Major in Biology (BS)
Pre-Health Option
120 hours
University Requirement (2 Hours)
- GSTD 1002 – Freshman Seminar
General Education (24 Hours)
- Mathematics, natural science, and physical science courses are included in the major.
- SPAN 1073 – Spanish for Health Professions is recommended as a humanities course.
Biology (44 Hours)
- BIOL 1203 – Principles of Biology I and BIOL 1201 – Principles of Biology I Lab
- BIOL 1213 – Principles of Biology II and BIOL 1211 – Principles of Biology II Lab
- BIOL 3023 – Microbiology and BIOL 3021 – Microbiology Lab
- BIOL 3033 – Genetics and BIOL 3031 – Genetics Lab
- BIOL 3043 – Cell Biology
- BIOL 3763 – Evolutionary Biology
- BIOL 4013 – Ecology and BIOL 4011 – Ecology Lab
- BIOL 4101 – Biology Colloquium
- BIOL 4503 – Molecular Biology and BIOL 4501 – Molecular Biology Lab
- SCI 3101 – Pre-Health Colloquium
Select 12 hours from the following:
- BIOL 3143 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and BIOL 3141 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
- BIOL 3373 – Introduction to Neuroscience and BIOL 3371 – Introduction to Neuroscience Lab
- BIOL 3411 – Internship in Biology – BIOL 3414 – Internship in Biology
- BIOL 3583 – Biostatistics
- BIOL 3703 – Vertebrate Physiology and * BIOL 3701 – Vertebrate Physiology Lab *
- BIOL 4033 – Developmental Biology and BIOL 4031 – Developmental Biology Lab
- BIOL 4043 – Immunology and BIOL 4041 – Immunology Lab
- BIOL 4243 – Viral Genetics
- BIOL 4244 – Advanced Microscopy and Histology
- BIOL 4891 – Independent Research in Biology **
Note: *if not used for the physiology elective
**may be repeated for cumulative credit
Physiology Elective (4-8 Hours)
Option A:
- BIOL 2063 – Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 2061 – Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
- BIOL 2073 – Anatomy and Physiology II and BIOL 2071 – Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
Option B:
- BIOL 3703 – Vertebrate Physiology and BIOL 3701 – Vertebrate Physiology Lab
Note: Both BIOL 2063/BIOL 2061 and BIOL 2073/BIOL 2071 must be taken if Option A is selected
Chemistry (16 Hours)
Some medical or pharmacy schools may require CHEM 3103 – Organic Chemistry II/CHEM 3101 – Organic Chemistry II Lab for admission.
- CHEM 1023 – University Chemistry I and CHEM 1021 – University Chemistry I Lab
- CHEM 1123 – University Chemistry II and CHEM 1121 – University Chemistry II Lab
- CHEM 3003 – Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 3001 – Organic Chemistry I Lab
- CHEM 3073 – Biochemistry I and CHEM 3071 – Biochemistry I Lab
Mathematics (5-6 Hours)
Some professional schools may require MATH 1525 – Calculus I for admission.
Option A:
- MATH 1023 – College Algebra
- MATH 1033 – Plane Trigonometry
Option B:
- MATH 1045 – Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Option C:
- MATH 1525 – Calculus I
Physics (8 Hours)
- PHYS 2003 – College Physics I and PHYS 2001 – College Physics I Lab
- PHYS 2103 – College Physics II and PHYS 2101 – College Physics II Lab
- or
- PHYS 2203 – University Physics I and PHYS 2201 – University Physics I Lab
- PHYS 2213 – University Physics II and PHYS 2211 – University Physics II Lab
Electives (12-17 Hours)
University electives may be used for the remaining 12-17 hours.
