Pre-Med Requirements
Pre-Medicine Coursework
Because the prospective medical student with broad educational background profits most from the medical curriculum, preference is given to applicants with a bachelor's degree. Courses in paramedical schools (such as pharmacy, nursing, optometry, medical, etc.) do not fulfill the premedical science requirements. Courses taken in non-accredited institutions will not be accepted. Applicants who have been dismissed from other medical schools for scholastic or disciplinary reasons will not be considered. The Admissions Committee reviews all coursework completed at the undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
In selecting courses, the premedical student should be aware of the broad scope of the medical profession. The biological basis for the practice of medicine is traditional and appropriate because medicine, in its technical aspects, is an applied biological science. Modern medical practice also requires a working knowledge of chemistry and physics to appreciate vital processes in both health and disease.
To be successful, medical students must be able to read rapidly and with understanding. They also must be able to express their thoughts clearly and concisely.
Premedical students should develop a solid background in the humanities, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the arts. Understanding human relationships and human nature are vital to the practice of medicine. Students are encouraged to take courses, which would be difficult to acquire after the college experience is completed. The School of Medicine seeks to admit well-rounded students with broad and diverse experiences.
Each applicant must complete the following courses prior to matriculation:
Biology
The biology requirement is met by one semester of cellular biology with lab and one semester of organismic biology with lab. Survey courses (an introductory course of study that provides a general view of an academic subject) in anatomy and physiology cannot be substituted for this requirement. AP and IB Biology credit is not accepted toward this requirement. If your undergraduate institution accepted AP or IB Biology credit, two upper-level Biology courses with labs are required.
General Chemistry
This requirement is met by a one-year sequence in general inorganic chemistry with labs.
Organic Chemistry
This requirement is met by a one-year sequence in organic chemistry, including all major categories of organic compounds. While organic laboratory courses are valuable for individual student goals and degree requirements, our Admissions Committee does not require them.
Physics
This requirement is met by a one-year sequence in general physics with labs, including mechanics, electricity, heat, light, and sound. Specialized courses in sub-disciplines cannot be substituted for any part of this requirement.
English
Two semesters of writing, literature, and/or communication/speech courses meet this requirement. AP and IB credit is acceptable for one semester only, with one additional course required to be taken at the college level. We will not accept two semesters of AP or IB credit to fulfill this requirement.
Biochemistry
This requirement is met by a one-semester Biochemistry course. Please note that this course is a new requirement beginning in the 2021 admissions cycle.
A year is defined as a minimum of 32 weeks, including two (2) semesters or three (3) quarters of coursework. All science courses applied to the premedical requirements must include laboratory work except for Organic Chemistry. Applicants must receive a letter grade of C or higher for all required prerequisite courses. Substitutions for the premedical science requirements can only be allowed if replaced by advanced work in the same area.
ULSOM will not accept CLEP credit for any prerequisite coursework.
Additional information about the prerequisite requirements and the acceptance of Junior/Community College coursework, AP/IB credits, and online coursework can be found on the School of Medicine website.
Suggested Coursework
In addition to the required courses above, a course in statistical methods is recommended. Since the Admissions Committee reviews the applicant's complete academic portfolio, advanced coursework strengthening the premedical academic foundation will be favorably viewed during the evaluation process.
