华盛顿州立大学

The basic medical sciences major offers you all the science you need to enter medical school or other health science schools, while giving you the flexibility to pursue your own particular interests and even study abroad.

This major is a good choice for pre-health students who have diverse interests. Students in the program work closely with their academic advisor to develop a coherent course of study that includes preparation for professional school.

The basic medical sciences major offers a track especially for pre-medicine students.

Strengths of the program

Our health professions specialists will help you navigate the application process for medical or another professional school, including building your portfolio, securing internships, and preparing for interviews.
Study at a national research university with research and teaching facilities that are equipped with the latest analytical instrumentation.
Collaborate with internationally respected faculty members on their research projects or pursue a project of your own.

Study options

The program offers two study tracks. Both plans will fulfill science requirements for admission to medical school or another health science professional program.

Plan A has a primary concentration in biological sciences with a secondary concentration in chemistry.

Plan B provides in-depth training in the life sciences; it appeals to students who want to spend more time studying subjects like anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, nutrition, immunology, virology, epidemiology, parasitology, or genetics.

Health science majors often choose to live in Stephenson, the science, math, and engineering residence hall. Living there lets you get to know other students with similar interests. The residence hall offers study groups, tutoring and mentoring, a computer lab, and internet connections in every room.

Featured courses

The basic medical sciences course of study offers two plans. Both plans provide all the science required by medical and other health science schools while giving you time and flexibility to pursue other interests.

Plan A has a primary concentration in biological sciences with a secondary concentration in chemistry.
Plan B utilizes courses from biology, molecular biosciences, and neuroscience.

CORE COURSES FOR PLAN A AND PLAN B

Introductory Biology
General Genetics
General Microbiology
Introductory Biochemistry
Calculus for the Life Sciences or Calculus I
Principles of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Biomedical Ethics

ELECTIVE COURSES

A few of the courses you could choose from as you focus on your interests:

Principles of Animal Development
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Comparative Physiology
Human Physiology
Principles of Organic Evolution

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
General Microbiology
General Biochemistry
Human Genetics
Perspectives in Biotechnology

Immunology
General Virology
Epidemiology
Parasitology

Cellular Neurobiology
Neuroanatomy
Principles of Neurophysiology
Cell Physiology
Human Anatomy
Human Health and Nutrition

Careers

Graduates of the basic medical sciences program are well prepared to enter medical, dental, pharmacy, or optometry professional schools or other health professions. Many go on to graduate school.

Some may choose careers as physician assistants, science writers, laboratory technicians, pharmaceutical salespersons, biotechnology researchers, or genetic counselors.