Medical School Revises Pre-Clinical Curriculum

The first year class at the Harvard Medical School has been launched upon a completely revised pre-clinical curriculum. The revised program will stress interdepartmental teaching, expand the tutorial system and increase the amount of unscheduled time available to students.

The revised curriculum was also designed to preserve the time available for research to members of the Faculty of Medicine.

Interdepartmental Teaching Stressed

The major break with the past system of instruction will come in the second semester of the first year, when interdepartmental teaching will be stressed. Instruction will be divided into three "study blocks": the principles of physical chemistry; the neurosciences; and the gastro-intestinal track and endocrine gland system.

In the second semester of the second year, eleven departments will be involved in the integrated teaching system.

Broadened Tutorial

The tutorial system will be used for the first time in the first year class. Students will meet with Medical Faculty tutors in groups of five.