APPENDIX B: 28-DAY SAMPLE STUDY SCHEDULE FROM TULANE

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Day 1 General Overview & Begin Biochemistry

Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time

Self Assessment Complete sample test materials NBME CD-ROM Complete 150 sample questions, and note 3 hrs
for NBME or download from trouble areas to focus on.
www.nbme.org
General overview of Read Through Section First Aid Learn about the test, and how to best use 4 hrs
material to be covered Introductory Material from First Aid as a resource.
First Aid, and Skim Section II
Basic Metabolism Chapters 5 & 6, and sample Lippincott’s Understand the role of ATP. Know where 2.5 hrs
questions at end of each Biochemistry the electron transport chain and oxidative
chapter. Bookmark figure 6.2 phosphorylation occur and how they fit into
and refer to it before studying the overall metabolic scheme. Review the
each biochemical pathway. main classes of cell receptors and signaling
mechanisms.
Day 2 Continue Biochemistry
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Structure & Chapters 11, 12, 13 & Lippincott’s Review the digestion of sugars and disorders 3 hrs
Metabolism of questions Biochemistry of fructose, galactose, and lactose metabolism.
Carbohydrates Spend more time on glycogen metabolism, its
regulation, and related disorders. Use Figure
13.7 to memorize the glycogen storage
disease
Glycolysis Chapter 7 & questions Lippincott’s Know the start and end points, hormonal 1.5 hrs
Biochemistry regulation. Energy yield and various fates of
pryruvate.
Gluconeogenesis Chapter 8 & questions, Review Lippincott’s Study it by comparison to glycolysis. Know 1 hr
Figure 6.2 again! Biochemistry the reactions & regulation unique to
gluconeogenesis.
Citric Acid Cycle Chapter 9 & questions Lippincott’s Focus on start and end points, place in overall 1 hr
Biochemistry metabolism, and regulation.
Hexose Chapter 10 & questions Lippincott’s Shim reactions an focus on G6PD deficiency 1 hr
Monophosphate Biochemistry
Day 3 Continue Biochemistry
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Lipid Metabolism Chapter 17 & questions Lippincott’s Focus on roles of pancreatic lipase and bile 3 hrs
Biochemistry salts. Fatty acid metabolism: know where
synthesis occurs, relationship to glucose
metabolism, and role of triacylglycerols for
storage of fatty acids. Review mobilization of
and oxidation of fatty acids. Finally, carefully
review eicosnoids, focusing on figure 17.20
Phospholipids Skim Chapters 18, 19 Lippincott’s Gain senses of what these are, but do not 1 HR
&Glycolipids Biochemistry memorize structure of pathways. Focus on
related disorders instead, using figures 18.10,
19.4
Cholesterol & Steroid Chapter 20, Sect. I –VII Lippincott’s Review Cholesterol synthesis (esp. the role of 2 hrs
Metabolism Biochemistry HMG CoA reductase) and its regulation.
Understand synthesis and role of bile salts.
Review biology of lipoproteins and their role
in atherogenesis. Key figure are 20.12, 20.14,
20.16
Steroid Hormones Chapter 20, Sect. VII Lippincott’s Know the major enzymes deficiencies in 1 hr
Biochemistry steroid synthesis and know where steroid 36
receptors act in the cell. Study figures 20.19,
 20.20
Day 4 Continue Biochemistry
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Protein & Enzymes Chapter 1-4 & questions Lippincott’s Become familiar with basic properties of 4 hrs
Biochemistry amino acids, levels of protein structure,
hemoglobin, and collagen. For enzymes, focus
on appreciating (not memorizing) the
Michaelis-Menten equation, types of enzyme in
clinical diagnosis.
Digestion of Dietary Chapter 21 Lippincott’s Learn the various pancreatic proteases and 2 hrs
Proteins and Nitrogen Biochemistry how they are regulated. Understand
transamination and oxidative deamination, but
don’t memorize Pathways. Spend more time
on urea cycle and ammonia metabolism focus
on figures 21.4, 21.11, 21.17
Metabolism of Amino Chapter 22 Lippincott’s Emphasize relevant disorders. Focus on 1 hr
Acid Carbon Biochemistry figures 22.2, 22.16
Skeletons
Day 5 Continue Biochemistry
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Heme, Porphyrins, Chapter 23 Lippincott’s Focus on the porphyrias and bilirubin 1 hr
Serotonin, Histamine Biochemistry metabolism. Focus on figures 23.5 and 23.7
and Catholamines
Gylcosaminglycans and Skim Chapter 14, 15 Lippincott’s Know what they are and know the related 1 hr
Glycoproteins Biochemistry disorders. Don’t get too bogged down in
details – just study figures 14.12 and 15.14,
then move on.
Nutrition and Vitamins Chapter 27, 28 Lippincott’s Know the daily energy requirements and 3 hrs
Biochemistry vitamin deficiencies. Focus on absorption of
vitamin B12 and pernicious anemia, as well as
vitamin D. Focus on figures 28.12, and 28.18
Nucleotide Chapter 29 Lippincott’s Understand differences between de novo and 2 hrs
Metabolism Biochemistry salvage purine synthesis. Study purine
degradation and the Pathophysiology of gout
and ADA deficiency. Study figures 29.7,
29.9,29.10
Day 6 Finish Biochemistry
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Ingrative Metabolism Chapters 24, 25, & 26 Lippincott’s Synthesize the information you’ve reviewed 5 hrs
Biochemistry this week by studying insulin, glucagon, the
fed/starved states, and the metabolic aspects
of diabetes mellitus. Time spent on these
topics will be VERY WORTHWHILE
Day 7 General Pharmacology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Pharmacokinetics & Chapter 1, 2 Lippincott’s Study general principles of pharmacology. 2 hrs
Pharmacodynamics Biochemistry Specific agents will be covered with relevant
organ systems.
Autonomic Drugs Chapters 3 – 7 Lippincott’s Know different types of adrenergic and 5 hrs
Biochemistry cholinergic receptors cold. Study figures 3.3,
3.6, 4.2, 5.2, 6.15, and 7.10.
Day 8 Begin Microbiology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Bacteria Chapter 1 – 15 Clinical Rely heavily on charts. Start building buzzword 10 hrs
Microbiology made associations with characteristics of each
Ridiculously Simple organism and how is identified (with a special
stain, culture medium, etc.) Also, time spent
with Qbank questions here will be golden
Day 9 Continue Microbiology

