Advice for Students Preparing for Medical/Health Professions
"While all health professions schools require a strong background in Biology and Chemistry, it is not necessary to major in these disciplines. Health professions schools are actively encouraging applications from people in all academic disciplines. Your main considerations in evaluating possible majors should be your interests and your alternative career choices. If your passion is English, Art History, or Brain and Cognitive Sciences, go for it! You'll enjoy your college years far more, and you'll most likely earn higher grades, if you focus your attention on your favorite subject(s)."
--Adapted from Preprofessional Course Requirements in the CAS Health Professions Handbook
ALL STUDENTS CONTEMPLATING A CAREER IN MEDICINE SHOULD CONSULT WITH A PRE-MED ADVISOR TO FINALIZE COURSE SELECTIONS.
Graduate/Medical degree programs in the health professions generally have admissions requirements that include 2 semesters of: biology (beyond the introductory level), general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, mathematics, and English.
Premed Students: In addition to completing the B.A. or B.S. curriculum in BCS, the following requirements also should be completed. For B.S. students, the science and math courses required for medical school can simultaneously fulfill some of the BCS degree requirements for General Science Foundation, Allied Field, and Open Electives, if your advisor approves them as appropriately related to your track and interests.
Biology Courses: 2 required
- Choose from the following:
Allied Field Courses: 8 required
- CHM 131 w/Lab and CHM 132 w/Lab or CHM 151 w/Lab and CHM 152 w/Lab
- CHM 203 w/207 and CHM 204 w/208 or CHM 205 w/209 and CHM 206 w/210
- MTH 141 and 142 or MTH 161 and 162
- PHY 113 and 114 (preferred) or PHY 122 and 123
While not required for admission to medical school, these courses are highly recommended preparation
- BIO 198: Principles of Genetics or BCH 150: Biochemistry New Fall 2005
- BIO 250: Biochemistry Discontinued after Fall 2005
English/Upper-Level Writing Requirements
Although most professional schools require two semesters of English, thus far, schools have accepted any courses taken by UR students in fulfillment of The College's requirement for Arts and Sciences students (even if these are not English courses). The College's requirement consists of one primary writing course and the upper-level writing requirement (ULW). The successful completion of the Brain and Cognitive Sciences curriculum satisfies The College's ULW requirement.