Major Selection for Premed Students
Students can apply to medical school with any major, including non-science areas, as long as they take the required courses listed by the school to which they apply. Generally these include a year each of General Chemistry, General Biology, General Physics, and Organic Chemistry. Liberal arts requirements often include a year each of humanities, social sciences and writing. The following majors would include the required premedical science sequences; additional coursework for each major is listed below.
Biochemistry/Biophysics
Biochemists explore the chemical structure of living matter and the chemical reactions occurring in living cells. Biophysicists use the methods of physical science to study life processes at a fundamental level. Upper division courses include Physical Chemistry, Experimental Chemistry, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, etc. Note: this major requires 4 terms of calculus and calculus-based physics.
Biology
Biologists study all living organisms, from their beginnings, to their development, function, and environment. Upper division courses include Genetics, Ecology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology, History of Science, etc. Note: this major requires 2 terms of calculus, and algebra-based physics.
Chemistry
Chemists study molecules and materials. There are 10 different options in the major; the premed option includes coursework in Quantitative Analysis, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, and the unique Experimental Chemistry sequence which is organized around integrated projects. Note: this major requires 3 terms of calculus and the calculus-based physics is recommended.
Microbiology
Microbiologists study a large and diverse group of microorganisms- bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Upper division courses include Immunology, Bacterial Molecular Genetics, Pathogenic Microbiology, Virology, Plasmid Biology, Food Microbiology, etc. Note: this major requires 2 terms of calculus and algebra-based physics.
Zoology
Zoologists study the biology of animals, from individual cells and molecules to entire ecosystems. Upper division coursework includes Genetics, Ecology, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology, Physiology, Embryology, Animal Behavior, etc. Note: this major requires 2 terms of calculus and algebra-based physics.
It is important to begin serious study of the liberal arts early in your program as preparation for the MCAT, which contains a Verbal Reasoning and Writing section in addition to sciences. Baccalaureate Core Courses which require writing are especially useful. Broad reading is also important.
Other important information for premedical students
1. Premedical Listserv: Important information is sent to students on a regular basis about scholarships, meetings, work opportunities, deadlines, seminars, etc. To sign up go to http://www.lists.oregonstate.edu and enter “premedclub” in the listname box.
2. Student Club: The Premed Society meets several times a month and sponsors field trips, speakers, a tour of OHSU, etc. To sign up go to http://osu.orst.edu/groups/premed/
3. Premedical Orientation Class, BI 109, is offered spring term. General information is provided about the application process, the MCAT, admissions, volunteer opportunities, etc. and various speakers are also included.
4. Application Seminar Series: During the year in which you apply to medical school, contact Chere Pereira, the Chief Premedical Advisor, to sign up for the seminar series which includes information sessions and meetings with local physicians.
5. An excellent source of general and specific information on medical school is the website of the Association of American Medical Colleges, www.aamc.org.
Chere Pereira
Chief Premedical Advisor
College of Science, Kidder 128
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Appointments: call 541-737-4811
Questions: call 541-737-3881