Medical Sciences Curriculum: Courses, Basic Sciences, and More

Curriculum Timeline

Years 1-2: Medical Sciences

Sint Maarten or UK

You’ll follow a U.S.-based medical curriculum and get early access to clinical sciences.

Years 3-4: Clinical & Elective Rotations

US/UK Affiliated Hospitals

Year 4+: Graduation & Residency

At Any Hospital

Semester 1

Early exposure to clinical scenarios ensures students develop a strong foundation in patient care and practical skills.

Documenting clinical encounters on the Learning Space platform.
Assessments through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Introduction to ultrasound training with simulators, progressing to standardized patient practice using the Butterfly probe.
Participation in simulated "morning rounds" led by faculty and supported by high-fidelity manikins, providing a hands-on, team-based clinical experience.

Additional Course Information

Molecules to Medicine (MTM) Part A

10 Credit Hours

MTM Part A serves as Foundations to Medicine, introducing students to the essential concepts that underpin their future clinical training. The module emphasizes molecular and cellular biology, including DNA and RNA function, protein synthesis, cell structure and communication, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying human disease.

In addition, students study embryologic development and basic histology, gaining an understanding of the origins and microscopic structure of human tissues. To bridge science with practice, the module also introduces early clinical medicine through training in history-taking, patient note documentation, and the development of foundational clinical reasoning skills.

By the end of MTM Part A, students will have a strong grounding in the biological sciences and an early appreciation of how this knowledge is applied within a clinical context.

Molecules to Medicine (MTM) Part B

10 Credit Hours

MTM Part B serves as an Introduction to Organ Systems, preparing students for deeper engagement with biomedical and clinical sciences. Students study the introductory anatomy of the major organ systems, which provides the structural framework necessary to begin developing clinical skills in physical examination techniques and ultrasound. In parallel, they engage with topics in medical ethics and professional responsibility, fostering accountability and integrity in clinical practice.

This module also introduces the core principles of biostatistics, research methodology, and evidence-based medicine, enabling students to critically interpret and apply medical literature. A central focus is the study of key biomedical disciplines—including pharmacology, pathology, physiology, radiology, and microbiology—which provide a conceptual foundation for understanding disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, and the body’s responses to illness.

By the end of MTM Part B, students will have an integrated understanding of organ systems and their biomedical sciences, supported by essential clinical, research, and professional skills to prepare them for advanced coursework and future clinical immersion.

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Semester 2

Integrated case discussions and clinical scenarios further enhance problem-solving abilities through collaboration, teamwork, and the practical application of medical knowledge.

Participation in interdisciplinary morning rounds alongside healthcare team members, such as physician assistants and nurses, in simulated emergency settings.
Performing physical exams, ordering lab tests and imaging, and proposing differential diagnoses and management plans.
Engaging in hands-on interventions like administering oxygen, fluids, or antibiotics during clinical scenarios.

Hematology, Oncology, Attack and Defense

10 Credit Hours

The Hematology, Oncology, Attack and Defense module offers an in-depth exploration of normal and abnormal blood physiology, hematologic oncology, pharmacology, histology, embryology, pathology, immunology, and microbiology. Students will examine clinical aspects of anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, bleeding disorders, immunologic disorders, and neoplasms, along with a discussion of various abnormalities of the blood and immune systems. This module also incorporates topics such as pharmacology, imaging, public health, psychosocial aspects of illness, ethics, and health care transformation.

Through clinically integrated problem-solving, students refine analytical thinking and develop skills in focused history-taking and documentation. Using case-based learning, they analyze patient histories, physical exams, laboratory results, and imaging to establish differential diagnoses and propose management plans. Team-based and interprofessional education is emphasized during simulated morning rounds, fostering collaboration and enhancing clinical decision-making skills.

Musculoskeletal and Dermatology

10 Credit Hours

The Musculoskeletal and Dermatology module focuses on the comprehensive study of the skin and musculoskeletal systems. Students will develop both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills through lectures, online learning modules, and clinical workshops, gaining expertise in key concepts and practices within the fields of musculoskeletal medicine and dermatology.

This module emphasizes the application of objective, data-driven evaluation skills in analyzing scientific and clinical data, particularly from medical literature and case studies. Students will learn to perform detailed examinations of the skin and musculoskeletal system, diagnose common sports injuries, and utilize special tests and imaging studies to guide clinical decision-making. Interviewing techniques are honed to identify musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions effectively, and patient note-taking is practiced to enhance documentation skills.

Semester 3-5

Students continue to enhance their skills in history-taking, physical examinations, clinical reasoning, and oral case presentations. They also learn to develop comprehensive problem lists, assessments, and management plans.

Continued participation in morning rounds, Harvey (a high-fidelity cardiopulmonary patient simulator) lab sessions, and advanced ultrasound training.
Mastery of techniques like Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exams and abdominal, thyroid, and cardiac ultrasound.
Regular multi-station OSCE assessments conducted each semester to evaluate progress.

Integrated Approach

A Modern Approach to Medical Sciences

Our curriculum provides a modern, integrated foundation that not only prepares students for success in exams, but also equips you to excel in their clinical years and future roles as compassionate, knowledgeable physicians.

Question for Admissions

Clinical Skills & Reasoning

From the start, you’ll be introduced to clinical skills and reasoning, ensuring a smooth transition to your clinical rotations.

Physical Diagnosis: History-taking, physical exams, lab work, imaging, and patient management.

Case Discussions: “Connect to Clinical” sessions link SXM students with peers in U.S. & U.K. rotations.

IMPACTS Program: A holistic view of healthcare woven throughout the curriculum.

Innovative Learning Tools

Online Learning Modules (OLM): Pre-recorded lecture materials paired with live Q&A sessions help students assess their mastery of the material.

Active Learning Formats: Team-Based Learning (TBL), Collaborative TBL (CTBL), and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in small and large group settings foster engagement and critical thinking, preparing students for clinical practice and lifelong learning.

Additional Resources

Access to multiple Q banks and other learning platforms to enhance preparation and knowledge retention.
Online library containing all essential textbooks.

USMLE Step 1

A Clear Path to Passing

Passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam® Step 1 is a key milestone in your medical education. AUC’s curriculum builds the knowledge, test-taking skills, and confidence you need to excel. All students must pass Step 1 upon completing the medical sciences curriculum before advancing to clinical rotations.

AUC students’ first-time pass rate pass rate has been higher than other international schools for 5 straight years.*

How to Prepare

*First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students who attempted it for the first time. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum.

Clinical Rotations

Connecting Foundational Learning to Clinical Training

What you learn during Years 1–2 becomes the foundation you’ll draw on daily during your clinical rotations in Years 3–4. Your success in Step 1 opens the door to hands-on training at AUC’s affiliated sites in the U.S. and U.K., where you’ll refine your diagnostic skills, build clinical confidence, and prepare for residency applications.

See Clinical Rotations