Coursework
Basic Coursework
The practice of medicine is based on modern biology, chemistry, and physics.
Candidates for medical professional schools must study in these disciplines
to:
• confirm their interest in and capacity for advanced study in medical
science
• enable professional schools to judge their potential for success
in medicine
• meet requirements of state laws governing licensure
Minimum requirements for admission to professional schools are not uniform.
Also, many schools recommend, but do not require, additional courses such
as calculus, statistics, advanced biology courses, English, humanities,
economics, psychology, and social science courses. Students should ascertain
the minimum and recommended courses of professional schools to which they
plan to apply well in advance of planning their undergraduate studies.
Professional School Prerequisite Science & Math Courses
| General Biology 1 & 2 | General Chemistry 1 & 2 | Organic Chemistry 1 & 2 | Physics 1 & 2 | Biochem-istry | Anatomy & Physiology | Micro-biology | Genetics | Animal Science | Math (1) | |
| Medical Schools | Yes (2) | Yes | Yes (3) | Yes | (4) | Yes (4) | ||||
| Veterinary Schools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (5) | ||
| Dental Schools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Physician Assistant * | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Pharmacy Schools ** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | (6) | (6) | Yes | |||
| Optometry Schools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | (4) | Yes | Yes | |||
| Podiatric Schools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Labs are required for Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
& Physics and may be required for other science courses.
1 = Calculus and/or Statistics
2 = some schools allow Zoology to fulfill requirement
3 = some schools allow 1 semester Biochemistry to fulfill Organic II requirement
4 = required at some schools, but strongly recommended by all others
5 = courses taken at the University of Florida prior to matriculation
6 = required by approximately half of pharmacy schools
* Physician assistant school requirements vary widely. A minimum of two
years of college is required to be elgible for admission into bachelors
degree programs. Masters degree programs require all undergraduate pre-requisites
along with a minimum GPA. Health care experience and volunteering are
required. Pre-PA students are especially encouraged to determine the requirements
of those schools to which they plan to apply.
**Pharmacy school requirements vary widely. PrePharmacy students are especially
encouraged to determine the requirements of those schools to which they
plan to apply.
Professional schools may have additional minimum requirements for admission
to those listed above as well as recommended courses. Students should
ascertain the minimum requirements and recommended additional courses
of schools to which they plan to apply.