Pre-Medicine Major
Bachelor of Science Degree
As a senior Pre-Medicine major, I was able to take a biomedical practicum at a local hospital. During the practicum, I worked with resident physicians in the pediatric emergency room. My experience was thoroughly useful. Not only did I get to see the inside life of the hospital, but I also got to see the practical application of the principles and processes I learned in the classroom.
— Kate, PCC 2008 Graduate
(not pictured)
The pre-medicine major is designed to encompass a broad, liberal arts education and establish a strong background in science. Students should acquire other basic skills and attitudes such as reading with comprehension and retention, understanding concepts and drawing logical conclusions, and adapting quickly to new and different circumstances.
Admission to medical school in the United States is very selective, admitting only students with excellent grades and admission test scores and skills necessary to excel in the profession of medicine. Personal qualities and commitment are also important. Entrance requirements vary from one medical school to another, so students are urged to consult the catalog of the medical school of their interest early in their undergraduate enrollment in order to be informed of exact entrance requirements.
High School Preparation: Preparation for medical school demands much specific high school preparation. Ideally, the pre-medicine student should have a good understanding of the basic physical sciences, a highly developed ability in mathematics, and the competence to read rapidly and with comprehension. The minimum adequate preparation includes 2 units of algebra, 1 unit each of plane geometry, advanced mathematics (trigonometry and analytical geometry or precalculus), chemistry, and physics.
Students not prepared to enter directly into the pre-medicine curriculum will be able to make up certain deficiencies. In this case, the time required to complete the pre-medicine degree could be expected to increase.
Academic Requirements: Students must have at least a “B” in all biology, chemistry, and physics courses. Pre-medicine majors do not have to complete a minor. Chemistry may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level chemistry courses. Biology may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level biology courses. Science cannot be claimed as a minor.
Academic Program Fee: $160 per semester or $40 per payment.
Recommended Course Sequence
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‡ At least 4 hours out of 8 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI course number.
* Highly recommend CS 101 Introduction to Computer Applications for one of the elective hours