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Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Antibiotics Chapter 28 – 33 Lippincott’s This is high yield material, read, review and 6 hrs
Pharmacology continue to do Qbank questions to keep
building buzzword associations.
Fungi Chapter 20 Clinical This is high yield material, read, review and 1.5hr
Microbiology made continue to do Qbank questions to keep
Ridiculously Simple building buzzword associations.
Antifungal Chapter 34 Lippincott’s This is high yield material, read, review and 1 hr
Pharmacology continue to do Qbank questions to keep
building buzzword associations.
Day 10 Finish Microbiology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Viruses Chapter 22-29 Clinical This is high yield material, read, review and 6 hrs
Microbiology made continue to do Qbank questions to keep
Ridiculously Simple building buzzword associations
Antiviral Chapter 37 Lippincott’s Review antiviral agents, particularly 1 hr
Pharmacology mechanisms of action.
Parasites Chapter 30, 31 Clinical This is high yield material, read, review and 2 hrs
Microbiology made continue to do Qbank questions to keep
Ridiculously Simple building buzzword associations
Antiparasites Chapter 35, 36 Lippincott’s Review antiprotozal and antihelminthic agent, 1 hr
Pharmacology particularly multi-drug regimens
Clinical Vignettes Underground Good for group study and another way to 3 hrs
Clinical Vignettes – keep sharpening buzzword recall.
Microbiology
Day 11 Immunology & General
Pathology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Review Immunology Part VII Medical Excellent, concise summary of immunology 4 hrs
Microbiology &
Immunology:
Examination and
Board Review
Cellular injury Chapter 1 BRS Pathology Focus on mechanisms of cellular injury and 0.5 hr
differences between necrosis & apoptosis
Inflammation Chapter 2 BRS Pathology Distinguish mechanisms and histological 1 hr
characteristics of acute vs. chronic
inflammation
Hemostasis Chapter 3 BRS Pathology Know coagulation cascade, types of embolism, 1 hr
and types of shock.
Genetic Disorders Chapter 4 BRS Pathology 0.5 hr
Immune Dysfunction Chapter 5 BRS Pathology Focus on immune deficiency disorders, 0.5 hr
autoimmunity, and collagen vascular disease
Neoplasia Chapter 6 BRS Pathology Distinguish between tumor suppressor genes 1 hr
& oncogences, know mechanisms of
carcinogenesis, and the properties of
malignant cells.
Environmental Chapter 7 BRS Pathology Quickly review 0.5 hr
Pathology
Nutritional Disorders Chapter 8 BRS Pathology Review vitamin deficiencies to refresh 0.5 hr
biochem memory
Day 12 Cellular Biology

