UCSF graduate school courses are quite unlike their medical school counterparts. Instead of memorization, a typical graduate class focuses on only a handful of topics and approaches them from an experimental or theoretical point of view. In other words, information is not simply presented as fact, but experiments and data are presented to encourage students to think about the results and draw conclusions. Discussion sections teach students to critically evaluate the literature and generate their own ideas for future experiments. Some classes have problem sets and all require reading a number of papers.

The earlier you make the decision on a graduate program, the easier it will be to plan out the graduate courses you must take. Since each program has its own specific requirements, you may be able to take these courses before actually starting graduate school, which will further streamline your pathway toward the MD/PhD.

There are certain courses required by many graduate programs, such as Cell Biology or Genetics. If you are unsure as to graduate program, you can take these courses during your first two years of medical school, and will be counted by most graduate programs. These courses are usually offered at time at which MSTP students can take them during their first two years. Be aware, however, that not all programs require these courses and will not let you substitute them for other requirements. PIBS and BMS have separate versions of both Cell Biology and Genetics. Each program has agreed to count the other’s courses for credit, as material covered is similar.

You may be able to take other courses during the first two years of medical school, depending on scheduling. Typically, graduate programs are very flexible about allowing MSTP students into their classes. For those interested in medical anthropology, an independent readings course during the first two years of medical school is an effective way to explore the possibilities in anthropology. Other required courses may be taken during the first two years upon arrangement with the Department of Anthropology, History and Social Medicine.

Yet other courses may have to be saved for the graduate school years. Usually the graduate program will provide you will some sort of advising on which courses to take. Other students in the program are valuable resources for advice on coursework as well. MSTP students in basic science graduate programs should aim to finish most or all coursework by the end of the first graduate school year. A requirement of taking the oral qualifying exam in several programs is finishing most or all required coursework. If you follow the above advice, you will be in a position to take the oral exam by the end of your first year of graduate school.