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
3 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. This course is intended to primarily serve majors in biological sciences.
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120L
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120L
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II
3 Hours
This course includes the philosophy and methods of science, nutrition, gas exchange, internal transport, osmoregulation, chemical control, nervous control, reproduction, development, diversity and classification of organisms.
Prerequisite: BIO 120/120L
Corequisite: BIO122L
Prerequisite: BIO 120/120L
Corequisite: BIO122L
BIO 200 Research
Hours
Independent and directed research using biological methods. Students must choose a research activity acceptable to the department of biological sciences. Students may take up to four credits per semester, not to exceed eight credits total, only up to two credits of which may be counted as elective credits toward a major or a minor in the department of biological sciences.
Prerequisites: BIO 120
Prerequisite or corequisite BIO 122 and consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: BIO 120
Prerequisite or corequisite BIO 122 and consent of instructor.
BIO 220 Anatomy and Physiology I
3 Hours
This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems at all levels of organization. Topics include cell biology, histology, developmental anatomy and pathological conditions relevant to students majoring in the health sciences. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L. Prerequisite or corequisite BIO 220L.
BIO 300 Research
Hours
Independent and directed research using biological methods. Students must choose a research activity acceptable to the department of biological sciences. Students may take up to four credits per semester, not to exceed eight credits total, only up to two credits of which may be counted as elective credits toward a major or a minor in the department of biological sciences.
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L and consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L and consent of instructor.
BIO 301 Biostatistics
4 Hours
This course covers the basic tools for the collection, analysis and presentation of biological data. Topics include the general principles of study design, hypothesis testing, basic descriptive statistics and specific statistical tests including t-test, correlation, chi-squared, contingency analysis, data transformations, analysis of variance, regression and some non-parametric methods. Prerequisites: BIO 120 and BIO 122, and MTH 125. Individuals without a major in the Department of Biological Sciences require instructor consent.
BIO 302 Ecology
3 Hours
Students will study the principles governing the relationships of plants, animals and their environment. This course includes field trips. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, BIO301. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO302L.
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
3 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
3 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.
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L
Prerequisite or corequisite BIO 315
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L
Prerequisite or corequisite BIO 315
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
3 Hours
This course is a comparative study of the structure and reproduction of fungi and lower plants, with emphasis on seed plants. Students will study the principles of plant classification, identification and nomenclature, including the systematic relationships of vascular plants with an emphasis on flowering plants. Laboratories will include field trips, identification of collections and techniques used in gathering evidence for classification. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L.Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 318L
BIO 319 Animal Development
Hours
BIO 323 Mammalogy
3 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
3 Hours
This course involves the study of the origin, evolution, structure, behavior, adaptations, distribution and classification of birds. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L or consent of instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 324L.
BIO 325 Principles of Wildlife Management
3 Hours
An introduction to the basic principles used in the management of wildlife and fish populations, their habitats, and human uses.The course is directed toward the presentation of general concepts that are integral to understanding the discipline. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L or consent of instructor.
BIO 330 Anatomy and Physiology II
3 Hours
This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems at all levels of organization. Other topics include fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and pathological conditions relevant to students majoring in the health sciences. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 220/220L. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 330L
BIO 333 Microbiology
3 Hours
This course will cover the biology and ecology of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, and certain animal parasites. Lectures and laboratory exercises will cover microbiological techniques, morphology, anatomy, growth, reproduction, physiology, and genetics. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 120/120L AND BIO 122/122L AND CHM 164/166L or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 333L
BIO 344 Immunology
3 Hours
This course provides an introduction into the chemical, genetic and biological properties of immune responses, acquired immunity and the production of antibodies.
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, and CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L or consent of instructor
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 344L
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
3 Hours
Study of the structure and function of the cell and its subcellular components. Provides an understanding of membrane and cellular physiology from a molecular aspect. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, and CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L or consent of instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 346L.
BIO 400 Research Problems in Biology
Hours
This course involves advanced independent work using biological methods. Students will choose a research activity acceptable to the biology department.
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, an approved proposal and consent of instructor
Prerequisites: BIO 122/122L, an approved proposal and consent of instructor
BIO 403 Research in Biochemistry
2 Hours
This course is designed to provide an introduction into the methodology and techniques used in the modern biochemistry research laboratory. Students are encouraged to design and investigate an individual research project within the instructor’s scope of research and to present their results.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
CHM 164 University Chemistry
3 Hours
This course covers 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.
Prerequisite: MTH 125 or equivalent is recommended.
Prerequisite: MTH 125 or equivalent is recommended.
CHM 166 University Chemistry Lab
1 Hours
This course is 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 corequisite: CHM 164
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 164
CHM 174 Organic and Biochemistry
3 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 I
3 Hours
This is the first of a two-semester course sequence. It focuses on the structure and function of organic molecules. Topics include nomenclature, functional group analysis, stereochemistry, acid/base chemistry, organic chemistry reactions and mechanistic explanation of electron movement. Spectroscopic methods of structure determination are introduced.
Prerequisite: CHM 164/166
Corequisite: CHM 231L
Prerequisite: CHM 164/166
Corequisite: CHM 231L
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
Prerequisite: CHM 164
CHM 323 Analytical Chemistry
3 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.
Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174/174L
Corequisite: CHM 323L
Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174/174L
Corequisite: CHM 323L
CHM 332 Organic Chemistry II
3 Hours
This is the second of a two-semester course sequence. It focuses on instrumentation related to analytical organic chemistry, as well as advanced reactions, synthesis, and retrosynthetic analysis.
Prerequisite: CHM 231/231L
Corequisite: CHM 332L
Prerequisite: CHM 231/231L
Corequisite: CHM 332L
CHM 341 Biochemistry I
3 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 carbohydras, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and enzymes.
Prerequisite: CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L
Corequisite: CHM 341L
Prerequisite: CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L
Corequisite: CHM 341L
CHM 342 Biochemistry II
3 Hours
This is the second semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course with emphasis on metabolism, energy use, and synthesis of biologically important molecules.
Prerequisite: CHM 341/341L
Corequisite: CHM 342L
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
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.
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.
Prerequisite: MTH 135 or math placement.
PHS 260 University Physics I
3 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.
Prerequisite: MTH 210
Corequisite: PHS 260L
Prerequisite: MTH 210
Corequisite: PHS 260L
PHS 270 University Physics II
3 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.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PHS 260/206L
Corequisite: PHS270L
Prerequisite or corequisite: PHS 260/206L
Corequisite: PHS270L
PSY 131 General Psychology
3 Hours
This overview of the discipline explores human and animal behavior and consciousness. The diversity within the discipline is reflected in the range of subjects presented, including motivation, emotion, perception, sensation, learning, intelligence and personality.
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 traces the stages of human life from conception to death. Students will learn about the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and developmental stages throughout the life cycle, along with the implications of these stages in a variety of professional and social settings.
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
3 Hours
This course is a study of the dynamics of abnormal personality development and behavior, including a comprehensive study of the origin, symptoms and treatment of psychological disorders. Students will be exposed to the diverse aspects of clinical psychology.
Prerequisite: Six credit hours of psychology courses.
Prerequisite: Six credit hours of psychology courses.
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
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.
