The ICSM Premedical Academy provides an online vehicle for college and university students to prepare themselves for professional training and future careers in the health sciences, including advanced preparation for the MCAT examination. The curriculum is based on the first two years of medical school, but organized and integrated in a paradigm of integrative (evo-devo) biology. This is the first premedical preparatory program that incorporates evolutionary medicine.
Narrative learning ("storytelling") constitutes a major focus of this integrative biological curriculum. The medical basic sciences are taught as parts of a single grand narrative of evolutionary biology, easily remembered and conceptually rich. This overall educational design not only emphasizes concepts over memorization, it has a clear simple-to-complex organizational framework for the information. Educational modalities included in the course include Inquiry-Based Learning; Concept mapping to learn standardized test-taking skills; Lecturio online exam preparation and learning resources; Draw-It-To-Know-It medical basic science learning exercises; VH Dissector virtual dissection labs; Microscopy labs with personal Foldscopes; and Active Learning through Adaptive Practices and feedback from faculty on Discussion and Abstract assignments from course readings. Participants will have the option to assemble a portfolio of their work in the program, a valuable asset for medial school admission.
This ICSM program is a certificate program and does not confer transferable academic credit. It will be launched for individual and group instruction in January, 2024. Accepted participants in the program will have to have completed premedical courses in college and can choose a program of study for a full six-month program or an accelerated three-month one-semester or summer program. Cost of the program is $999 and is payable before the beginning of the course. Individuals may apply now for the inaugural course by using the application form below. Reduced group rates are available for colleges and universities. Inquire at admin@integrativemedsci.org.