• Calendar | News | People | A to Z | Home

Sample Schedules for Individual Majors

Biology

Students can start with either Chemistry or Biology in the first year. There is no consensus on which is “better;” the various options should be left up to the student based on their abilities and preferences. Starting with chemistry has the advantage of spreading out the requirements (i.e., Organic Chemistry and Physics will be taken in different years). Two possible approaches for students planning to apply to the Minnesota medical schools are shown below depending on whether a student starts with Chemistry or Biology. If Math requirements are fulfilled with AP credits, the student may choose to take Biology 125 and Chemistry 125 during their first semester. Some students take Biology 125 during the Interim and Chemistry 126/Biology 126 in the spring semester.

Option 1: Starting with Biology

First Year
Biology 125* Math 120 Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language	Biology 126 Math elective Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language
Second Year
Biology 233 or 261 Chemistry 125 (or 121/123 Interim)* 2 electives	Biology 233 or 261 Chem 126* 2 electives
Third Year
Chemistry 247/253 Physics 124 2 electives	Chemistry 248/253 Physics 125 2 electives
Fourth Year
Chemistry 379 Biology 243 2 electives	2 Biology electives 2 electives
*May take Ch-Bi 125, 126, 127 instead

 

Option 2: Starting with Chemistry

First Year
Chemistry 125* Math 120 Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language	Chemistry 126* Biology 126 or elective Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language
Second Year
Chemistry 247/253 Biology 125 2 electives	Chemistry 248/254 Biology 126 or elective 2 electives
Third Year
Physics 124 Biology 233 or 261 2 electives	Physics 125 Biology 233 or 261 2 electives
Fourth Year
Chemistry 379 Biology 243 2 electives	2 Biology electives 2 electives
*May take Ch-Bi 125, 126, 127 instead Note : Some students test out of Biology 125 or take it during Interim of their first year. Also, students who test into second-semester Calculus (Math 126) can choose to take Biology 125 during their first semester.

 

Chemistry

Students will select Chemistry 125 or 121 based on the Chemistry Placement Examination or they may take the Chem-Bio sequence Ch-Bi 125, 126 (interim) 127. If students initiate their chemistry major with Chemistry 121, they will continue with Chemistry 123 over the Interim and then Chemistry 126 during Semester II. Students must complete Mathematics through 126 or 128. Seek advice from a Chemistry faculty member for advice about electives, seminar attendance, and other opportunities.

First Year
Chemistry 125 (or 121/123 Interim)* Math 120 Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language	Chemistry 126* Math 126 Religion/English/Great Conversations Foreign Language
Second Year
Chemistry 247/253 Biology 125* 2 electives	Chemistry 248/254 Biology 126 2 electives
Third Year
Chemistry 379 Physics 124 2 electives	Chemistry 385 or elective Physics 125 2 electives
Fourth Year
Chemistry 255/256 or 371/357 3 electives	Chemistry 255/256 or 371/357 3 electives
*May take Ch-Bi 125, 126, 127 instead Note : Chemistry 255/256, 371/357, and 379 may be taken in any semester and/or order after the second year.

 

Other Majors

General education courses, electives, and courses in their selected major would be added to the pre-med requirements listed below. A Biomedical Studies Concentration would be a useful addition to a major, which would allow exploration of careers in the biomedical area.

First Year
Chemistry 125 (or 121/123 Interim)* Math 120	Chemistry 126* Biology 126 or elective
Second Year
Chemistry 247/253 Biology 125*	Chemistry 248/254 Biology 126 or elective
Third Year
Physics 124	Physics 125
Fourth Year
Biochemistry 379	X
*May take Ch-Bi 125, 126, 127 instead

 

Additional Comments

• The Biomedical Studies Concentration can be combined with any major and is designed as a plan of study that will enhance a student's preparation for a career in medicine, dentistry, therapies (such as physical, occupational) and a wide range of careers with a biomedical focus. Students need to complete a contract with Jean Porterfield, Director of Biomedical Studies, usually by the end of the sophomore year. As a component of the Biomedical Studies Concentration, students will explore at least three potential career paths. The concentration requires the completion of five courses and a capstone experience. Students may find the concentration helpful in exploring career choices and developing long-term goals. More information may be obtained from Biomedical Studies website.
• Course selection should be as broad as possible; life is unpredictable and breadth in courses will allow maximum flexibility. Double majors, especially chemistry/biology, are really not at an advantage for admission to medical school and will minimize the number of electives taken by the student. Concentrations in Biomolecular Science, or Neuroscience may fit the student's needs and should be explored.
• Recommended electives include Human Anatomy and Physiology (Biology 243), Genetics (Biology 233), Microbiology (Biology 231), Cell Physiology (Biology 341) and upper-level Statistics (Math 212). Immunology (Biology 382) and/or Developmental Biology (Biology 372) have also been useful courses for students entering medical school.
• Students benefit a great deal from an off-campus internship in medicine or participation in one of the following off-campus programs:
  • ID 255: Hospital Health Care and the Physician (Interim)
  • Biology 250: Cardiac Physiology (Interim)
  • Biology 284: Peruvian Medical Experience (Interim)
  • Biology in South India (Semester)
  • ACM Semester in Costa Rica

 

Back to Table of Contents
<<Previous: Course Planning & Academic Loads
>>Next: Life Beyond the Courses