Introduction
The Center for Space Medicine offers cutting-edge electives and a Space Medicine Pathway to undergraduate medical students at Baylor College of Medicine's Houston and Temple campuses. All courses are taught by Baylor faculty as well as experts from other institutions and NASA. The electives are popular and receive excellent reviews from students. See information about the curriculum and lecture videos.
Space Medicine Pathway
The Space Medicine Pathway consists of two didactic electives that are offered sequentially followed by a research elective. Students completing all three electives are recognized as having completed the Space Medicine Pathway, which is the only pathway of its kind in the world. The pathway provides a unique program of study wherein students acquire knowledge and experience in biomedical science, technology and medicine relevant to both human space exploration and medical care on Earth.
Students may apply to the Space Medicine Pathway when they have completed the first didactic elective (MESPM 610) and are enrolled in or have completed the second didactic elective (MESPM 611). The process for applying is announced during the second didactic elective course. All applications are reviewed by the pathway director. Once accepted into the pathway, a student enrolls in the space medicine research elective (MESPM 615). Objectives of each elective within the Space Medicine Pathway are described in the Student Handbook and are linked to the goals of the pathway and the Baylor Core Competency Graduation Goals pertaining to medical knowledge.
Non-Pathway Elective Course
The Center offers an additional space medicine research elective (MESPM 614). While this course is not required for the Space Medicine Pathway, it offers students an opportunity to learn about research and scientific investigative methods. MS2 - MS4 students may enroll in this course at any time as long as they can fulfill the enrollment requirements.
Space Medicine Pathway Requirements-at-a-Glance
View a downloadable version.
| Methods | Content/Courses | Year(s) | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preclinical Elective | Introduction to Human Space Exploration and Medicine (MESPM 610) | Year 1 | 0.5 |
| Preclinical Elective | Topics in Human Space Exploration and Medicine (MESPM 611) | Year 2 | 0.5 |
| Clinical Experience/ Elective | |||
| Research Elective/ Scholarly Activity | Space Medicine Research (MESPM 615) Four-week mentored research experience. Students may enroll during a rotation they have open that also works with their faculty mentor. | Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 4.0 |
| Non-credit Enrichment Activity | Participation in the Space Medicine Interest Group | ||
| Community Outreach Activities |
