​​The ​Department of Basic Medical Sci​ences at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) College of Medicine is ​a multidisciplinary unit designed to deliver the basic sciences curriculum to first- and second-year medical students, as well as to perform cutting edge translational biomedical research.

In contrast to a number of single, discipline-derived basic science departments traditional in most medical schools, the KSAU-HS College of Medicine Program consists of one Basic Medical Sciences Department staffed by an array of faculty with expertise in areas such as anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry/molecular biology, biomedical informatics, cancer biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, immunobiology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology and physiology. Integration of the basic sciences with clinical medicine is a keynote of our educational program.

The first two years' curriculum, which is a shared responsibility between the basic sciences and clinical faculty, is delivered through a problem-based format to small groups of students who meet regularly for approximately four hours per week throughout the first and second years. Materials from the different basic sciences disciplines and pathology are integrated in a manner relevant to clinical cases under discussion in the week’s problem. All basic sciences faculty members take on three roles in this teaching program: PBL tutor, resource person and evaluator. Many faculty members also hold joint appointments in our clinical departments where they participate in teaching and research projects.

The basic medical sciences are central and fundamental not only to educating the next generation of physicians for Saudi Arabia, but also to improving the lives of citizens through scientific breakthroughs in translational medical research which will make an impact in preventing and treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurological disorders. All students are required to participate in research projects as a​ prerequisite for graduation.