Welcome to the Advanced Science Courses!

The SOM (School of Medicine) Advanced Science Courses (ASCs) include four courses which span across a 14-week timeframe at the beginning of the third year.

The three Advanced Sciences Courses are:

• Advanced Immunology
• Advanced Neurosciences
• Cardiology Connections

These are required courses and students must complete the ASCs at one of two campuses: Anschutz Medical Campus or Fort Collins Branch.

The ASCs clinical AND didactic portion of the courses will be entirely in person. Refer to the CU Anschutz Campus Protocols webpage for more information about current protocols related to masks, physical distancing, vaccination requirements, events, testing, and other protocols.  

The Advanced Science Courses are pass/fail. Completion of all items listed below is required in order to pass the ASCs:

• CPE Exam
• Midterm
• Final
• Maintenance of Professionalism
• Clinical Experiences + Evaluations
• Case Presentation Assignment
• CBSE Exam

These requirements are reviewed in greater detail at the Advanced Science Courses Orientation on the first day of class.

Clinical Rotations: 

As in the third year, attendance on clinical rotations during the fourth year is required, too. Absences are generally not permitted, but unique circumstances may be considered.  

Specific Attendance Expectations: 

• Four-week courses: > 2 days of excused absences must be made up.  

To request an excused absence, please contact Dean Brian Dwinnell in Office of Student Life and follow the procedures from the School of Medicine Policies and Procedures, also referenced below. 

Didactic Classroom Sessions: 

Attendance is mandatory for all ASC didactic sessions, including lectures, small groups, large groups, etc. Unless otherwise posted on Canvas as “optional.” 

For attendance and absence policies, refer to the MD Policies and Procedures.

No. The ASCs contain USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 content and offer some test preparation items. After the ASCs, students will have a dedicated study period to prepare and complete Step 1.