FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES:
From the beginning of 200L to the end of the 2nd Professional examinations. This lasts approximately thirty (30) months and the sequence of progression is shown in Appendix A. The first part of the programme lasts approximately eighteen (18) months, culminating in the first professional examinations after courses have been audited in the Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology.

Anatomy
This discipline essentially deals with the gross and microscopic structure of various cells, tissues and organs that make up the human body. The physical relationships in space between tissues and organs will be explored. Also, the development of the fetus and the various body parts of the human body will be taught in a special module called Embryology. Apart from didactic lectures, your education will also come from hands-on experience in dissecting human cadavers.

Medical Biochemistry
As the name suggests, the courses audited in this department will deal essentially with the chemical nature of the human being. Core themes will include but are not limited to the chemical nature of food substances and their fate within the human body. The various chemical reactions that sustain life as well as chemical and biologic agents like enzymes and hormones will be emphasized. Instructions will be passed on through didactic lectures and practical sessions in the laboratory.

Physiology
This discipline essentially deals with the functions of various components of the human body – cells, tissues, organs and systems. There are strong relationships between Physiology and Biochemistry which was once a part of it. Physiology and Anatomy are also intimately related as one deals with function and the other, with structure. Teaching will be done through didactic lectures and practical sessions in the laboratory.

Courses in the above three departments will culminate in the First Professional Examinations after about eighteen (18) months of instruction. Failure of the examination in all three departments will lead to loss of one academic session and repetition of the class. Candidates who fail in one or two departments will be allowed re-write the examination in the subject(s). Failure in the re-sit examination will lead to loss of one academic session and repetition of the class in all three subject areas.

There will be in-course assessments at intervals determined by individual departments. Please take the in-course examinations very seriously because they contribute to 30% of the final score in the Professional Examinations as Continuous Assessment.