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Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
DNA, RNA, Proteins Chapter 30 – 33 Lippincott’s Know mechanisms of DNA repair, different 3.5 hrs
Biochemistry types/roles of RNA, mechanism of translation,
and molecular biology techniques. Focus on
figure 30.2, 30.16, 30.19, 30.22,31.11, 32.9
Cell Membranes Chapter 1 BRS Cell Biology & Know properties of membranes and 1 hr
Histology membrane proteins

Nucleus Chapter 2 BRS Cell Biology & Know contents of nuclei, and RNA 0.5 hr
Histology import/export mechanisms.

Cytoplasm Chapter 3 BRS Cell Biology & Review organelles and function 0.5 hr
Histology

Extracellular Matrix Chapter 4 BRS Cell Biology & Know different types of collagen, basement 1 hr
Histology membrane composition, and other ECM
components.
Epithelia & Connective Chapter 5,6 BRS Cell Biology & Review types of epithelia and locations of 1.5 hrs
Tissue Histology each. Review connective tissue focusing on
bone histology
Day 13 Cellular Physiology &
General Embryology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Cell Physiology Chapter 1 BRS Physiology Know mechanisms of ion transport, action 1 hr
potentials.
Embryology Chapter 1-4 BRS Embryology Know stages from zygote through embryo. 3 hrs
Review 3 Germ cell layers and their derivative
tissues.
Birth Defects Chapter 17, 18 BRS Embryology 1.5 hrs

Exam Diagnostic Test Board Simulator Good opportunity to identify weakness in 2 hrs
Series Body organ system areas.
Systems Review
Day 14 Thorax
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Embryology of thorax Chapter 5, 11 BRS Embryology Know the congenital cardiac abnormalities, 3.5 hrs
and fetal circulation. Also understand the
stages of fetal lung maturation.
Thoracic Anatomy Chapter 12 (Also use High Yield Gross 3 hrs
Netter’s Atlas for reference ) Anatomy
Histology of thoracic Chapters 11, 15 BRS Cell Biology & Be able to distinguish arteries and veins in 1 hr
viscera Histology cross section. Understand architecture of the
gas diffusion barrier in the lungs.

Day 15 Cardiovascular System

Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Cardiovascular Chapter 3 BRS Physiology Review hemodynamic, electrophysiology, 1.5 hrs
Physiology cardiac cycle, blood pressure regulation,
response to exercise, volume loss, altitude.
Understand pre-load, after-load, Frank-Starling
curve and condition.
Cardiac Pathology Chapter 10 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 1.5 hrs

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Vascular Pathology Chapter 9 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 1 hr
Cardiovascular Chapter 16–19 , 21 Lippincott’s Know drugs used to treat CH, HTN, 5 hrs
Pharmacology Pharmacology arrhythmias, angina, and hyperlipidemia
Day 16 Respiratory System &
Begin Hematology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Respiratory Physiology Chapter 4 BRS Physiology Know varies lung volume measurements, and 1.5 hrs
understand acid – base disorders.
Respiratory Pathology Chapter 14 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 1.5 hrs

Respiratory Chapter 22 Lippincott’s 0.5 hr

Pharmacology Pharmacology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 1: Cases 1-19, Volume Underground Good opportunity for group review 2 hrs
2: Cases 52-66 Clinical Vignettes –
Patho-physiology
Histology of Bone Chapters 10, 12 (and a BRS Cell Biology & Familiarize yourself with lymph nodes 3 hrs
Marrow, Spleen, & histological atlas for further Histology architecture and understand the spleen.
Lymph Nodes review Understand RBC, WBC, platelet
Day 17 Finish Hematology
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Anemia Chapter 11 BRS Pathology Know Patho physiology and lab differentiation 2 hrs
of various etiologies of anemia
Hematopoietic & Chapter 12 BRS Pathology Distinguish between leukemia & lymphoma. 2 hrs
Lymph reticular Understand different types of each.
Neoplasia
Hemorrhagic Chapter 13 BRS Pathology Know how to diagnose and correct each 1 hr
Disorders disorder.
Drugs affecting Chapter 20 Lippincott’s 1.5 hrs
coagulation Pharmacology
Anticancer Drugs Chapter 38 Lippincott’s 1.5 hrs
Pharmacology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 1: Cases 74-102 Underground 2 hrs
Clinical Vignettes –
Patho-physiology
Day 18 Gastrointestinal System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Embryology of Gut Chapters 10, 16 BRS Embryology Understand rotation of gut and related 1.5 hrs
and Body Cavities malformations. Know which structures are
derived of foregut, midgut, hindgut, in addition
to vascular supplies.
Abdominal Anatomy Chapter 3 (Also refer to High Yield Gross 2 hrs
Netter’s atlas) Anatomy
Histology of GI Tract Chapter 6 BRS Cell Biology & Know layers of gut wall. Understand liver 1.5 hrs
Histology structure, portal blood flow, and bile flow
GI Physiology Chapter 6 BRS Physiology Understand innervations of gut and gut 1 hr
hormones
Day 19 Gastrointestinal System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Gastrointestinal Chapter 15 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 2 hrs
Pathology
Hepatobiliary and Chapter 16 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 2 hrs
Exocrine Pancreatic

