Preclinical Sciences Curriculum

The Preclinical Sciences program is designed for high school graduates who aspire to enter medical school with a foundation in the sciences, critical thinking, and professional skills. This pathway prepares students for a seamless transition into the Basic Medical Sciences phase, ensuring academic readiness and confidence.
The Preclinical Sciences program integrates scientific knowledge, academic skills, and professional development to prepare students for the rigors of medical education.

3 semesters - 1 year

Program Objectives

By the end of the Preclinical Sciences program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of foundational sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for medical studies.
Acquire effective study strategies and academic discipline for success in the Basic Medical Sciences phase.
Understand the principles of professional conduct and ethical practice in medicine.
Prepare for entry into the Basic Medical Sciences curriculum with confidence in both knowledge and skills.

Why Choose AUB Preclinical Sciences Program?

Small class sizes for personalized mentoring
Structured, rigorous curriculum aligned with Basic Medical Sciences program requirements
Hands-on laboratory and preparatory experience
Early introduction to medical concepts and professional skills
Continuous academic support and guidance

AUB is home to dedicated faculty and comprehensive academic counselling services, fostering a vibrant campus community within the culturally rich setting of Barbados. The Preclinical program is structured across three semesters, each designed to progressively build the scientific and academic competencies required for entry into the Basic Medical Sciences phase. The subjects offered across these semesters consolidate students' foundational knowledge in the sciences while developing the analytical and professional skills essential for medical education.

Curriculum Structure by Semester

Principles of Human Organ Systems (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces the structure and basic functions of major human organ systems, establishing an integrated foundation for understanding human health and disease. Investigates the relationships between normal structure and function in human cells, tissues and organs, along with mechanisms that maintain homeostasis within an individual. The course materials are organized into modules dealing with organ systems as: Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary, Endocrine systems and Reproduction. Emphasis is also in the exploration of the connectivity of all these organ systems to each other to maintain life.

Introduction to Biotechnology and Research (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces fundamental concepts of biotechnology, scientific inquiry, research methods, literature evaluation, and basic research skills relevant to biomedical and health sciences. Core content will focus on areas including the techniques used in medical biotechnology, bioinformatics and the applications of medical biotechnology. Additionally, students will be introduced to the importance of research and exposed to training, while obtaining the skills, required to be successful in the field of research.

Biomedical Chemistry II (5 Credit Hours)

The course builds on foundational chemistry and introduces biochemical principles relevant to human physiology, metabolism, cellular processes, and health and disease. Expands on concepts such as Periodicity and Chemical Bonding which were introduced in General Chemistry 1. The course also introduces new concepts such as Reaction Kinetics, Acids and Bases as well as Chemical Equilibrium. The usefulness of knowledge of these concepts as it relates to the body and medicine is also taught.

Quantitative Methods for Health Sciences (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces foundational quantitative and analytical skills through mathematical, statistical, and introductory calculus concepts relevant to biomedical and health sciences. Emphasis is on mathematical, statistical, analytical, and introductory calculus skills required for biomedical sciences and evidence-based healthcare. Applications include data interpretation, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning in health-related contexts. This course optimizes functions with two or more variables, various integration techniques and differential equations.

Emerging Technology, AI and Ethics (3 Credit Hours)

Introduces emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare, with emphasis on applications, ethical considerations, responsible use, and professional practice. Examine emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital health innovations, and their applications in healthcare. The course emphasizes ethical principles, responsible use of technology, patient privacy, professionalism, and future trends in medicine.

Medical Physics - I (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces fundamental concepts of physics, including mechanics, properties of matter, thermodynamics, heat and wave motion. It is specifically oriented to benefit the medical students. Also introduces application of Physics to human physiology, diagnostic technologies, and medical practice.

General Psychology (4 Credit Hours)

An introductory class that explores key theories and the science of behavior, focusing on the individual as an adapting biological system. Topics covered include human behaviour, cognition, developmental milestones, factors influencing health and wellbeing, psychological disorders, memory and neuropsychology.

Biochemistry Fundamentals - I (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces the biochemical basis of life, including biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism, and fundamental cellular biochemical processes. Explains the structure, nomenclature, properties & reactions of carbon compounds, hydrocarbons, nonfunctional & poly functional compounds. The role of organic compounds in the field of medicine is also emphasized. It provides the concepts needed to successfully complete Organic Chemistry 2.

Communications Skills (3 Credit Hours)

Develops effective verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills essential for academic, professional, and healthcare settings. Students are introduced to the multidimensional work of community health care where they will liaise with medical organizations in Barbados. Additionally, students will develop skills in public speaking, history taking and essentials of the doctor-patient relationship.

General Histology and Cell Biology (5 Credit Hours)

Introduces cellular structure and function and the microscopic organization of tissues, establishing foundations for understanding normal human anatomy and physiology. This course explores the cellular basis of life in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Focus is on Structure, function, and biosynthesis of cellular membranes and organelles; cell growth and oncogenic transformation; transport, receptors, and cell signaling; the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and cell movements; chromatin structure and RNA synthesis. Particular emphasis is placed on cellular processes such as gene expression, mutation and the regulation of gene expression.

Clinical Cases and Terminology (3 Credit Hours)

Introduces medical terminology and basic clinical concepts through common clinical cases, enabling students to develop foundational clinical reasoning and professional medical vocabulary. The course is intended to provide insight into the analysis of minor clinical cases as they relate to the appropriate human organ systems.

General Anatomy (4 Credit Hours)

Introduces the basic gross structure and organization of the human body, including major anatomical regions, organs, and systems, with emphasis on clinically relevant anatomy. It introduces students to the terminology used in Anatomy and some functional disease pathologies, biochemical systems and anatomical kinetics.

General Physiology (4 Credit Hours)

Introduces the fundamental physiological mechanisms governing normal human body functions and the integration of major organ systems. It introduces students to the terminology used in Physiology and transformation of normal function to disease.

Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology (4 Credit Hours)

Provides a basic introduction to microorganisms, host–microbe interactions, basic immunological mechanisms, and the principles underlying infectious diseases and host defence. In this course students will explore the microbial world while obtaining knowledge in the history of microbiology, review characteristics of microbial groups, obtain knowledge regarding culture and staining techniques, microbial genetics, pathogenicity, epidemiology, host defenses and aspects of microbial diseases.

General Physics - II (5 Credit Hours)

This subject is an introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and optics. The course builds on Medical Physics I by applying physical principles to biological systems, medical imaging, radiation, instrumentation, and diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

Biochemistry Fundamentals - II (5 Credit Hours)

Builds on Biochemistry Fundamentals-I and examines integrated metabolism, energy production, molecular regulation, and biochemical processes relevant to human health and disease. It emphasizes structure and reactivity of functional groups (aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, carbohydrates, organo-metallic compounds, carboxylic acids & their derivatives, amines and amino acids). This course covers the essential concepts of biochemistry by introducing lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and spectroscopy, with a focus on their relevance to clinical medicine.

Transition to Basic Medical Sciences phase

Upon successful completion of the Preclinical Sciences program, students are promoted to the 1st semester of the Basic Medical Sciences.

The Preclinical Sciences program establishes the academic foundation for success in both the Basic Medical Sciences program and subsequent clinical training.

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