Pre-Health Sciences

Overview & Highlights: 

The pre-health sciences major is designed to provide students with a broad, interdisciplinary foundation in the sciences, with a focus on preparing students for entry into medical and dental careers, as well as the allied health fields (e.g., nursing, physician's assistant, physical therapy, nutrition, medical technology). Students interested in the pre-health sciences majors should contact the program director as early as
possible in their academic career since relevant biology, chemistry, math and physics courses are necessary for adequate preparation for entrance exams (e.g., the Medical College Admission Test) typically taken in the junior year. This is also be true for students interested in medical or dental school opportunities who may choose to major in a different discipline. A different course sequence may be required for students interested in allied health professions.


Many health care career options require or strongly recommend a significant amount of health care experience prior to graduation. BIOL-150 is intended to assist students in the cultivation of their medical and
allied health profession aspirations. This course provides insight into the different careers and explores options for gaining the necessary experience.

What can I do with this degree? (Our Graduates): 

This major offers many unique opportunities for work within natural sciences. It can be tailored for students interested in attending medical or dental school, offering relevant biology, chemistry, math and physics courses necessary for adequate preparation for entrance exams (the Medical College Admission Test, for example).

Degrees & Emphases - What are the options with this major?: 

Students may choose from two degree programs: the bachelor of arts degree or the bachelor of science degree. The B.A. degree is appropriate for students who desire greater flexibility in their undergraduate
coursework. This flexibility may be used to incorporate a minor, a second major, a study abroad program or additional elective coursework. The B.S. degree is appropriate for those who seek greater depth of
foundational coursework in supporting fields, additional breadth within the major and a research capstone.

Degree Course Listings: 

B.A. in Pre-Health Sciences
GENERAL EDUCATION PREREQUISITES (12 UNITS)

BIOL-110L General Biology I (4)
CHEM-101L General Chemistry I (4)
MATH-140 Pre-Calculus (4)

REQUIRED COURSES (MINIMUM OF 48 UNITS TOTAL, 28 UNITS UPPER-DIVISION)
BIOL-331L Human Anatomy (4)
BIOL-332L Human Physiology (4)
CHEM-102L General Chemistry II (4)

Select from the following in consultation with the program director:
BIOL-120L General Biology II (4)
BIOL-150 Perspectives in Health Care (1)
BIOL-320L Vertebrate Zoology (4)
BIOL-340L Microbiology (4)
BIOL-440L Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL-450L Genetics (4)
BIOL-470 History and Philosophy of Science (4)
BIOL-482 Practicum in Biology (1-2)
BIOL-496 Biological Research (1-3)
CHEM-310 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM-311 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHEM-312L Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2)
CHEM-313L Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
CHEM-351L Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM-420L Biochemistry (4)
CHEM-496 Research Project (2)
CS-120 Introduction to Computer Science I (3)
MATH-210 Calculus I (4)
MATH-360 Probability and Statistical Methods I (3)
KIN-401L Biomechanics (4)
KIN-406L Physiology of Exercise (4)
PHYS-120L General Physics I (4)
PHYS-121L General Physics II (4)

B.S. in Pre-Health Sciences
GENERAL EDUCATION PREREQUISITES (12 UNITS)
BIOL-110L General Biology I (4)
CHEM-101L General Chemistry I (4)
MATH-210 Calculus I (4)

RECOMMENDED COURSE
PSY-120 Introduction to Psychology (3) (Required
for Pre-M.S.N. Emphasis)

REQUIRED COURSES (42 UNITS)
BIOL-120L General Biology II (4)
BIOL-331L Human Anatomy (4)
BIOL-332L Human Physiology (4)
BIOL-340L Microbiology (4)
BIOL-370 Bioethics (2)
BIOL-450L Genetics (4)
BIOL-496 Biological Research (2)
CHEM-102L General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM-310 Organic Chemistry I (3)
PHYS-120L General Physics I (4)
or PHYS-130L University Physics I (4)
PHYS-121L General Physics II (4)
or PHYS-131L University Physics II (4)
Select one course in statistics. (3 units)

Signup for registration day
 
Sign up for accepted day - March 29
 
Tuition & Fees