Block Description

The Molecular Basis of Life and Disease (MBLD) is an integrated block that encompasses introductory elements from all the biomedical sciences and also introduces the following longitudinal curricular themes found in our curriculum: Behavioral Science, Physician Development and Well-Being; Health Systems Science; Health Equity; Bioethics and Humanities; and Evidence-Based Medicine and Public Health. The coverage of the material is not meant to be comprehensive but sufficient to prepare you for the subsequent organ/system based blocks. As you progress through the curriculum, you will recognize that there will be additional organ/system-specific coverage of many of the topics that were touched upon in MBLD.

Learning Objectives

Educational Program Objectives are a subset of more broadly defined physician competencies, which represent general domains of performance for which the profession and the public hold physicians accountable.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) measures these outcomes both quantitatively (via USMLE style assessments) and qualitatively (via behavioral competency assessments).

Upon completing the Molecular Basis of Life and Disease, students should be able to:

  • Explain the basic structure and function of the molecular, biochemical, cellular, genetic, and histologic processes underlying human development, tissue function, immune responses, and physiologic homeostasis.
  • Explain the molecular, genetic, immunological, microbiological, and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human disease, including infection, immune-mediated disorders, neoplasia, and genetic conditions.
  • Apply foundational biomedical knowledge to interpret diagnostic data, correlate molecular and cellular anomalies with disease mechanisms, and support evidence-based clinical reasoning in simulated and case-based settings.
  • Evaluate how behavioral, social, ethical, and structural factors, including race-conscious medicine, and population health principles influence disease risk, prevention, and promote equitable patient-centered care.
  • Demonstrate effective, respectful, and collaborative communication, teamwork, accountability, and professional integrity in academic, laboratory, simulated, and case-based learning environments.
  • Appraise personal learning needs, locate and critically evaluate biomedical, pharmacological, and population health evidence, and apply evidence-based strategies to support continuous improvement and professional growth in biomedical and clinical sciences.