Note: Some pre-professional schools may have additional recommended or required classes. Students should meet with the Pre-Health advisor and their faculty advisor as soon as possible to make sure all prerequisites are met by the time graduate school applications are due. Students are encouraged to look at the prerequisites for the particular pre-professional graduate programs to which they are applying. The following classes are generally recommended for students planning to attend the following pre-professional schools:
Medical School:
- CHEM 3103 – Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 3101 – Organic Chemistry II Lab
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
- SOC 2003 – Introduction to Sociology
Pharmacy School:
- CHEM 3103 – Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 3101 – Organic Chemistry II Lab
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- SPCH 1113 – Introduction to Public Speaking
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
- or
- ECON 2103 – Principles of Microeconomics
- or
- ECON 2203 – Principles of Macroeconomics
- or
- ACCT 2003 – Principles of Accounting
Physical Therapy:
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
Occupational Therapy:
- BIOL 2403 – Medical Terminology
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
- PSYC 3223 – Developmental Psychology
- PSYC 4033 – Abnormal Psychology
Physician Assistant:
- BIOL 2403 – Medical Terminology
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
Dental School:
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
- SPCH 1113 – Introduction to Public Speaking
Optometry School:
- MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
- PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
- SOC 2003 – Introduction to Sociology
Veterinary School:
- ANSC 1003 – Introduction to Animal Science and ANSC 1001 – Introduction to Animal Science Lab
- ANSC 2002 – Animal Nutrition I and ANSC 2001 – Animal Nutrition I Lab
- SOC 2003 – Introduction to Sociology
Total Hours – 120
Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee
The Pre-Health Advisory College Committee convenes to discuss the assessment and viability of pre-health activities, letters of recommendation and strategic planning. The committee is constituted of the advisors of the pre-health organization and the dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Visiting members to the committee will be added as required.
Committee Members:
-
-
-
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Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry / L.A. Logan Professor of Biology / Assistant Dean, College of Science and Engineering
-
Chair / Associate Professor of Biology / Embree Professorship
-
Department: | |
Hours Required: | 120 |
Categories: | Major, Undergraduate |
Delivery: | On-Campus |
The Pre-Health option is designed to maximize the success of students pursuing careers in professional and allied health fields. To plan the best path toward career goals, students are carefully advised as they progress through the program by a dedicated pre-health advisor, Dr. Antoinette Odendaal, ayodendaal@saumag.edu. Pre-Nursing students are advised directly by the SAU Academic Advising Center, sw-advising@saumag.edu.
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with Labs
- 8 hours Physics: Physics I & II with labs
- 8 hours Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 8 hours Organic Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
- 3 hours of Biochemistry
Recommended Electives
Comparative Anatomy, Cell and Molecular Biology, Embryology, Histology, Microanatomy, Physiology and Genetics
Clinical/Health Care Experience
Shadowing a dentist is highly recommended.
Admissions Exam
Application
Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
Area Dental Schools
- Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, LA
- Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX
- University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, TX
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 4 hours of Principles of Biology I with lab
- 6 hours of Anatomy & Physiology I and II
- 4 hours of Microbiology with lab
- 4 hours of Chemistry: University Chemistry I with lab
- 6 hours of Social Sciences: Psychology and Sociology recommended
- 3 hours of Speech Communication
Clinical/Health Care Experience
20 hours of dental office observation
Arkansas Dental Hygiene Programs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
- 8 hours Chemistry: College or University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 4 hours Microbiology with labs
- 1-3 hours of Medical Terminology
- 8 hours Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs
- 3 hours of Psychology
- 3 hours of Sociology
- 3 hours of Speech/Communication
Clinical/Health Care Experience
Shadowing is highly recommended and hours vary by school
Admissions Exam
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Arkansas Nutrition & Dietetics Masters Programs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR
- University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR
Professional Organizations
https://www.nutritioned.org/registered-dietitian-arkansas.html
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours of Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
- 12 hours Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
- 4 hours Biochemistry I with lab
- 8 hours of Physics: University Physics I & II or College Physics I & II
- 3 hours of Genetics
- 3 hours of Statistics
- 6 hours of Social Sciences: Psychology & Sociology strongly recommended
Recommended Electives
Advanced Genetics, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Histology, Public Speaking, General Business/Finance
Clinical/Health Care Experience & Employment
Shadowing a doctor is highly recommended and showing involvement in patient care is considered essential.
