Premedical Studies Program Description

The Premedical Studies Program prepares students for entry into medical, dental, veterinary, or other health-related graduate programs. The program provides guidance and support for students wishing to pursue these professional programs. Medical schools require applicants to have a core of basic science courses, including one year each of biological sciences (BIO 104 and 105), physics (PHY 115 and 116 or 125 and 126), general chemistry (CHE 111,112 and 151,152), organic chemistry (CHE 230 and 235), and in some cases, a year of calculus (MA 117 and 118). Other course requirements for medical school are met by Goucher’s liberal arts curriculum. Competitive applicants for medical school, however, usually have a stronger science background than the minimum requirements. It is highly recommended that premedical students also take Cell Biology (BIO 210, 214), Genetics (BIO 220, 224), and Animal Physiology (BIO 260). Developmental Biology (BIO 378), Biochemistry I (CHE 341) and Biochemistry of Gene Expression (CHE 345) are also recommended. A premedical student may choose any department or individualized major provided the minimum requirements listed above are met. To ensure that all required and recommended courses can be taken, it is essential that principles of chemistry and the introductory biological sciences courses be taken in the first year.

Students pursuing a chemistry major should take either calculus- or non-calculus-based physics by the end of the second year. All other students should complete physics by the end of the junior year. All students must complete Organic Chemistry in the sophomore year. See departmental listings for specific recommendations on course selection within the major. Deciding after the first year to prepare for a medical career may necessitate attendance at summer school. Premedical internships, a part of the off-campus experience program, are limited in number and are open to juniors of any major who are seriously planning to apply to medical school and who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0. Community service options are also available for premedical students. In addition the program provides assistance with preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and provides guidance with regard to when and where to apply to medical school. The program also sponsors outside speakers covering medically related issues and medical school admissions policies. Students interested in preparing for medical, dental, or veterinary school should consult the director of premedical studies.