The first year lays the groundwork for an in-depth understanding of human biology. Teaching sequences are arranged to demonstrate the relevance of basic science to clinical science and set the stage for an understanding of the sociological aspects of medicine.

The Macroscopic Structure and Development of the Human Body module consists of two units, Anatomy and Embryology. This module introduces students to the structural organization and development of the human body at the macroscopic level. The two units use a variety of approaches to stimulate student-student interactive learning and to facilitate faculty-guided instruction. The Anatomy laboratory sessions include demonstrations by students and discussions of their findings. The Embryology unit includes the study of both normal human development and abnormalities of medical importance.

The Cell Structure and Function module consists of the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Cellular Physiology units. The objective of this module is to provide an integrated view of key cellular processes at the molecular level, and to relate them to normal human development and function and also to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

The Host Defense module integrates material in Microbiology, Parasitology, and Immunology. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths are studied as biologic agents of infectious disease. Emphasis is placed on life cycles, epidemiology, pathology, clinical symptoms, treatment and prevention of disease. Study of the immunological system and the molecular nature of its response to infection are integrated throughout this module.

In the Tissues and Organs module, the Histology and Physiology units expand the introduction to normal and abnormal biology. Among the topics covered are: the maintenance of equilibrium of the organism, especially in situations of stress; the means of communication among various cell groups; and the mechanisms of exchanging products of anabolism and catabolism.