Pre-Medicine and Related Health Professions
Make an impact in medicine
What jobs can you do with a
pre-medicine or pre-health
degree?
We will prepare you well for the road ahead as you strive to be a:
Medical doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Physician’s Assistant
Dentist
Optometrist
Pharmacist
Veterinarian
DWU + VCOM Med School Partnership
As a DWU student, if you are interested in attending The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), you are guaranteed an interview and have an opportunity to apply for the Rocovich Scholars Early Admission Program.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private, non-profit osteopathic medical school with campuses on Blacksburg, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; and Monroe, Louisiana.
Learn more about VCOM.
"Because of the relationship between DWU and VCOM, my path to medical school was clear. I was fortunate to have both schools supporting me and fostering my education. DWU and VCOM have similar missions – to encourage students to make a difference through community service and to pursue meaningful careers that support our global economy."
- Dr. Dan Mitchell ’17
Rocovich Scholars Early Admission Program Qualifications:
- Students can apply during their fourth semester.
- Must have a 3.5 GPA in science and an overall SAT of 1100 or ACT of 24.
- Must obtain a minimum of 45 credits from DWU.
- Must be a permanent resident of a rural area or a federally designated medically underserved area, qualify as being from a low socioeconomic background or are a member of an underserved minority.
- 40 hours of healthcare work (at time of application)
- 40 hours of community volunteer work (at time of application)
- 80 hours of healthcare work (at time of matriculation)
- 80 hours of community volunteer work (at time of matriculation)
Visit with your DWU adviser or an admissions counselor if this fits your educational goals and future path.
Pre-Medicine and Related Courses
Regardless of your chosen medical career path, DWU faculty members will help you succeed. As Dr. Mazzer says, “the best major for pre-med is the one that you love!” So, whatever you are passionate about... athletic training, biology, chemistry, biochemistry or psychology, we will help you prepare for the road ahead. Pair your courses with specialty internships, research opportunities and community health service projects, and you will be ready for your next step.
BIO 120 Principles of Biology I
4 Hours
Students will examine concepts and theories in the following areas: the philosophy and methods of science; ecology; cell structure and function; genetics; and evolution. Three lectures, one laboratory. This course is intended to primarily serve those majoring in the Biological Sciences. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120L.
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II
Hours
BIO 200 Research
Hours
BIO 220 Anatomy and Physiology I
Hours
BIO 300 Research
Hours
BIO 301 Biostatistics
Hours
BIO 302 Ecology
Hours
BIO 305 Biology Teaching Methods
2 Hours
This course introduces students to the texts, manuals, materials, apparatus and methods of teaching biology. It cannot be taken as a directed study. Prerequisites: 15 hours of biological science, including BIO 120, BIO 122, BIO 316, CHM 164, EDU 201 and EDU 456.
BIO 311 Invertebrate Zoology
4 Hours
Students will investigate the biology of representative invertebrates, including their structure and function, phylogeny, taxonomy, behavior, and ecology. Includes one hour lecture, one hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 311L.
BIO 315 Genetics
4 Hours
This is an introduction to the study of genetics using classical and molecular approaches. Topics covered include transmission genetics, replication of DNA, gene expression and control, and population genetics. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.
BIO 315 Genetics
4 Hours
This is an introduction to the study of genetics using classical and molecular approaches. Topics covered include transmission genetics, replication of DNA, gene expression and control, and population genetics. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.
BIO 316 Evolutionary Biology
3 Hours
This course includes the history, genetic basis and products of evolutionary forces, including understanding the factors that affect evolutionary change, and the modes of evolutionary change. This course is designed to present the evidence for evolution and its effects on populations from the molecular to the community and ecosystem level. Prerequisite: BIO 315.
BIO 318 Botany
Hours
BIO 319 Animal Development
Hours
BIO 323 Mammalogy
4 Hours
Topics covered in this course include the evolution, taxonomy, distribution, adaptations, ecology and behavior of mammals. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L or consent of instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 323L
BIO 324 Ornithology
Hours
BIO 325 Principles of Wildlife Management
Hours
BIO 330 Anatomy and Physiology II
Hours
BIO 333 Microbiology
Hours
BIO 344 Immunology
4 Hours
An introduction into the chemical, genetic,and biological properties of immune responses, acquired immunity and the production of antibodies. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, and CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L or consent of instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 344L
BIO 346 Intro to Molecular and Cell Biology
Hours
BIO 400 Research Problems in Biology
1 Hours
This course involves advanced independent work using biological methods. Students will choose a research-type activity acceptable to the biology department. Prerequisites: BIO101, BIO102, an approved proposal and consent of the instructor.
BIO 403 Research in Biochemistry
Hours
CHM 164 University Chemistry
3 Hours
A one-semester course covering the core concepts of general chemistry, maintaining the depth and relevance of a two semester sequence. Topics covered include: bonding, equilibrium, stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, and oxidation-reduction. Prerquisite: MTH 120 or equivalent is recommended.
CHM 166 University Chemistry Lab
1 Hours
An introduction to experimental chemical methods of synthesis and characterization by quantitative and qualitative procedures. Experiments will relate to topics covered in CHM 164. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHM 164.
