Medicine | Precollege Program | Rice University (2024)

Are you curious about a future in medicine and how doctors and other medical professionals work together to address a patient’s needs? In this course, you’ll explore the patient-care procedures, from initial exam and evaluation of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. You’ll study diseases of the heart, the lungs, the brain, and the endocrine system. You’ll identify the basic science of each pathophysiology, the clinical approach, and how medical professionals work together to address a patient’s unique needs.

Program Dates

Multi-length courses available throughout the year

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

Fees

$1495

Learning the Art of Medicine

Learn about the diagnostic process, the roles of doctors and other medical professionals, and the major aspects of a physical examination. Understand how clinicians collaborate to achieve accurate diagnoses.

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Explore what happens to the whole body when the heart struggles to perform properly. Examine the various treatments and advancements in technology that aim to alleviate common heart problems.

Identify Common Diseases of the Lungs

Understand how the respiratory system functions, including how the lungs filter air and the impact of diseases like COPD. Evaluate respiratory issues and treatments that improve quality of life.

Study the Brain and Neurological System

Identify the neurological system and how the brain controls and coordinates all bodily functions. Evaluate what happens when restricted blood flow leads to various neurological symptoms.

Understand the Purpose and Function of the Endocrine System

Understand the complex nature of gland physiology and identify common endocrine diseases. Evaluate therapies used to treat endocrine disorders and review future technologies designed to improve outcomes.

Final Capstone Project

Evaluate a case study with a patient who has a medical condition that impacts the multiple systems covered in the course. Analyze various aspects of the case and consider the different medical perspectives when treating the patient.

How You Will Benefit

• Gain a basic understanding of doctors and other medical professionals and their roles in patient care
• Learn the most effective means of obtaining a reliable patient history
• Understand significant aspects of the general physical examination
• Become familiar with common diseases affecting the heart, lungs, brain, and endocrine system
• Be able to process the incoming information to create an accurate diagnosis for a given condition
• Have a comprehensive understanding of how medical professionals work together to provide adequate care
• Earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.

Capstone Project

This course culminates with a Capstone Project where you will:

• Examine a patient with a medical condition affecting multiple body systems (in this scenario, a stroke)
• Evaluate various aspects of the case, including the patient's medical history, physical condition, examination, diagnostic imaging, and treatment
• Analyze the patient case from a multidisciplinary perspective

Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

• Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
• Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
• Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your capstone project.

Flexible Learning

• 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
• Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures that allow you to tune in anytime that works for you.
• 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work,
• Tech-forward interactions, including engaging multimedia, real-life simulations, and curated assignments.
• Guidance and support from mentors.

Course Designed by Rice University Faculty

Mehdi Razavi, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Rice University

Dr. Mehdi Razavi is a cardiac electrophysiologist at the Baylor College of Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Rice University, where he has been in practice since 2004. Dr. Razavi is highly engaged in undergraduate and graduate education and has received multiple teaching awards for his contributions. Dr. Razavi’s research is in the field of medical technology innovation and development, which has led to multiple collaborations across a variety of fields with Rice faculty. His work has fostered the development of new technologies across multiple fields, including electrical and bioengineering, and the technologies currently being used in hospitals.

How to Apply

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Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

• Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
• Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
• Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollege.rice.edu for assistance.