The Association of American Medical Colleges has created standard required courses that every pre-med student must take. Each school is allowed to place its own further requirements.
The pre-medical coursework is offered at many American colleges and universities; however, it is considered to be a “track” that follows a certain curriculum. Most pre-medical students major in the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, though this is not a requirement. Approximately 25% of matriculants major in a field other than the natural and physical sciences, such as anthropology, philosophy, or other humanities.[1]
The typical courses that must be taken to meet the pre-medical requirement are:[citation needed]
General Chemistry 2 semesters/3 quarters (with laboratories)
General Biology 2 semesters/3 quarters (with laboratories) (some schools allow zoology in place of second semester)
Organic Chemistry 2 semesters/3 quarters (with laboratories) (some schools allow biochemistry in place of second semester)
General Physics 2 semesters/3 quarters (with laboratories)
Often additional quarters/semesters of math are required. Calculus 1 and either calculus 2 or a course in statistics are preferential.
Additional English and Writing courses beyond those needed for undergraduate degree may be required depending on the school.
Pre-medical students may be advised or required to take upper level biology and chemistry electives, such as cellular biology, physical chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, etc. Specific requirements for these courses vary by institution.
Schools may also have requirements for non-science classes. Some schools require a certain number of general humanities credits, while others have specific requirements for courses in English, Psychology, or other disciplines.