Course RequirementsMany pre-med students choose to major in biology or chemistry, but this is not required. The choice of an undergraduate major while preparing for medical school is not especially critical for successful admission, but the selection of certain coursework and the right combination of sciences, social and behavioral sciences and electives is important.
Certain basic requirements must be fulfilled before you can be accepted to medical school. This is a GUIDE only. Students must consult with their advisors AND the appropriate medical schools on a regular basis for revisions to course requirements and to identify and ensure completion of all required courses. The common requirements include:
- 1 year General Chemistry with labs
- 1 year Organic Chemistry with labs
- 1 year Physics with labs
- 1 year Biology with labs
- 1 year English
- 1 year Behavioral Sciences
- 1 semester Biochemistry
- Math competencies
Below are the CMU courses we recommend to meet these requirements:
General Chemistry: CHM 131 & 132,
8 credits
Organic Chemistry: CHM 345, 346, & 349,
8 credits
Physics: PHY 130, 131, 170, & 171 or PHY 145, 146, 175, & 176,
10 credits
Biochemistry: CHM 425 or 521 & 522,
4-6 credits
Biology: BIO 111, 112, 211, & 392,
16 credits
English: ENG 101 & 201,
6 credits
Behavioral Sciences: PSY 100, SOC 100 and/or higher,
6 credits
Math Competencies: MTH 107 or higher, or statistics,
3-4 credits
Some medical schools may have additional courses required or recommended. Review the admission requirements of the medical schools you plan on applying in advance.
All required courses must be taken for a grade. Each school has it's own policy regarding AP credit. Usually, AP credit in these areas should be followed with additional upper level work in the discipline including labs.
Anatomy, HSC 214 or BIO 337
Calculus, MTH 132
Cell Biology, BIO 324
Computer Science, CPS 100
Biology, BIO 211
Physiology, BIO 392