PROGRAM DIRECTOR: David F. Dean, Ph.D., D.V.M. (Email)

Program Application

"The professors at Spring Hill College are focused on the success of each student. After years of being out of school, the first year was intimidating. I received more than my share of personal attention to be successful in my studies."

-- Kristi Esses '03

The Postbaccalaureate Premedical Studies program is designed for college graduates who typically have nonscience backgrounds and who seek admission into medical, dental, veterinary, and other health care professional schools. The program consists of basic science courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics that fulfill requirements for admission to medical school, and other health-related professional programs, and prepare students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), etc.

Because full-year courses form the core of the curriculum, students will begin in the fall semester and follow a structured course of study. They must complete their studies within two academic years (four semesters). Students who have already completed some of the required courses will be able to fulfill admission requirements to professional school sooner.

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for a Composite Letter of Recommendation to medical school. The Composite Letter of Recommendation is based upon evaluations from professors and written by the Health Professions Advisory Committee of Spring Hill College. Students must complete at least two two-semester sequences at Spring Hill College to qualify for this letter.

The Curriculum

Fall Semester I

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
• General Chemistry I (4 credits)
• Precalculus (3 credits)
• Bioethics (3 credits)

Spring Semester I

• Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
• General Chemistry II (4 credits)
• Calculus (4 credits)

Fall Semester II

• Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
• General Physics I (4 credits)
• Genetics (3 credits)
• Internship (3 credits)

Spring Semester II

• Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
• General Physics II (4 credits)
• Cell Biology (3 credits)
• Elective – upper division biology or chemistry (3 or 4 credits)

Admission

1. A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited university or college in a field other than biology or chemistry
2. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
3. Demonstrated ability in standardized test taking

Retention

Once admitted to the program, students must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 each semester. Since work experience is expected of applicants to medical school, working or volunteering in hospitals or other health care settings is also required.

Required Courses

Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II

BIO 131 & 133, 132 & 134 - 4 credit hours per semester
A two semester survey of human anatomy and physiology using an organ systems approach. While the course focuses on normal anatomy and physiology, disease conditions will be discussed when they illustrate fundamental anatomical and physiological principles. The laboratory includes histological studies, gross mammalian dissection, and the illustration of basic physiological principles.

Cell Biology

BIO 360 - 3 credit hours
An advanced course in cell structure and function.

Genetics

BIO - 3 credit hours
A study of classical genetics, including problems in heredity and an introduction to molecular genetics.

Bioethics

PHL 330 - 3 credit hours
The consideration and application of moral principles to the problems and conduct of medical professionals. Topics include professional relationships, management of medical information, reproductive technologies, abortion, end-of-life decisions, AIDS, human genetics, and justice in the distribution of health care.

General Chemistry I & II

CHM 111 & 112, 113 & 114 - 4 credit hours per semester
A survey of the most fundamental ideas and theories underlying chemistry including: chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure, gases and aqueous solutions, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. During the laboratory portion of the courses students develop basic skills in measurement, observation, deduction, and manipulation.

Organic Chemistry I & II

CHM 331 & 332, 333 & 334 - 4 credit hours per semester
An introduction to the nomenclature, structure, and reactions of organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the electronic structure of organic molecules and on the mechanisms of functional group reactions. Instrumental methods used in the laboratory include gas chromatography and infrared spectroscopy.

Precalculus

MTH 111 - 3 credit hours
Analytic geometry; the concept of function with analysis of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, their properties, graphs, and use in applied problems.

Calculus

MTH 121 - 4 credit hours
Analytic geometry, functions, limits, continuity, the derivative and its applications, the integral and its applications.

General Physics I & II

PHY 221 & 222, 213 & 214 - 4 credit hours
Topics in mechanics, heat, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Ouantitative as well as qualitative aspects of the subject are stressed utilizing calculus.