Admissions Exam
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Application
American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Arkansas Medical Schools
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine in Little Rock, AR
- NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine in Jonesboro, AR
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours General Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with lab
- 8 hours Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab
- 1-3 hours Medical Terminology
- 4 hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I with lab
- 4 hour General Physics: College Physics I with lab
- 3 hours Abnormal Psychology
- 3 hours Developmental Psychology
- 3 hours Sociology or Anthropology
- 3 hours Applied Statistics
Clinical/Health Care Experience
25 hours of documented volunteering/shadowing/service learning
Admission Exam
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Application
Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
Arkansas Occupational Therapy Doctoral Programs
- Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR
- University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR
- University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
- 4 hours Microbiology or Bacteriology with lab
- 8 Hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
- 3 hours Biochemistry or Molecular Biology
- 8 hours Physics: College Physics I & II with labs
- 3 hours Calculus I
- 3 hours Statistics
- 3 hours Psychology
Recommended Electives
Cell Biology, Histology, Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Advanced Human Physiology, Mammalian Physiology, Immunology, and Endocrinology
Clinical/Health Care Experience
30 or more optometrist office shadowing hours
Admissions Exam
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
Application
Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)
Area Optometry Programs
- Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN
- University of Houston College of Optometry in Houston, TX
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 8 hours General Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
- 4 hours General Microbiology with Lab
- 8 hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 8 hours Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
- 4 hours Physics: College Physics I with lab
- 5 hours Calculus I
- 3 hours Economics/Accounting
- 3 hours Public Speaking
Recommended Electives
Genetics, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Calculus II, Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics
Clinical/Health Care Experience
Pharmacy technician experience is strongly encouraged.
Admissions Exam
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
Application
Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)
Arkansas Pharmacy Programs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy in Little Rock, AR
- Harding University College of Pharmacy in Searcy, AR
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 4 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I with lab
- 8 hours Anatomy & Physiology: A&P I & II with labs
- 1-3 hours Medical Terminology
- 8 hours Chemistry: College or University Chemistry I & II with labs
- 8 hours Physics: College Physics I & II with labs
- 3 hours General Psychology
- 3 hours Developmental or Abnormal Psychology
- 3 hours Statistics
Suggested Electives
Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Nutrition & Diet, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Embryology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Vertebrate Physiology, Histology, Molecular Biology
Clinical/Health Care Experience
60-100 hours of observation in a variety of physical therapy settings
Admissions Exams
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Application
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
Arkansas Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR
- University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR
- Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR
- Harding University in Searcy, AR
Professional Organizations
General Course Requirements
- 8 Hours Principles of Biology I and II with lab
- 4 hours Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- 4 hours Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
- 4 hours Microbiology with lab
- 3 hours Genetics
- 8 hours University Chemistry I and II with Lab
- 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
- 3 hours General Psychology
- 3 hours Biostatistics or Statistics
Recommended Electives
Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, Embryology, Immunology, Virology, Histology, Endocrinology, Bacteriology, Pharmacology, Virology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry II, Medical Ethics, Sociology, Speech
Clinical/Health Care Experience & Employment
500 hours of direct patient care, paid or volunteer.
Admissions Exam
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Application
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Arkansas PA Programs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR
- Harding University in Searcy, AR
Professional Organizations
Learning Goals
- Our graduates effectively communicate scientific knowledge.
- Our graduates have the knowledge to make informed and ethical scientific decisions.
- Our graduates think critically and creatively to analyze and solve scientific problems.
- Our graduates demonstrate the information literacy required for scientific study.
- Our graduates possess the knowledge and skill sets in biology to be successful.
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