M2 Guide - about the tracks and texts

This M2 guide was written by Kang Yong Chang (M2 2002/2003) and edited by Derrick Lian (M2 2003/2004).  Do remember that this guide is not exhaustive, and should serve only as a reference.

Download the guide (70.5 Kb) in MS Word here.

For another viewpoint, read Ong Kok Leong's (M2 2002/2003) textbook recommendations in the texts section of this guide.

Thanks to Yong Chang and Kok Leong for their experience and reviews.

 

General Guidelines

 

·         BE CONSISTENT. On the average, there are 2-3 lectures/day that’ll require reading from textbooks. Follow up everyday as far as possible.  This may get tricky before a Ca, when your lectures will not be tested for the most immediate CA. You may be tempted not to follow up lectures. Try to follow up as much as you can, if not you will suffer for the next CA.

 

·         Sometimes information may not be found in your ‘usual’ texts. This is when a trip to the Medical library, Dorland’s, or RELIABLE sites on the Internet may be helpful.

 

·         Always make an effort to consolidate all the essential facts onto one set of note eg lecture notes. This saves a lot of time when doing revision.

 

·         Do visit your M2 homepage. In fact, the course outline chart below is from there.

 

·         Always know your timetable in advance. Know the objectives of each lecture and check if a major topic spans over a few lectures, e.g. HIV is taught in a few lectures, one my microbiologist, one by ID clinician, one by pharmacology Prof.

 

·         As in Year 1, M2 syllabus is divided into tracts. Note that some of these tracts are integrated and consists of several subjects. For example, MB consists of immunology, virology, pharmacology etc

 

·         Only MB and NS are tested for 2nd Professional part I. Only one grade is given in the end (75%MB, 25%NS). Both MB and NS are important so please be diligent in both.

 

·         PA is taught in Years 2 and 4. CM and PH in Years 2 and 3. These are tested in CA, although not for Pros yet. However it is still important for you to be consistent in these tracts—you will not have time to catch up in the later years.

 

·         There is PBL still but no PDP.

 

·         Tutorials are less common compared to Year 1. Lecture notes may not be given.

 

·         Sometimes clinicians will give lectures with their own prepared PowerPoint slides. Although they may hand a soft copy to the class rep after the lecture, on the day of the lecture itself there will be no lecture notes. However, your seniors may have a copy of these notes, so you can try asking them.

 

·         Tests are usually in T/F format, either wholly or in part. COFM, PH, PA will have some MEQs/SEQs in some CAs.

 

·         It is important to note that questions are set by the lecturers, so always know whatever is covered in the lectures—lecture notes and PowerPoint slides. This applies especially to MB, PH, and COFM T/F questions.

 

·         Each CA is independent of another, so questions may be repeated.

 

·         Questions are almost always clinically relevant.