Introduction
The mission of the University of Alabama School of Medicine includes the oversight of complete and timely professional development of all students seeking the MD degree. The purpose of this policy is to specify the grade designations recorded for the Pre-Clerkship Phase (first two years) of the new medical curriculum and to outline the requirements for successful completion of each Module (individual course).
Rationale
Pre-Clerkship Module grades are composed of two parts; each a sub-score of the final grade. Part 1: Knowledge Performance (KP) scores are earned on knowledge-based exams and quizzes. Part 2: Small Group/Other Performance (SP) scores are earned on skill-based activities such as participation, professionalism, small group work, laboratories and projects.
Policy Statement
- A student must earn a passing sub-score on both the Knowledge Performance and the Small Group/Other Performance components in order to receive a final passing grade for a Pre-Clerkship Module.
- Students must receive a final passing grade for the modules Fundamentals 1, Fundamentals 2 and Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) I prior to beginning the organ-based modules.
- All first year modules must be passed prior to beginning the second year modules of the curriculum.
- A passing grade must be recorded on all modules of the Pre-Clerkship Phase prior to beginning any clinical coursework or scholarly activity.
Definitions
A raw score of 70 is a Passing score. The raw score range is 0-100. Effective July 1, 2006 all students are graded on a Pass-Fail grading system.
| Passing (P) |
raw score of 70 or higher |
| Failing (F) |
raw score less than 70 |
| Incomplete (I) |
all requirements have not been attempted |
| Withdrawn Passing (WP) |
no scores earned, or not enough scores to predict failing |
| Withdrawn Failing (WF) |
enough scores earned to predict failing |
| Failing/Passing (F/P) |
initial Failing score, but subsequent Pass |
Academic Progression within Pre-Clerkship Modules
