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Dec 11, 2024
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2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Premedicine, Predentistry, and Preoptometry
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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.
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Biology:
(one year with laboratory experience) The following courses are recommended:
Chemistry:
(two years in chemistry major course sequence: one year inorganic chemistry, one year organic chemistry) Physics:
(one year covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, light and sound) English:
(one year of composition) 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. |
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