The Premedical Studies Program prepares students for entry into medical, dental, veterinary, or other health-related graduate programs. The program provides guidance and support for students wishing to pursue these professional programs. Medical schools require applicants to have a core of basic science courses, including one year each of biological sciences (BIO 104 and BIO 105 ), physics (PHY 115 and PHY 116 , or PHY 125 and PHY 126 ), general chemistry (CHE 111 , CHE 112 and CHE 151 , CHE 152 ), organic chemistry (CHE 230 and CHE 235 ), and in some cases, a year of calculus (MA 170 and MA 180 ). Other course requirements in the social sciences and humanities required by the medical schools are met by Goucher’s liberal arts curriculum. Competitive applicants for medical school, however, usually have a stronger science background than the minimum requirements. It is highly recommended that premedical students also take Cell Biology (BIO 210 , BIO 214 ), Genetics (BIO 220 , BIO 224 ), and Principals of Physiology (BIO 260 ). Developmental Biology (BIO 378 ), Biochemistry I (CHE 341 ), and Biochemistry of Gene Expression (CHE 345 ) are also recommended. A premedical student may choose any department or individualized major provided the minimum requirements listed above are met.
The premedical curriculum is highly structured and necessitates a distinct series of coursework, if the student wishes to apply to medical school at the end of the junior year. To ensure that all required and recommended courses can be taken, it is essential that principles of chemistry and the introductory biological sciences courses be taken in the first year. All students should complete organic chemistry in the sophomore year, and physics by the end of their junior year. Students pursuing a chemistry major should take either calculus- or non-calculus-based physics by the end of the second year. See departmental listings for specific recommendations on course selection within the major. Deciding after the first year to prepare for a medical career may necessitate attendance at summer school.
In addition to having a strong academic record successful applicants to medical school need to demonstrate a wide range of intangible criteria including; a demonstrated interest in medicine, maturity and good character, altruism and the ability to work with people different than themselves. The Premedical Program helps students meet these criteria by a variety of venues. Goucher has relationships with 5 hospitals in the Baltimore area where students can do volunteer work and obtain credit as a Premedical Internship, if they desire. We also have relationships with a number of community service organizations, where students can volunteer and develop the personal skills necessary to work with a wide variety of patients. In addition the program provides the necessary letter of recommendation, assistance with preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), interview skills, and guidance with regard to where to apply to medical school. The program also sponsors outside speakers covering medically related issues and medical school admissions policies. Students interested in preparing for medical, dental, or veterinary school should consult the director of premedical studies.
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