MD Program Year 1
Scientific Trunk
The science behind the medicine.
The First Step
The Scientific Trunk is your M1 preclinical year, the starting point in a journey of continuous learning. Integrating foundational science and related clinical experiences simulates what you will do throughout doctorhood. Regular practice now cements a valuable lifelong habit while building your knowledge and skill base. Pass/fail grading (including Second Chance quizzing) gives you some breathing room to figure it all out.
The M1 curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, leadership and scientific exploration. It also offers time and support to pursue passions and explore interests beyond medicine. One of my favorite aspects of the curriculum is the patient presentations that not only teach us about illnesses but highlight the social, emotional and financial burdens of disease. These experiences have been invaluable in preparing me to be a compassionate provider during my clinical year."
What are the Main Features of the Scientific Trunk?
- Launch orientation featuring M-Home house sorting and Doctoring small group assignments
- Foundational courses in molecular/biological sciences, evidence-based care, host defense, physical diagnostics and therapeutics, infection, hematology and immunopathology, along with blocks of fused normal/abnormal vital functions
- Pre-recorded asynchronous lectures of science content, increasing student flexibility and accessibility
- In-person sessions focusing on active learning when students interact with the material and faculty facilitator
- Chief Concern Course and Shadowing Interprofessional Sessions
- Development of patient care and information management skills throughout the year
- Additional longitudinal elements that start at this stage
Foundations of Medicine Blocks
The Foundations of Medicine courses make up three of the six blocks during the Scientific Trunk and introduce students to:
- Biochemical, cellular and molecular process of the organ systems
- Physical diagnostics and therapeutics
- Immune system and its primary targets
Vital Function Blocks
The three Vital Functions blocks consolidate the foundational material for related organ systems with both normal and abnormal physiology presented at the same time. Combined with related clinical cases, anatomy and histology, this makes for deeply integrated content that reinforces what you learn. Subjects include:
- Circulation, respiration and filtration
- Nutrition, absorption, regulation and reproduction
- Cognition, movement, sensation and behavior
By the end of the Scientific Trunk, you will have gained a foundational skill set that prepares you for expanded clinical time in the Clinical Trunk rotations.
The M1 curriculum integrates basic science and clinical skills from the start. In this video, medical student Mohika breaks down how it all works, from year-round instruction about medical disciplines to dedicated study of organ systems — all with flexibility that focuses on learning (and not just getting a good grade!).
Learning medicine is a lifelong journey; you are never “done”, but continually revisit, refine and expand your knowledge. In the first year you will develop a solid foundation in the basic, clinical and health system sciences that you will subsequently build on during your clinical years."
Scientific Trunk Overview
Scientific Trunk Overview — University of Michigan Medical School
This diagram shows a yearlong curriculum timeline running from August through July. The main content is a series of large vertical blocks (course blocks) arranged left to right, with thin vertical bars marking academic breaks. Along the bottom, several horizontal bands represent longitudinal courses that continue across most or all of the year.
Course blocks (left to right)
Foundations of Medicine I: Molecular/Biological Sciences and Evidence-Based Care.
Foundations of Medicine II: Host Defense, Physical Diagnostics, and Therapeutics.
Vital Functions I: Circulation, Respiration, and Filtration.
Includes Thanksgiving Break (1 week) (shown as a thin vertical break bar).
Vital Functions II: Nutrition, Absorption, Regulation, and Reproduction.
A Winter Break (2 weeks) occurs between Vital Functions I and Vital Functions II (thin vertical break bar).
Includes Spring Break 1 (1 week) (thin vertical break bar).
Vital Functions III: Cognition, Movement, Sensation, and Behavior.
Includes Spring Break 2 (1 week) (thin vertical break bar).
Foundations of Medicine III: Infection, Hematology, and Immunopathology.
Pre-year/launch element
Along the far left edge, the diagram labels a Summer Impact Accelerator with a Launch marker, indicating an introductory/launch component associated with the start of the overall timeline.
Longitudinal threads (horizontal bands across the year)
Chief Concern
Improving Healthcare Systems, which includes IPE (Interprofessional Education)
Doctoring
Capstone for Impact, Research and Paths of Excellence
M‑Home
Breaks summary
Thanksgiving Break: 1 week
Winter Break: 2 weeks
Spring Break 1: 1 week
Spring Break 2: 1 week
The diagram also notes “Subject to change.”
Scientific Trunk: Fused GI Week Example
This diagram is a weekly calendar grid titled “Scientific Trunk: Fused GI Week Example” from the University of Michigan Medical School. Columns are labeled Monday through Friday. Times run down the left side from 8 am to 5 pm. Each day contains rectangular blocks indicating scheduled sessions. A legend indicates formats such as live Zoom, in-person, and free block/self-directed time. A note states that events are virtual unless otherwise noted and that the schedule is subject to change.
Monday: 8 am Intro to Block and GI; 9 am GI Tract Overview (Enteric Nervous System); 10 am GI Hormones; 11 am Histology of the GI Tract; 12 pm Physiology of Swallowing Mechanism, Salivary Glands, and Esophagus; 1 pm free block; 2 pm Gastric Physiology; 3-5 pm open for self-directed learning, IPE preparation, and pre-work time.
Tuesday: Morning Anatomy Laboratory (abdominal wall, peritoneum, intestines); afternoon Doctoring.
Wednesday: Morning Acid/Peptic Disorders of the Esophagus and Stomach Pathology (includes topics such as esophageal adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and gastric cancer); late morning Pharmacology of Acid (suppressants/antiemetics); midday Pathology Laboratory (esophagus/stomach); early afternoon GI Tract Motility; mid-to-late afternoon HSS: Module 3; late afternoon IPE: TBCDM Plenary Session.
Thursday: Morning GI Tract Dysmotility; later morning Pancreatic Histology and Physiology; midday Pancreatitis (acute, chronic); early afternoon Histology of the Intestine; afternoon Doctoring.
Friday: Morning GI Small Groups; later morning Pathology of the Pancreas (pancreatic cancer); midday/early afternoon Intestinal Physiology (digestion/absorption); afternoon Review; later afternoon Anatomy Office Hours; Quiz #1 details shown: quiz opens
Friday at 4 pm, quiz sign-on begins Sunday at 4 pm, deadline Sunday at 10 pm.
