Qualifier Information

Format

The qualifier will have around 70 multiple-choice questions. The questions will cover content throughout the course. The number of questions that address content in a thread is based on the number of instructional hours for that thread. This is an estimate of the percentage of questions for each thread:

  • Cell Biology - 30%
  • Biochemistry - 30%
  • Physiology - 20%
  • Pharmacology - 10%
  • Pathology - 5%

In addition, there will questions to address content in the Embryology lecture, Health Maintenance interactive session, and History of Medicine sessions (last day of course).

The last question on the qualifier will ask you to submit a multiple-choice question that assesses content presented in the course. The question should have these elements:

  • Question stem with clinical or research context
  • At least 4 options - highlight the correct answer
  • A rationale for the correct answer

The last question is worth 5 points. You may write the question before taking the qualifier.

Passing Score

The passing score is 65%. If you don't achieve the passing score, please contact me by EMAIL to set up remediation.

Time Limit

You will have 4 hours to complete the qualifier once you have started it.

Dates
  • Opens: Friday, September 19
  • Closes: Tuesday, September 23 at 11:45 PM

The qualifier will open Wednesday, September 18 and your answers must be uploaded by 11:45 PM on Sunday, September 22.

Study Guide

Download the guide.

This guide is not exhaustive, but if you follow the guide, you should pass the qualifier.

Biochemistry
  • Drs. Baserga and Solomon have written one question per session in the Biochemistry thread (including workshops).
  • The questions will focus on content that has clinical significance or connection.
  • Be sure to have a general understanding of the major methods described in the course (e.g., DNA sequencing, PCR, generating mouse models of disease).
Cell Biology/Histology
  • Identify and classify in histological images epithelia, connective tissue and muscle
  • Identify the different components of blood vessels in histological images and electron micrographs
  • Describe the general functions of different types of epithelia
  • Diagram how epithelia generate vectorial transport of solutes and water
  • Understand the general process of renewal of epithelia by stem cells
  • List the functions and components of the basement membrane
  • In histological images, identify signs of inflammation (immune response) and fibrosis
  • Know the different components of different types of connective tissue
  • Know the proteins that mediate interactions between cells and between cells and the extracellular matrix
  • Describe the basic mechanisms of muscle contraction and its activation in different muscle types
  • Diagram the homeostatic mechanisms that keep blood glucose concentrations around 5 mM.
  • List the oncogenic components of mitogen signaling pathways
  • Understand how tumor suppressors slow the cell cycle
  • Diagram how G-protein coupled receptors increase protein kinase A or protein kinase C activity
  • Diagram the PI-3 kinase and Ras pathways that are activated by tyrosine kinase receptors
  • Describe how chaperones facilitate protein stability and function
Physiology
  • Diagram how the different ion channels and their permeability set resting membrane potential
  • Describe the changes in ion channels that generate action potentials in neurons and skeletal muscle
  • Describe how cells can take up a specific solute against a concentration gradient
  • Calculate the volume of fluid in the different body compartments of a patient given the patient’s weight
  • Given blood tests results, identify abnormal concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and anion gap
  • Calculate how administration of a certain volume and concentration of saline changes the fluid distribution in the body
Pharmacology
  • Differentiate between competitive and non-competitive inhibitors
  • Calculate the fraction of drug a that is absorbed by the body based on the pKa of the drug and the pH of the fluid compartments
  • Calculate the rates of clearance, volume of distribution and bioavailability of a drug
  • Diagram drug conjugation and detoxification pathways
  • Understand the steps in target validation, lead identification, lead optimization and formulation.
Pathology
  • Differentiate the processes of metaplasia, hyperplasia, dysplasia, apoptosis, and atrophy
  • Identify conditions that lead to metaplasia, hyperplasia, dysplasia, apoptosis, and atrophy
  • Identify in histological images examples of reversible and irreversible cell injury