Nephrology - Syllabus
Nephrology - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**Course Syllabus: Nephrology**
**COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Advanced Nephrology Education for ABIM Preparation
* Course Code: MED 601
* Credit Hours: 12
* Prerequisites: Completion of Internal Medicine residency program or equivalent
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Qualifications: Board Certified in Internal Medicine and nephrology; Fellow of the American College of Nephrology
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu)
**COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Nephrology is a vital component of internal medicine, and mastering its principles is essential for effective patient care. This course is designed to provide advanced education in nephrology, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various kidney diseases. The target audience includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians seeking to enhance their knowledge in nephrology.
Nephrology is an interdisciplinary field that requires a deep understanding of renal physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice. This course will cover essential topics in nephrology, including acute and chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, and transplantation. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based medicine, with a focus on the latest research and guidelines.
Through interactive lectures, case discussions, and hands-on activities, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of nephrology and its applications in clinical practice. The course is relevant to medical practice, as it prepares physicians for the ABIM nephology board exam and enhances their ability to manage complex kidney diseases.
**LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the pathophysiology of renal diseases and their impact on patient care (analyze)
2. Apply evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of various kidney diseases (apply)
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for chronic kidney disease and hypertension (evaluate)
4. Identify and manage electrolyte disorders in patients with kidney disease (identify, analyze, apply, evaluate)
5. Recognize and manage acute kidney injury in hospital settings (recognize, analyze, apply, evaluate)
6. Develop a comprehensive understanding of nephrotoxicity and its prevention (understand, apply, evaluate)
7. Apply transplantation principles and practices to patient care (apply, evaluate)
8. Understand the role of immunosuppression in managing chronic kidney disease and transplantation (analyze, evaluate)
9. Identify and manage complications associated with dialysis and transplantation (recognize, analyze, apply, evaluate)
10. Develop a patient-centered approach to nephrology care, incorporating evidence-based practice and patient education (understand, apply, evaluate)
**COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Nephrology (Estimated hours: 2)
* Overview of kidney anatomy and physiology
* Pathophysiology of renal diseases
Week 2-3: Acute Kidney Injury (Estimated hours: 4)
* Causes and risk factors for AKI
* Diagnosis and management strategies
Week 4-5: Chronic Kidney Disease (Estimated hours: 6)
* Epidemiology and burden of CKD
* Classification, diagnosis, and staging of CKD
Week 6-7: Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders (Estimated hours: 4)
* Pathophysiology of hypertension and electrolyte disorders
* Diagnosis and management strategies
Week 8-9: Nephrotoxicity and Transplantation (Estimated hours: 4)
* Causes and consequences of nephrotoxicity
* Principles and practices of transplantation
Week 10-11: Dialysis and Transplantation Complications (Estimated hours: 6)
* Complications associated with dialysis and transplantation
* Management strategies for complications
Week 12: Review and Practice Exam (Estimated hours: 2)
* Review of key concepts in nephrology
* Practice exam to assess knowledge and understanding
**REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
Textbooks:
* "Renal Pathophysiology" by Dr. Jay S. Shapiro
* "Nephrology for the Clinically Oriented Internist" by Dr. Michael E. Miano
Journal Articles:
* Selected articles from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) and Kidney International
Online Resources:
* National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
* American College of Nephrology (ACN)
Reference Materials:
* "Kidney Disease: From Basics to Bedside" by Dr. Peter J. Rizos
* "Renal Medicine: A Companion to Smith's Clinical Medicine"
**ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Grading Breakdown:
* Exams: 60%
+ Midterm exam (20%): Week 6
+ Final exam (40%): Week 12
* Assignments: 20%
+ Case presentations (10%): Weeks 4, 8, and 10
+ Written assignments (5%): Weeks 2, 6, and 9
+ Group projects (5%): Weeks 3 and 11
* Participation: 10%
+ Class attendance and engagement (5%)
+ Active participation in discussions and activities (5%)
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (Below 60%)
**COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Nephrology
* Monday, January 3: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 4: Case presentation and group work
Week 2-3: Acute Kidney Injury
* Monday, January 10: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 11: Practice exam and review
Week 4-5: Chronic Kidney Disease
* Monday, January 17: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 18: Case presentation and group work
Week 6-7: Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
* Monday, February 1: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, February 2: Practice exam and review
Week 8-9: Nephrotoxicity and Transplantation
* Monday, February 15: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, February 16: Group project work
Week 10-11: Dialysis and Transplantation Complications
* Monday, March 7: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, March 8: Practice exam and review
Week 12: Review and Practice Exam
* Monday, April 4: Review of key concepts
* Tuesday, April 5: Final exam
**COURSE POLICIES**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All assignments must be original work.
Late Submission Policy:
Assignments submitted after the deadline will incur a 10% penalty.
