Pre-Medical

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Advisors: Jodi Goldberg, associate professor, Biology; Betsy Martinez-Vaz, assistant professor, Biology; Irina Makarevitch, assistant professor, Biology; Kathy Burleson, senior lecturer, Biology; Rita Majerle, associate professor, Chemistry.

The pre-medical program is part of Hamline’s Pre-Health Program designed for students interested in the health science professions. Hamline graduates have set an enviable record in gaining admission to top medical, dental, veterinary and other professional schools nationally. The program advisors and other Hamline faculty are committed to supporting and encouraging the professional goals of all promising students who desire a career in the health professions. Pre-medical advisors assist students in career planning and designing a suitable program of study. A pre-medical committee consisting of faculty and staff aids students in applying to medical or other health science professional schools.

Students interested in the pre-medical program should contact one of the program advisors early in their first semester at Hamline.

For more information about the Pre-Medical Program or related pre-allied health programming (including pre-pharmacy, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-nursing, etc.), see http://www.hamline.edu/cla/acad/depts_programs/pre_health/index.html.

Pre-medical requirements

The following list represents a standard core of undergraduate study required by most U.S. medical colleges. Students should inquire with pre-medical advisors about specific course requirements for various medical schools and professional training programs.

one year college math
one year college English
one year college biology
two years college chemistry (general chemistry and organic chemistry)
one year college physics
one semester biochemistry
upper division courses in humanities and social sciences areas

In addition, some medical colleges require a course in analytical chemistry (CHEM 3240).

Coursework in genetics (BIOL 3050) and Cell Biology (BIOL 3060) is recommended. A suggested four-year sequence of Hamline courses for pre-medical students is outlined below. (Note: Premed students planning to major in Chemistry or Biochemistry should take Math 1170 and 1180 in the first year.)

First year Fall term:

Along with the first-year seminar and one elective course, students should complete:

BIOL 1800 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution (if intending to major in Biology)
CHEM 1130 - General Chemistry I

Spring term:

Along with one elective course, students should complete:

Second year Fall term:

Along with one elective course, students should complete:

Spring term:

Along with one elective course, students should complete:

BIOL 3060 - Principles of Cell Biology
CHEM 3460 - Organic Chemistry II
and one approved statistics or mathematics course:
ECON 1330 - Statistics
MATH 1180 - Calculus II
MATH 1200 - Statistics and Data Analysis
PSY 1340 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Third year Fall term:

Along with major and elective courses, students should complete:

Spring term:

Along with major and elective courses, students should complete:

PHYS 1240 - General Physics II

Fourth year Fall term:

Students should complete major and elective courses

Spring term:

Students should complete major and elective courses

Choice of major:

Pre-medical students may choose from any of Hamline’s major fields. While many pre-medical students declare a major in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, Hamline students who combine the required pre-medical coursework with a major in another area (e.g., philosophy or psychology) have been equally successful in gaining admission into medical school.

Application procedure:

Ideally, students should complete the pre-medical core of studies by the end of their third year. In the third year, students take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Also at that time, students begin the process of submitting required materials to the Hamline pre-medical committee for their medical school application file. Students must select the schools to which they wish to apply, must secure 4-5 letters of reference from faculty and others, and must compose their personal statement, describing their genuine commitment to the medical profession. Success in gaining entrance to medical school is enhanced by several factors: (1) a high cumulative grade point average; (2) a high MCAT score; (3) indication of personal strengths, social and communication skills; and (4) commitment toward a medical career (as evidenced by participation in medically related extracurricular and volunteer activities).