Our pre-medical curriculum will provide you with a strong foundation of core science classes as well as guidance through your medical school application and selection process. This 12-month program consists of 32 credit hours over three semesters.
Most students begin the program in the summer. After the spring semester, you will prepare and submit medical school applications for entrance a year from September.
You may also pursue a certificate of Advanced Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Science with a two-year curriculum.
Summer Semester (8 credit hours)
CHE 101 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF MATTER AND REACTIONS (3 credits)
Introduction to structure of matter, ranging from atoms to biochemical macromolecules; and the basis of chemical reactions, including types of reactions common to inorganic, organic and biochemical systems.
Corequisite: CHE 101L
CHE 101L BASIC LABORATORY METHODS (1 credit)
Experimental methods in basic scientific measurement, elementary synthesis and analysis.
Corequisite: CHE 101
CHE 102 PERIODICITY AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS (3 credits)
Chemistry of the elements and their compounds, with emphasis on periodic relationships. A more detailed examination of the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions than seen in Chemistry 101.
Prerequisite: CHE 101
Corequisite: CHE 102L
CHE 102L BASIC LABORATORY METHODS II (1 credit)
Experimental methods to analyze elementary inorganic reactions both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Corequisite: CHE 102
Fall Semester (12-16 credit hours)
BIO 191 CELL AND ANIMAL BIOLOGY (4 credits)
Structure and function of cells and animals. Biological molecules. Functional organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Cellular energetics and metabolism. Organization of animal bodies. Homeostatic mechanisms and integrative processes regulating major organ systems and producing animal action. Includes laboratory.
CHE 201 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (4 credits)
Systematic study of the chemistry of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, including their derivatives, such as alkyl halides and alcohols. Stereochemistry, electronic effects, resonance theory, acid-base properties and reaction mechanisms emphasized. The laboratory introduces students to fundamental experimental techniques of organic chemistry. Aspects of chromatography and spectroscopy are explored.
Prerequisite: CHE 102 and CHE 102L or the equivalent background as determined by results of the departmental placement/exemption examination and faculty-student conference
One of the following courses depending on student's math background:
PHY 102 ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS I (4 credits)
Quantitative discussion of physical phenomena, illustrated by laboratory experiments. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is essential. Includes laboratory.
PHY 110 INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY (4 credits)
Motion, gravitation and electrical phenomena. Calculus is used. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: MAT 119, AP Calculus or permission of the instructor
Optional, but highly recommended:
MAT 118 CALCULUS I (4 credits)
Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, emphasizing conceptual understanding and applications. Topics are covered from a graphical, algebraic and numerical perspective. Mathematical writing is emphasized.
Spring Semester (12-16 credit hours)
BIO 192 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS (4 credits)
Cellular communication and signal transduction. Replication and expression of genetic information. Genetic engineering and biotechnology. Patterns of inheritance. Chromosomes and their variation. Introns and transposable elements. Regulation of gene expression. Epigenetics. Genomics. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 191
CHE 202 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (4 credits)
Continuation of Organic Chemistry I. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds and amines is examined in detail. The mechanisms of important organic reactions and the applications of these reactions to organic synthesis are studied. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: CHE 201
One of the following courses depending on student's math background:
PHY 103 ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS II (4 credits)
Continuation of PHY 102. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHY 102
PHY 111 INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETISM, HEAT, SOUND AND LIGHT (4 credits)
Elements of magnetism, thermodynamics and the physics of wave phenomena. Calculus is used. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHY 110
Optional, but highly recommended:
MAT 119 CALCULUS II (4 credits)
Continuation of MAT 118. Topics include the integral and its applications, techniques of integration, improper integrals and a brief introduction to series and differential equations.
Prerequisite: MAT 118
MCAT Examination (April and/or August)
Glide Year Optional Courses
After completing required coursework for the post-bacc program, you may elect to work in a clinical or laboratory setting, or take the following courses at Agnes Scott:
BIO 300/CHE 300 BIOCHEMISTRY I (4 credits)
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Study of biomolecules, catabolic and biosynthetic pathways and storage, transmission and expression of genetic information. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: CHE 202
BIO 305 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
Comparative study of respiration, circulation, sensory and neural integration, locomotion, metabolism and temperature and water regulation in animals. Balanced emphasis on lower vertebrates, invertebrates and human systems. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 191, BIO 193 or 196, CHE 201
MEDICAL ETHICS
Women, Health and Society or other elective