Curriculum & Grading
Our innovative curriculum features an active learning environment that quickly integrates classroom learning with clinical experiences. Students spend less time in large lectures and more time in small group sessions engaged in problem-based learning activities. A two-year doctoring course called The Physician's Core includes modules on history taking and physical examinations, communication skills, medical ethics, humanism and professionalism, and cultural competency. Starting in the first month of the first year, students spend one half-day each week working in a clinical setting with a medical preceptor who serves as a physician-mentor. In addition to the required curriculum, New Jersey Medical School students can choose electives in ethics, economics, history, the humanities and international medicine.
A sample academic schedule for all four years can be viewed here: 2011-2012 NJMS Curriculum Overview
For the 2011-2012 academic year, NJMS has begun utilizing a pass/fail grading policy for the first two, pre-clinical education years. This will also include a continued pass/fail grading policy for the Physician's Core course. The clinical clerkship years will continue on a four tier grading policy, ranging from the highest, honors, to high pass, pass, and fail.