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GI Pharmacology Chapter 24 Lippincott’s Know GI drugs as well as antiemetic 2 hrs
Pharmacology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 1: Cases 40-73 Underground Good opportunity for group review 2 hrs
Clinical Vignettes –
Patho-physiology
Day 20 Genitourinary System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Embryology of GU Chapter 6, 13, 14 BRS Embryology 3 hrs

Anatomy of Pelvis and Chapters 4, 5 High Yield Gross Know the maturation sequence of 3 hrs
Perineum Anatomy spermatocytes and ovarian follicles. Know the
anatomy of the nephron.
Histology of GU Chapter 18, 19, 20 BRS Cell Biology & Know the maturation sequence of 3 hrs
Organs Histology spermatocytes and ovarian follicles. Know the
anatomy of the nephron.
Day 21 Endocrine System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Renal Physiology Chapter 5 BRS Physiology 1.5 hrs

Diuretics Chapter 23 Lippincott’s 1.5 hrs

Pharmacology
Renal & Urinary Tract Chapter 17 BRS Pathology Study this chapter thoroughly 1.5 hrs
Pathology
Male Reproductive Chapter 18 BRS Pathology Know the different types of testicular cancer, 1 hr
Pathology and the biology of BPH and prostate cancer
Female Reproductive Chapter 19 BRS Pathology Understand cervical, uterine cancer 1.5 hrs
Pathology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 2: Cases 30-51, and Underground Good opportunity for group review 2 hrs
83-103 Clinical Vignettes –
Patho-physiology
Day 22 Endocrine System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Histology of Chapter 13 BRS Embryology Review structure of endocrine organ, and use 1 hr
Endocrine System an atlas for additional pictures.
Physiology Chapter 7 BRS Physiology Know hormonal axes 2.5 hrs

Insulin and oral Chapter 26 Lippincott’s Know different types of insulin and their half 1.5 hrs
hypoglycemic Pharmacology lives. Know classes of oral hypoglycemic and
side effects.
Steroid Hormones Chapter 27 Lippincott’s 1 hr
Pharmacology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 1: Cases 25-38 Underground Good opportunity of group review 2 hrs
Clinical Vignettes-
Patho-physiology
EXAM Body System III – Test 1 Board Simulator Tough questions, but great explanations. Well 1.5 hrs
Series-Body worth the time to push yourself a bit and
Systems Review solidify the material you’ve learned.
Day 23 Nervous System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Embryology of Head Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 BRS Embryology Know bronchial arches/clefts and their 3 hrs.
Neck, & Nervous derivatives. Understand the transition from
System neural plate to mature CNS. Know fate of

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 neural crest cells.
Head & Neck Chapter 8 (also refer to High Yield Gross 2 hrs
Anatomy Netter) Anatomy
Neuroanatomy Chapter 1-23 High Yield 6 hrs
Neuroanatomy
Day 24 Nervous System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Neurophysiology Chapter 2 BRS Physiology Understand Synaptic transmission and axonal 2 hrs
conduction
Neuropathology Chapter 23 BRS Pathology Know types of CNS infection, tumors, and 2 hrs
vascular disorders.
Clinical Vignettes Volume 2: Cases 45-61, Underground Good opportunity of group review. 2 hrs
Anatomy Cases 40-56. Clinical Vignettes-
Patho-physiology
Neuropharmacology Chapters 8,10, 11, 14, 15 Lippincott’s Review drugs used to treat epilepsy, 3.5 hrs
Pharmacology Parkinson’s. Also review anesthetics and
analgesics.
Day 25 Musculoskeletal System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Embryology Chapter 15 BRS Embryology 1 hr

