The following courses support the required and suggested coursework for medical school. Please keep in mind that this is a general guideline and requirements differ amongst the different schools.
UWSMPH’s pre-requisites can be found here.
For a Pre-Med academic planning guide, click here.
+ Mathematics
Most medical schools require math and/or statistics. Most medical schools do NOT require Calculus. We recommend that you take at least one math course and one course in statistics. Note that Math 112 is a pre-requisite for Chem 103.
The statistics course can be taken in your major department.
+ Chemistry
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General Chemistry: Choose one of these three sequences:
- Chem 103 & 104
- Chem 109
- Chem 115 & 116
-
Organic Chemistry: All courses are required
- Chem 343 Introductory Organic Chemistry
- Chem 344 Introductory Organic Chemistry Lab
- Chem 345 Intermediate Organic Chemistry
+ Biological Sciences
Choose one of these two course tracks:
-
1. General Track:
- Biology 151 & 152 Introductory Biology
- Intermediate/Advanced Biology: At least one semester of lecture is required by UW Madison's medical school. Two semesters of biology are recommended for students pursuing a non-science major. For a list of I/A Biology courses, see here.
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2. BioCore Track:
- Biocore 301-302 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 303-304 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 323-324 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 333 Biological Interactions
Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
+ Physics
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GENERAL PHYSICS: Choose one of these three sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (without calculus)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based)
+ Biochemistry
-
Some medical schools (including UWSMPH) require at least 1 semester of Biochemistry. This requirement can be met by taking one of these four courses:
- Biochemistry 501
- Human Biochemistry 314
- Human Biochemistry 503 & 504
- Biochemistry 507 & 508
+ English
Most medical schools require 6 credits of English, or literature taught in English, with an emphasis on composition.
+ Behavioral Sciences for MCAT 2015
- Psychology 202
- Introductory Sociology
Depending on your interests, there are a number of medical school programs you can apply for. Some options are as follows:
M.D. ~ Allopathic Medicine
The M.D. is a four-year degree administered by medical schools, culminating with the USMLE, the medical licensing exam. After medical school, most doctors continue on in a residency program where they receive more specialized training.
D.O. ~ Osteopathic Medicine
Like the M.D. the D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a four-year degree administered by osteopathic medicine schools. Training for an M.D. and D.O. are quite similar and degree recipients are licensed to practice medicine. Osteopathic medicine includes additional training in the musculoskeletal system and focuses more on the whole person. D.O.s must take the COMLEX licensing exam, and can also choose to take the USMLE.
M.D. / Ph.D.
Combining a Ph.D. with an M.D. or D.O. degree prepares students for careers in academic medicine, such as a med school professor or biomedical researcher. Adding a Ph.D. generally adds three to four years to a student’s medical school program; thus, you finish after seven or eight years rather than four. You can then choose to go on to complete a medical specialty or not, just like other M.D. or D.O. grads.
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required by all medical schools, and tests knowledge of physical science, biological science, and verbal reasoning, including a writing sample. A Fee Assistance Program is available.
Students often take the test between April and August of their junior year to apply to medical schools for admission in the fall after graduation.
The Center for Pre-Health Advising offers an affordable MCAT prep course.
