Pre-Medical

Course requirements

General medical school course requirements in Kentucky include:

  • Two semesters of general biology with laboratories
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratories
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratories
  • Two semesters of physics with laboratories
  • Two semesters of English (e.g. FYS, FYRS)
  • One semester of biochemistry
  • One year of college level mathematics or one semester of calculus
  • PSY 1004 General Psychology
  • SOC 1004 Introduction to Sociology

Suggested course work arrangement

First semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry I
  • MATH 1304 Calculus I
  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar

Second semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II
  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar

Third semester

  • CHEM 2155 Organic Chemistry I
  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells

Fourth semester

  • CHEM 2165 Organic Chemistry II

Fifth semester

  • PHYS 2115 University Physics I
  • CHEM 3084 Biochemistry

Sixth semester

  • PHYS 2125 University Physics II

Gap year alternate course work arrangement:

Some students may choose not to take Chemistry I in their first semester. With that scenario, students will take a Gap Year before starting medical school. Gap Years can often help make students a more competitive applicant. 

First semester

  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar
  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • Math 1214 Functions

Second semester 

  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar
  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells
  • MATH 1304 Calculus I

Third semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry 

Fourth semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II

Fifth semester

  • CHEM 2155 Organic Chemistry I

Sixth semester

  • CHEM 2165 Organic Chemistry II

Seventh semester

  • PHYS 2115 University Physics I
  • CHEM 3084 Biochemistry

Eighth semester

  • PHYS 2125 University Physics II

MCAT

The MCAT is generally taken in the summer after third year in order to matriculate in the fall following graduation. For this timeline, it is suggested that all required coursework be completed by the end of third year. However, if a student plans on applying after graduation they can adjust their schedule accordingly.

In order to be well prepared for MCAT, we strongly recommend that prospective applicants also complete courses in cell biology, statistics, and upper level biology courses.

Important links

Information about medical schoolAssociation of American Medical Colleges

In-state medical schools:

Transylvania University | Academics