Pre-Medicine

Not a concentration program

LS&A students who wish to prepare for a career in medicine should elect courses that lead to completion of degree requirements and simultaneously fulfill the pre-medical requirements of the medical schools of their choice. Pre-medicine is not a concentration. A balanced and challenging liberal arts education is strongly recommended as an ideal way to prepare for the professional study of medicine.

Interested students should view the website and schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Academic Advising Center and visit the Career Center for information about the medical profession.

Pre-medical course requirements are:

  1. Chemistry. Four terms: CHEM 130/125/126, 210/211, 215/216, followed by either 230 or 260, is the recommended course sequence.
  2. Biochemistry. The majority of medical schools either recommend or require biochemistry (the University of Michigan Medical School requires it). Students may select from MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415 or 515, BIOLCHEM 451 and 452, or CHEM 451 and 452, or CHEM 351.
  3. Biology. Two terms of introductory biology lecture: BIOLOGY 171 and 172, and one term of introductory lab: BIOLOGY 173.Students also will want to complete at least one advanced course in biology (with lab).

    Note: More than 25% of medical schools "recommend" that genetics (BIOLOGY 305) also be completed.
  4. Physics. Two terms, including lab work. Students may select PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128, PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241, PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241, or PHYSICS 160/161 and 260/261, or a combination of algebra- and calculus-based courses.
  5. English. Two terms of English are generally required. A course that satisfies the First-Year Writing Requirement usually satisfies one term of this requirement. "English " courses may be selected from the English, Great Books, or Comparative Literature departments or programs.
  6. Mathematics. Many medical schools require at least one mathematics course (college-level calculus in a few cases). STATS 350 can be sued to satisfy part or all of the math requirement, depending on the medical school.

The above courses account for approximately one third of the course work for an A.B., B.S., or B.G.S. degree. Medical schools require demonstrated proficiency in the sciences, but it is not necessary to concentrate in the sciences.