Academic Tip Sheet: Pre-Health Concentration

Thinking of pursuing a career in the health field? You can pursue any of a variety of majors, but must fit the following courses into your curriculum, either as part of your major or as free electives towards your degree.

The Pre-Health Concentration of courses is a follows (38-42 cr. = 10 courses):

• BIO 011: Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics (4 crs.)
• BIO 012: Animal Form and Function (4 crs.)
• CHEM 003A/B: General and Inorganic Chemistry Lecture/Laboratory (4 cr.)
• CHEM 004A/B: General and Inorganic Chemistry Lecture/Laboratory (4 cr.)
• CHEM 131A/B: Elements of Organic Chemistry Lecture/Laboratory (4 cr.)
• CHEM 132A/B: Elements of Organic Chemistry Lecture/Laboratory (4 cr.)
• PHYS 001A/B (non-calc based) (4 cr.) or PHYS 11A/B (calc based) (5 cr.)
• PHYS 002A/B (non-calc based) (4 cr.) or PHYS 12A/B (calc based) (5 cr.)
• Math (recommend pre-calculus Math 050 for most flexibility) (4 cr.)
• Math (recommend calculus Math 71 for most flexibility) (4 cr.)

Additional courses as recommended for individual schools:

• There is more genetics on the MCAT's so consider taking BIO 135: Genetics. BIO 136 (lab) is less necessary. You might also want to consider taking BIO 137: Cell Biology.
• Medical schools also like to see some Biochemistry (BCHM 162 or 163). If you take that, you can also declare a minor in Chemistry.
• Veterinary Schools like to see BIO 143: Microbiology. The pre-requisites are BIO 135/136, CHEM 3A/B, 4A/B.
• Dental Schools like to see coursework that demonstrates your manual dexterity, for example: Sculpture (FA 58), Jewelry-making (FA 70), etc. Those courses can be helpful in developing your depth perception for the DAT's.

Thinking of Medical School? Keep in mind the following:

• You must make an appt. with Ellen Miller, Pre-Health Adviser, by calling (516)-463-6770.
• Aim to take the MCAT's during the end of your Junior year, so you can start the application process over the summer.
• VOLUNTEER WORK - extended over time, not just crammed into one summer. (Ex: EMT, Volunteering in a medical setting, etc.)
• LETTERS of RECOMMENDATION - set up a file in the Center for University Advisement.
• Join APHOS - Association of Pre-Health Oriented Students. Meetings are every other Wednesday during Common Hour. Contact Dean Miller for meeting schedule.