Anatomy of Limbs and Chapters 1, 6, 7 (also use High Yield 3.5 hrs
Back Netter) Anatomy
Histology Chapter 7, 8, 10 2 hrs
Anti-inflammatory Chapters 39, 40 Lippincott’s 2 hrs
Agents and Autacoids Pharmacology
Day 26 Musculoskeletal System
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Dermatologic Chapter 21 BRS Pathology Focus on malignancies (melanoma, SCC, BCC) 1.5 hrs
Pathology and refer to a dermatology atlas so that you
can differentiate between them.
Musculoskeletal Chapter 22 BRS Pathology 1.5 hrs
Pathology
Clinical Vignettes Volume 3: Cases 9-18, and 96- Underground Good opportunity of group review. 2.5 hrs
104. Also Anatomy: Cases 62- Clinical Vignettes-
84 Patho-physiology

Exam Body Systems II – Test I Board Simulator Touch questions, but great explanations. 2 hrs
Series-Body Well worth the time to push yourself a bit
Systems Review and solidify the material you’ve learned.

Day 27 Behavioral Science &

Biostatistics
Objective Assignments Source Details Est. Time
Clinical Vignettes All cases Underground 3 hrs
Clinical Vignettes-
Behavioral Science

Psychotropic Drugs Chapter 9-12, 13 Lippincott’s 3 hrs

Pharmacology
Biostatistics Read entire book High Yield Understand sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV. 4 hrs

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 Biostatics Be prepared to calculate risk, odds ratio, etc.
Day 28 Final Review & Exam
Logistics
Final Review Review Any Remaining Topics and finish 4 hrs
practice questions
Exam Logistics Prepare exam bag-with ID, ticket, directions
to center, lunch.
Rest & Relax

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 APPENDIX C: 5-MONTH SAMPLE STUDY SCHEDULE (LATE APRIL
TEST DATE)

Time Frame Content Topic to Review Pages in First Aid

November (begin studying during Thanksgiving break)
Week 5 Heme/Onc & Pulmonary 46 pages
December
Week 1 Heme/Onc & Pulmonary 46 pages
Week 2 Cardio & Immunology 52 pages
Week 3 Renal 30 pages
Week 4 Biochemistry 52 pages
Week 5 Microbiology 60 pages
January
Week 1 Microbiology 60 pages
Week 2 GI & Embryology 54 pages
Week 3 Path, Pharm, & Musculoskeletal 60 pages
Week 4 Neuro 44 pages
Week 5 Endo & Repoductive 42 pages
February – Human Behavior course in progress
March
Week 1 Behavior & Psych 34 pages
Week 2 Practice questions
Week 3 Practice questions
Week 4 CBCE Exam
Week 5 Shelf Exams

This sample schedule is meant to be used as a framework for you to build your own
individualized study plan; in addition to First Aid readings, challenge yourself to complete a
set number of question bank items per week (or even per day as you get closer to the
exam).

Many thanks to Taimur Khan and Ryan Roach for their assistance in creating this sample
schedule.

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 APPENDIX D: TULANE STUDENT USMLE STEP 1 OWL CLUB SURVEY
RESULTS

Questions Completed Vs. Score

270
260
250
240 y = 0.0053x + 213.71
Score

230 R² = 0.1256
220
210
200
190
180
170
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000
Number of Questions Completed

% of time studying Qs vs. score

Series1
Linear (Series1)

270

250

230
Score

210

190

170 y = -0.0069x + 226.63

R² = 4E-05
150
0 20 40 60 80 100
% of studying doing questions

45
 Number of Respondents Number of Respondents

10
15

0
5
0
20
30
40
50
60
70

10

2
Endocrine

59
Pathology

9
Anatomy

5
Physiology

12
Pathology

3
Cardiology

3
Heme/Onc Microbiology 6

14
Biochemistry
1

Inflammation

10
Neurology
4

Biochemistry

time on?

1
Ethics
7

Pharmacolo…

2
Biostatistics
4

Neurology

14
Pharmacolo…
1

Infectious…
(i.e. most represented on the test)?

1
Genetics
1

Renal
Which subject do you wish you spent more
Studying which subject was most beneficial

1
Pulmonary

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 Score Distribution

270

250

230

210
Score

190

170

150

130

110
C/O 2010 C/O 2011 C/O 2012
Class

Class C/O 2010 C/O 2011 C/O 2012

Median 224 232.5 225

Min 148 173 142

Max 265 264 263

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