CHM 174 Organic and Biochemistry
4 Hours
This course is a study of the fundamentals of organic chemistry (nomenclature, functional groups, reactions) with an emphasis on compounds of biological interest (amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, nucleic acids and the metabolic cycles). Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 164. Corequisite: CHM174L
CHM 231 Organic Chemistry
Hours
CHM 310 Inorganic Chemistry
3 Hours
This foundational inorganic course is an extension of general chemistry topics with a focus on symmetry, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, solid-state chemistry and complexation reactions. Prerequisite: CHM 164.
CHM 323 Analytical Chemistry
4 Hours
Students will study quantitative analytical methods, principles, details and applications, including the statistical treatment of data. Lab exercises cover the qualitative analysis scheme in the first half of the semester and more specific analytical problems in the second half. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, plus extra lab hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174/174L. Corequisite: CHM 323L.
CHM 331 Organic Chemistry I
Hours
CHM 332 Organic Chemistry II
Hours
CHM 341 Biochemistry I
Hours
CHM 341 Biochemistry I
4 Hours
This is the first semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course providing an introduction to the chemical and physical properties of biologically important molecules. Topics to be discussed in this course include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and enzymes. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L. Corequisite: CHM 341L.
CHM 342 Biochemistry II
4 Hours
This is the second semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course with emphasis on metabolism, energy use and synthesis of biologically important molecules. Three lectures, one lab. Prerequisite: CHM 341/341L. Corequisite: CHM 342L.
CHM 360 Physical Chemistry
3 Hours
This course introduces the basic theoretical concepts of the chemical sciences: thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibria, chemical kinetics and the behavior of matter in the solid, liquid, gaseous and solution states. Prerequisites: CHM 164 and MTH 210.
MTH 200 Statistical Methods I
3 Hours
This course is an introduction to descriptive statistics, including graphs, sampling distributions, measures of central tendency, probability theory, hypothesis testing through nonparametric tests, confidence intervals, correlation and regression. Statistical applications, hypothesis testing and the use of statistical software for graphing are emphasized. Prerequisite: MTH 125 or consent of instructor.
MTH 210 Calculus I
5 Hours
This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus. Students will learn to calculate the rates of change of functions including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and how to solve initial value and optimization problems. Students will learn the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and integration techniques. Prerequisite: MTH 135 or math placement.
PHS 260 University Physics I
4 Hours
This is an introductory calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to mechanics. Topics included are kinematics, vectors, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion and waves. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MTH 135 or consent of instructor. Corequisite PHS 260L.
PHS 270 University Physics II
4 Hours
This a calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to electricity and magnetism. Topics included are Coulomb’s law, electric fields, potential fields, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, induction, AC circuits and Maxwell’s laws. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHS 260/206L. Corequisite: PHS270L.
PSY 131 General Psychology
Hours
PSY 202 History of Psychology
3 Hours
This course is a study of the major people, movements and events in the evolution of the discipline. This course attempts to make connections between historical and current developments within the field.
PSY 237 Developmental Psychology
3 Hours
This course is a sequential study of the individual from conception to death. Students will study research regarding human physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, along with implications for parents, teachers and counselors.
PSY 333 Cognitive Psychology
3 Hours
This course is a study of the mental processes involved as a person acquires and uses knowledge. Students will explore historical and philosophical issues, including process models, information theory, artificial intelligence, visual and auditory cognition, psycholinguistics, memory, attention, problem solving and concept formation. Prerequisites: PSY 131 and PSY 237.
PSY 381 Psychology Of Personality
3 Hours
This course is a study of the major approaches to the field of personality development, including trait, biological, psychoanalytic, humanistic, behavioral and cognitive research paradigms.
PSY 435 Experimental Psychology
3 Hours
Students will study scientific methodology in general and the experimental method in particular. They will explore classical and contemporary studies in basic and applied psychology. Prerequisites: MTH 200 and PSY 131.
PSY 443 Abnormal Psychology
Hours
PSY 482 Senior Thesis
6 Hours
This course involves a year long research project planned and carried out by the student with guidance from a faculty member. It is an opportunity to exercise the methodological skills and to synthesize the knowledge gained in coursework through the student's program. The student must provide the structure. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours in psychology courses.
SOC 332 Social Psychology
3 Hours
Students will study individual attitudes, self-development and behavior as affected by group interaction. Attention is given to socio-biology, symbolic interactionism, Freudian psychology and experimental social psychology.
Get to Know Your Professors
As a pre-med or pre-health major, you’ll develop a plan early on with DWU professors and advisers to understand the requirements and application process of the professional school you wish to pursue. You’ll also work closely with faculty as you do specialty research and match with local health professionals to gain experience.
Bethany Melroe Lehrman, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry | Dean of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences
Paula Mazzer, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
Strengthen Your Pre-Medicine
or Pre-Health Degree
As a pre-med or pre-health major, you’ll experience a variety of opportunities. DWU will help connect you to local hospitals and clinics, to gain practical experience in health professions. You also have a well-rounded sampling of cocurricular activities or work experiences, both related and unrelated to medicine, that will help you grow as a student and professional.
Resources
We’ve prepared information that will be helpful for you as a college freshman if you are aiming at med or another post-health school. Start your journey here.
Related Majors & Minors
Allied Health
Be ready for the positions that comprise over half the jobs in healthcare today, such as medical technologist, occupational therapist or physical therapist.
Biology
Interested in plants, animals and human life? Explore living things with a major in biology.
Biochemistry
Explore the living things around you, while you investigate the complexity of life processes in animals and plants.
Chemistry
If problem solving is your thing, you'll fit right in at DWU.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Help sick or injured people improve their mobility and manage pain.
