Academics
The PMHSC recommends courses based on two factors: application requirements and relevant Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) content. PMHSC advisors will work with candidates to plan the most appropriate classes based on their specific major, minor, and interests. The courses listed below will meet admissions requirements for all seven medical schools in the state of Michigan and will provide a robust background for the MCAT.
Please use the 2024 Pre-Med Course List for planning and tracking progress.
Biochemistry
It is strongly recommended and required by many schools. Recommended for the MCAT.
| BIO 3100 - Cellular Biochemistry | 3 cr. |
| OR | |
| CHM 5600 - Survey of Biochemistry | 3 cr. |
Biology
Minimum 2 courses with lab. Upper-division coursework is strongly recommended. Suggested WSU include:
| BIO 1500/1501 - Basic Life Diversity + Lab | 4 cr. |
| BIO 1510/1511 - Basic Life Mechanisms + Lab | 4 cr. |
| BIO 2600 - Introduction to Cell Biology | 4 cr. |
| OR | |
| BIO 2550 - Fundamentals of Cell Biology for Neuroscience | 4 cr. |
| BIO 3200 - Human Physiology | 3 cr. |
Chemistry
Two semesters of general with lab. Two semesters of organic with lab.
| CHM 1100/1130 - General Chemistry 1 + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 1140/1150 - General Chemistry 2 + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 1240/1250 - Organic Chemistry 1 + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 2220/2230 - Organic Chemistry 2 + Lab | 5 cr |
English
Minimum 2 semesters of English composition required by most schools. See advisor for options.
Ethics
The WSU Medical School recommends ethics.*
| PHI 1100 - Introduction to Philosophy | 3 cr. |
| OR | |
| PHI 1120 - Honors Introduction to Philosophy | 3-4 cr. |
| OR | |
| PHI 2320 - Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy | 3 cr. |
*See advisor for additional recommendations.
Math
MAT 1800 (precalculus) is recommended and/or required for pre-med science courses. A statistics course is recommended for the MCAT and medical school admissions requirements. Many majors at Wayne State University require a statistics course that will be acceptable. If your major does not include a statistics course, please discuss options with your pre-med advisor.
Physics
Two semesters with lab.
| PHY 2130/2131 - Physics for the Life Sciences + Lab | 5 cr. |
| OR | |
| PHY 2170/2171 - University Physics for Scientists + Lab | 5 cr. |
| PHY 2140/2141 - Physics for the Life Sciences II + Lab | 5 cr. |
| OR | |
| PHY 2180/2181- University Physics for Scientists II + Lab | 5 cr. |
Social/Behavioral Science
It is strongly recommended for MCAT purposes. Many schools require 2 to 3 courses.
| PSY 1010 - Introductory Psychology | 4 cr. |
| OR | |
| PSY 1020 - Elements of Psychology | 3 cr. |
| SOC 1010 or 1020 or PH 3100 | 3 cr. |
Developing the skills assessed in the MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS) section
Preparing for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS) section of the MCAT can be challenging. Pre-med advisors recommend students make the most of their required general education courses by choosing ones that will develop the skills tested on the MCAT. This growing list of CARS-suggested classes may aid a student in selecting courses that satisfy general education requirements and enhance challenging reasoning and comprehension skills.
BME as a Pre-Med
Students interested in earning a degree in Biomedical Engineering and applying to medical school should review the biomedical engineering webpage for the Pre-med BME plan. Because the plan of work is rigorous, it is essential that students meet regularly with a BME advisor and a pre-med advisor.