Accommodations:
Students with disabilities or special needs should notify the instructor by the end of week 2 to arrange accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
**COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Advanced Nephrology Education for ABIM Preparation
* Course Code: MED 601
* Credit Hours: 12
* Prerequisites: Completion of Internal Medicine residency program or equivalent
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Qualifications: Board Certified in Internal Medicine and nephrology; Fellow of the American College of Nephrology
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu)
**COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Nephrology is a vital component of internal medicine, and mastering its principles is essential for effective patient care. This course is designed to provide advanced education in nephrology, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various kidney diseases. The target audience includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians seeking to enhance their knowledge in nephrology.
Nephrology is an interdisciplinary field that requires a deep understanding of renal physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice. This course will cover essential topics in nephrology, including acute and chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, and transplantation. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based medicine, with a focus on the latest research and guidelines.
Through interactive lectures, case discussions, and hands-on activities, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of nephrology and its applications in clinical practice. The course is relevant to medical practice, as it prepares physicians for the ABIM nephology board exam and enhances their ability to manage complex kidney diseases.
**LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the pathophysiology of renal diseases and their impact on patient care (analyze)
2. Apply evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of various kidney diseases (apply)
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for chronic kidney disease and hypertension (evaluate)
4. Identify and manage electrolyte disorders in patients with kidney disease (identify, analyze, apply, evaluate)
5. Recognize and manage acute kidney injury in hospital settings (recognize, analyze, apply, evaluate)
6. Develop a comprehensive understanding of nephrotoxicity and its prevention (understand, apply, evaluate)
7. Apply transplantation principles and practices to patient care (apply, evaluate)
8. Understand the role of immunosuppression in managing chronic kidney disease and transplantation (analyze, evaluate)
9. Identify and manage complications associated with dialysis and transplantation (recognize, analyze, apply, evaluate)
10. Develop a patient-centered approach to nephrology care, incorporating evidence-based practice and patient education (understand, apply, evaluate)
**COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Nephrology (Estimated hours: 2)
* Overview of kidney anatomy and physiology
* Pathophysiology of renal diseases
Week 2-3: Acute Kidney Injury (Estimated hours: 4)
* Causes and risk factors for AKI
* Diagnosis and management strategies
Week 4-5: Chronic Kidney Disease (Estimated hours: 6)
* Epidemiology and burden of CKD
* Classification, diagnosis, and staging of CKD
Week 6-7: Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders (Estimated hours: 4)
* Pathophysiology of hypertension and electrolyte disorders
* Diagnosis and management strategies
Week 8-9: Nephrotoxicity and Transplantation (Estimated hours: 4)
* Causes and consequences of nephrotoxicity
* Principles and practices of transplantation
Week 10-11: Dialysis and Transplantation Complications (Estimated hours: 6)
* Complications associated with dialysis and transplantation
* Management strategies for complications
Week 12: Review and Practice Exam (Estimated hours: 2)
* Review of key concepts in nephrology
* Practice exam to assess knowledge and understanding
**REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
Textbooks:
* "Renal Pathophysiology" by Dr. Jay S. Shapiro
* "Nephrology for the Clinically Oriented Internist" by Dr. Michael E. Miano
Journal Articles:
* Selected articles from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) and Kidney International
Online Resources:
* National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
* American College of Nephrology (ACN)
Reference Materials:
* "Kidney Disease: From Basics to Bedside" by Dr. Peter J. Rizos
* "Renal Medicine: A Companion to Smith's Clinical Medicine"
**ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Grading Breakdown:
* Exams: 60%
+ Midterm exam (20%): Week 6
+ Final exam (40%): Week 12
* Assignments: 20%
+ Case presentations (10%): Weeks 4, 8, and 10
+ Written assignments (5%): Weeks 2, 6, and 9
+ Group projects (5%): Weeks 3 and 11
* Participation: 10%
+ Class attendance and engagement (5%)
+ Active participation in discussions and activities (5%)
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (Below 60%)
**COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Nephrology
* Monday, January 3: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 4: Case presentation and group work
Week 2-3: Acute Kidney Injury
* Monday, January 10: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 11: Practice exam and review
Week 4-5: Chronic Kidney Disease
* Monday, January 17: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, January 18: Case presentation and group work
Week 6-7: Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
* Monday, February 1: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, February 2: Practice exam and review
Week 8-9: Nephrotoxicity and Transplantation
* Monday, February 15: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, February 16: Group project work
Week 10-11: Dialysis and Transplantation Complications
* Monday, March 7: Class lecture and discussion
* Tuesday, March 8: Practice exam and review
Week 12: Review and Practice Exam
* Monday, April 4: Review of key concepts
* Tuesday, April 5: Final exam
**COURSE POLICIES**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All assignments must be original work.
Late Submission Policy:
Assignments submitted after the deadline will incur a 10% penalty.
Accommodations:
Students with disabilities or special needs should notify the instructor by the end of week 2 to arrange accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:47 PM