Undergraduate Catalog - University of Louisiana at Monroe

2012-2013 UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG
PREMEDICINE, PREDENTISTRY
AND PREOPTOMETRY
Dr. Debra jackson and DR. ALLISON WIEDEMEIER,
Premedical Student Advisors
CNSB 300/301
Department of Biology
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209
Phone: (318) 342-3304 or (318) 342-3313
email: djackson@ulm.edu
awiedemeier@ulm.edu
CHOICE OF MAJOR
Most medical and dental schools have recognized the
importance of a broad education with a strong foundation
in the natural sciences, well-developed communication
skills and a good background in the social sciences
and humanities. Any academic major is appropriate
provided it is flexible enough to include basic premedical
requirements. Recent admissions data published by the
Association of American Medical Colleges indicated that
about 47% of all applicants majored in biological sciences,
19% in physical sciences and 34% in liberal arts and
other areas. The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers
a diversity of suitable and interesting undergraduate
programs, and excellent pre-professional advising and
preparation for students wishing to enter the medical and
dental professional schools.
REQUIRED COURSES FOR
PREMEDICAL STUDENTS
The minimal course requirements for admission to
most medical schools are given below. These courses
also prepare a student for the Medical College Admission
Test (MCAT). All courses listed must be taken for a grade.
Biology:
(one year with laboratory experience)
Biology 1020, 1021 (Principles of Biology lecture and
lab)
Biology 2014, 2015 (Introductory Microbiology lecture
and lab)
Other courses such as Comparative Anatomy lecture and
lab (Biology 3016), Human Physiology lecture and lab
(Biology 3010, 3013), Genetics lecture and lab (Biology
3005, 3006) and Histology lecture and lab (Biology 4022)
are recommended.
Chemistry:
(two years in chemistry major course sequence: one year
inorganic chemistry, one year organic chemistry)
Chemistry 1007, 1009, 1008, 1010 (General
Chemistry lecture and lab)
Chemistry 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033 (Organic
Chemistry lecture and lab)
Biochemistry (Chemistry 3050, 3051, 3052) is strongly
recommended.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES 27
Physics:
(one year covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism,
heat, light and sound)
Physics 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010 (General Physics,
lecture and lab)
English:
(one year of composition)
English 1001, 1002 (Composition)
Advanced Composition (English 3026) is highly
recommended.
OTHER COURSE INFORMATION
CLEP credits, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and
correspondence courses will not substitute for required
premedical courses. Students with AP credit must take
courses beyond introductory courses waived by AP
credit. All courses taken (including repeated courses) are
counted towards the GPA on medical college applications.
See the premedical advisor before repeating a class.
Additional information on individual medical college
requirements is available in the book, Medical School
Admissions Requirements, published by the AAMC. The
MCAT Student Manual provides information on the MCAT.
It is a good idea to visit the admissions page on the website
of the professional school of your choice, at your
earliest opportunity.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Activities outside of the classroom can enhance
an applicant’s chances for admission. Involvement in
extra curricular activities may showcase an individual’s
leadership skills, organization skills and communication
abilities. Community service and experience with some
aspect of the medical profession are also desirable. The
University of Louisiana at Monroe has a chapter of the
premed honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), which
meets regularly and offers additional opportunities for
involvement and insight into the medical profession.
ADVISING
The faculty at the University of Louisiana at Monroe
have a strong commitment to student advising. This
is particularly critical for students working towards
admission to professional programs because of specific
requirements that may differ from school to school or
change over time. Students are advised each semester
before registering to ensure that class schedules are
appropriate to their graduation goals. Advisors can also
inform premedical students of news and events of interest
and can assist them with the medical school application
process.
OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Students interested in attending other related health
care fields such as dental school, optometry school,
physical therapy school, podiatry school and physician
assistant programs are advised as well. Students should
consult with the premedical advisor for specific guidance
for these programs.