Freshman Year
At APU, the Premedical Program begins during the freshman year as students establish a solid foundation in English and in the sciences (general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus). Students should make it a priority to develop the work habits and the commitment to excellence that results in A grades in these core science courses. These courses, plus a semester of biochemistry, are a requirement for the majority of medical schools.
Sophomore Year
Typically, students apply to the “Premedical (Premed) Track” in spring of their sophomore year while taking 200-level biology and chemistry courses. The Department of Biology and Chemistry admits students to the Premed Track who have shown a serious commitment to preparing for a career in medicine, and who are performing at a level that would make acceptance into medical school a realistic possibility.
Admitted students progress through their college education with the fellowship and support of like-minded students, and benefit from academic advising from members of the Premedical Advisory Committee.
Junior Year
In their junior year, students in the Premed Track have the opportunity to take our in-house MCAT review course and the Premed Practicum course.
Senior Year
As seniors, Premed Track students prepare for the process of interviewing at medical schools by participating in mock interviews with the Premedical Advisory Committee. This experience culminates with the committee assisting each student with the application process and submitting a committee letter on his/her behalf.
Medical/Dental School Academic Prerequisites
In addition to APU's general studies requirements, the following is typical of the academic prerequisites required by most medical or dental schools:
| Chemistry | 9 units | |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry* | 4 |
| CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 251 | Organic Chemistry – Theory I | 4 |
| CHEM 252 | Organic Chemistry – Theory II | 4 |
| CHEM 261 | Organic Chemistry – Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 262 | Organic Chemistry – Lab | 1 |
| Biology | 4 units | |
| BIOL 151 | General Biology I* | 4 |
| BIOL 152 | General Biology II | 4 |
| Mathematics (Select one pair) | 6-9 units | |
| MATH 151 | Applied Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 152 | Applied Calculus II | 3 | - or - |
| MATH 161 | Calculus I (formerly MATH 251) | 5 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II (formerly MATH 252) | 4 |
| Physics (Select one pair) | 8-10 units | |
| PHYC 151 | Physics for Life Sciences I (formerly PHYC 201)* | 4 |
| PHYC 152 | Physics for Life Sciences II (formerly PHYC 202) | 4 | - or - |
| PHYC 161 | Physics for Science and Engineering I* | 5 |
| PHYC 162 | Physics for Science and Engineering II | 5 |
| *Meets general studies requirement. | ||
| Additional Courses | 22 units | Furthermore, the following courses provide excellent preparation for medical school: |
| CHEM 300 | Quantitative Analysis – Theory | 2 |
| CHEM 310 | Quantitative Analysis – Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOC 380 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| BIOC 381 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 300 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 336 | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 350 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
