoplastic, and immunodeficiency disorders, as well as transplantation and immunotherapy. Students also study the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in the context of infectious diseases and learn foundational pharmacologic principles, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of antimicrobial action and resistance, and therapeutic applications. Clinical cases, patient presentations, primary literature, and problem-based learning activities are used throughout the course to connect foundational science concepts to medical practice.