MERP Course Descriptions
MERP CURRICULUM
The Medical Education Review Program (MERP) is offered by Ross Health Sciences in cooperation with the faculty of Ross University School of Medicine in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The rigorous 15-week, one semester program is designed to provide preparatory basic science course content typically offered during the four semesters of the Foundations of Medicine Program in Dominica. The selected courses integrate and articulate with coursework and content offered in the first, second, and third semesters. It is off-cycle from the traditional semester, which provides students who successfully complete the program to prepare for matriculation to Dominica for the upcoming term. In MERP, students will complete four basic science courses: Anatomy and Histology, Physiology and Biophysics, Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. These courses are equivalent to four credits each and provide similar content and depth to those taught in the medical school curriculum. To encourage everyday learning and prepare students for a future heavy load of material, weekly quizzes are given with United States Medical Licensing Exam-type multiple choice questions that test knowledge of previously lectured concepts. Integrated clinical cases are discussed in small group settings and are facilitated by faculty. Special attention is provided to students who have previously experienced difficulty in mastering complex course content. Below are descriptions of each course.
Anatomy and Histology
The anatomy section of this course examines principal structures of the human body, explains the three-dimensional relations between organs and links them to superficial anatomy. Special attention is applied to clinical relevance of the anatomy: variation of the structures, congenital abnormalities, deformation of organs indicative of common health conditions and diseases. Generally accepted practices of testing for structure integrity and functionality as well as some cases of surgical repair and other treatments are discussed. This anatomy course is studied with special relation to histology and physiology.
The cell biology and histology section of this course covers the basics of cell biology and microscopic characteristics of various organelles, cells, tissues, and organ systems. A concise explanation of the structure and function of organelles, cells, tissue, and selected organ systems along with gross, electron and light microscopic images is provided. Relevant clinical correlation demonstrating abnormal histology or pathology is emphasized.
Physiology and Biophysics
This course provides the basic principles and key concepts of cellular and organ system function related to normal physiology of the human body. Emphasis is given to understanding and mastering concepts in biophysics, neurophysiology, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal physiology. Pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases are presented to better illustrate the clinical significance of normal physiological functions. This pivotal subject integrates well with other basic science courses taught in this program and provides an avenue for better understanding and integration of the complex functions of the human body.
Microbiology and Immunology
This course provides fundamental concepts necessary to understand the pathogenesis of microbial organisms and the mechanisms for host resistance. The Immunology module covers physical, cellular and molecular principals underlying immune responses to infections as well the consequences of an over-reactive immune system. The Microbiology portion examines etiology, epidemiology, host defenses, diagnosis and methods for prevention of bacterial and viral infections. After taking this course, students should have a solid understanding of the immune system functions, the clinical relevance of various microbes, and the ability to correlate basic science with clinical practice.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The biochemistry portion of this course gives a comprehensive description and understanding of chemical structures of biomolecules and their role in biochemical pathways, biosynthesis and degradation, as well as energy generation in the human body. An understanding of the chemistry of the human body is not only essential for medical practice but also contributes to the learning and understanding of physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, pharmacology, and numerous clinical and laboratory diagnostics areas.
The molecular biology/genetics portion of the course examines mechanisms and methods in molecular biology, giving special attention to biochemical mechanisms of mutagenesis, replication, regulation, transcription, and translation as well as the chemistry of protein products and their biological functions. Principles and mechanisms of inheritance and variation are also included.
Learning Support Systems
MERP has a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program that is generally available for most of the semester. The MERP SI program is designed
to offer students academic assistance in classes and areas that students find challenging. One of the objectives is to clarify concepts
in various subjects. These are not mandatory sessions, but students are encouraged to attend these sessions when held. MERP attempts to
hold these sessions as frequently as possible and tries to do so during the entire semester. The sessions are held after regular classes.
Supplemental Instruction sessions attempt to enable students to master content while they develop and integrate learning and also
attempts to improve study strategies. Some of the goals of MERP SI include:
(1) improve student grades in targeted courses;
(2) reduce the attrition rate within the courses;
(3) increase the successful completion rate of students. The Director of
MERP will also be the SI Coordinator.
Faculty
MERP faculty is based in The Bahamas and there are faculty members for each of the science disciplines represented in the curriculum (Biochemistry/Molecular genetics, Microbiology/Immunology; Physiology/biophysics, Anatomy/ Histology/ Foundations of Clinical Medicine). All faculty members hold either a M.D. or Ph.D. degree in their field of teaching and have established experience in teaching undergraduate/graduate or professional-level students.
Academic Policies
MERP adheres to academic policies specifically established for the MERP program. All academic matters, including grading policies and academic standards are within the purview of the MERP Advisory Committee, comprised of the Program Director and select member(s) of the MERP Faculty.
Three examinations (two mini-examinations and one final examination) are conducted and these are attempted to be consistent with basic science semester examinations given on the Dominica campus.
MERP testing provides an appropriate context and rigor which students can expect upon promotion to the First semester at Ross University School of Medicine.
Any student not meeting the passing criteria during the semester will not be promoted to the Ross University program. Students are not allowed to repeat a course. MERP is a one-semester chance for a student to qualify for admission to Ross University School of Medicine.
