Introduction
Within the Flexible Program and within the minimum course requirements Areas of
Concentration (AoCs) are offered to those students who wish to pursue them. Pursuit
of an AoC is intended to allow the student to choose a single area and pursue this area in depth.
The following points describe the basic features of an AoC. They are modified from
the guidelines used by the faculty in developing AoCs.
- AoCs encompass both Type A and Type B units.
- Independent scholarly activity is encouraged as a part of AoCs.
It is often part of the minimum requirements for completion of an AoC.
- Most AoCs require 4-6 Type A units (Years One and Two) and 2-3 type B units (Years Three and Four)
as a minimum. Many students will devote more time to their AoC. The usual Type B
AoC requirements are:
- Two sharply focused Type B electives, or
- Three Type B electives of which two are sharply focused.
- AoC directors may choose to allow students to substitute 200 hours of
independent scholarship for one of the required Type B units.
- Distribution requirements are included within some AoCs in order to insure that
the program's objectives are met.
- Courses offered as part of an AoC are usually open to students in other AoCs and
in Diversified Medical Sciences. Many courses satisfy requirements for more than
one AoC.
- Election of AoCs occurs in the second half of the first year. The option to change
an AoC remains open as long as it is reasonable for students to meet the requirements
of the AoC into which they wish to change. Students who do not elect an AoC will be
enrolled in the Diversified Medical Science Program.
- Development of individual programs with in an AoC by students is encouraged.
Students may initiate an AoC in an area not currently offered.
- Students may not enroll in more than two Areas of Concentration.