MED 461 - Think Like a Doctor

(3 units)

MED 461 is designed to aid post-baccalaureate pre-med students in deepening their understanding of the thought processes central to medical practice. Through an exploration of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the balance between heuristic and systematic approaches in medicine, students will bridge their undergraduate studies with real-world medical applications. This course also emphasizes cultivating wellness as a foundational skill for future physicians. In the latter part of the course, students will apply what they’ve learned to dedicated preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): UNR Med Post-Baccalaureate Program students.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. critically assess medical case studies, apply logical reasoning, and effectively balance critical, analytical, and heuristic thinking in decision-making.
2. articulate the relevance of core undergraduate science subjects to medical science, understanding how these disciplines underpin medical diagnostics, treatment, and research.
3. solve complex problems in math, physics, and chemistry as applied to MCAT-style questions.
4. analyze complex texts, identify key arguments, and apply reasoning skills critical for success on the MCAT’s CARS section.
5. apply the skills, strategies, and content knowledge obtained from this course to MCAT attempt(s).

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