Premedicine, Predentistry, and Preoptometry

DR. DEBRA JACKSON and DR. ALLISON WIEDEMEIER,
Premedical Student Advisors
CNSB 300/301

Department of Biology
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209
Phone: (318) 342-3304 or (318) 342-3313
email: djackson@ulm.edu, awiedemeier@ulm.edu

Choice of Major

Most medical and dental schools have recognized the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the natural sciences, well-developed communication skills and a good background in the social sciences and humanities. Any academic major is appropriate provided it is flexible enough to include basic premedical requirements. Recent admissions data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges indicated that about 47% of all applicants majored in biological sciences, 19% in physical sciences and 34% in liberal arts and other areas. The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a diversity of suitable and interesting undergraduate programs, and excellent pre-professional advising and preparation for students wishing to enter the medical and dental professional schools.

Required Courses for Premedical Students

The minimal course requirements for admission to most medical schools are given below. These courses also prepare a student for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). All courses listed must be taken for a grade.

Biology:

(one year with laboratory experience)

BIOL 1020 - Principles of Biology I 3 cr. and
BIOL 1021 - Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1 cr.
BIOL 2014 - Introductory Microbiology 3 cr. and
BIOL 2015 - Introductory Microbiology Laboratory 1 cr.

The following courses are recommended:

BIOL 3016 - Comparative Anatomy 4 cr.
BIOL 3010 - Human Physiology 3 cr. and
BIOL 3013 - Human Physiology Laboratory 1 cr.
BIOL 3005 - Genetics 3 cr. and
BIOL 3006 - Genetics Laboratory 1 cr.
BIOL 4022 - Histology 4 cr.

Chemistry:

(two years in chemistry major course sequence: one year inorganic chemistry, one year organic chemistry)

CHEM 1007 - General Chemistry I 3 cr. and
CHEM 1009 - General Chemistry Laboratory I 1 cr.
CHEM 1008 - General Chemistry II 3 cr. and
CHEM 1010 - General Chemistry Laboratory II 1 cr.
CHEM 2030 - Organic Chemistry I 3 cr. and
CHEM 2031 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1 cr.
CHEM 2032 - Organic Chemistry II 3 cr. and
CHEM 2033 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1 cr.
CHEM 3050 - Biochemistry I 3 cr. is strongly recommended
CHEM 3051 - Biochemistry Laboratory I 1 cr. is strongly recommended
CHEM 3052 - Biochemistry II 3 cr. is strongly recommended

Physics:

(one year covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, light and sound)

PHYS 2003 - General Physics I 3 cr. and
PHYS 2009 - Physics Laboratory I 1 cr.
PHYS 2004 - General Physics II 3 cr. and
PHYS 2010 - Physics Laboratory II 1 cr.

English:

(one year of composition)

ENGL 1001 - Composition I 3 cr.
ENGL 1002 - Composition II 3 cr.
ENGL 3026 - Advanced Composition 3 cr. is highly recommended

Additional Information:

Other Course Information

CLEP credits, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and correspondence courses will not substitute for required premedical courses. Students with AP credit must take courses beyond introductory courses waived by AP credit. All courses taken (including repeated courses) are counted towards the GPA on medical college applications. See the premedical advisor before repeating a class. Additional information on individual medical college requirements is available in the book, Medical School Admissions Requirements, published by the AAMC. The MCAT Student Manual provides information on the MCAT. It is a good idea to visit the admissions page on the web-site of the professional school of your choice, at your earliest opportunity.

Extracurricular Activities

Activities outside of the classroom can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission. Involvement in extracurricular activities may showcase an individual’s leadership skills, organization skills and communication abilities. Community service and experience with some aspect of the medical profession are also desirable. The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a chapter of the premed honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), which meets regularly and offers additional opportunities for involvement and insight into the medical profession.

Advising

The faculty at the University of Louisiana at Monroe have a strong commitment to student advising. This is particularly critical for students working towards admission to professional programs because of specific requirements that may differ from school to school or change over time. Students are advised each semester before registering to ensure that class schedules are appropriate to their graduation goals. Advisors can also inform premedical students of news and events of interest and can assist them with the medical school application process.

Other Health Professions

Students interested in attending other related health care fields such as dental school, optometry school, physical therapy school, podiatry school and physician assistant programs are advised as well. Students should consult with the premedical advisor for specific guidance for these programs.