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Pre-medicine

Prerequisites

Medical science and practice involve complex relationships between physical, biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental aspects of human behavior. In the preparation for medical school, fundamental undergraduate college training in biology, chemistry, physics and English is essential. Minimal requirements are satisfied with the following or their equivalent:

  • Two semesters of studies in physics
  • Two semesters in the biological sciences
  • Four semesters in chemistry, including organic chemistry and biochemistry
  • Two semesters of English with emphasis on communication skills such as reading, writing, and speaking.

Prerequisite course work must be taken for grade options and not pass-fail. Courses in mathematics, psychology, sociology and the humanities also provide excellent preparation for medical study. Non-science majors should try to include several upper-level courses in biology, chemistry or related disciplines. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation at the College of Medicine.

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

The College of Medicine strongly recommends that students obtain a bachelor's degree before entering medical school. All prerequisite course work must be earned at colleges and universities recognized by one of the U.S. Regional Accrediting Agencies. If you have questions about whether a particular course meets the prerequisite requirement you should consult with your premedical advisor. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation.

Advanced Placement Credit

The University of Kentucky recognizes examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program offered by high schools throughout the nation. The Admissions Committee has adopted the following policy regarding use of Advanced Placement (AP) credit for required prerequisite courses for medical school:

  • Accepted: AP biology with a score of 4 or 5
  • Recommended: Additional upper division biology with labs
  • Accepted: AP chemistry with a score of 4 or 5
  • Recommended: Take general chemistry labs, and organic chemistry and labs, and biochemistry
  • NOT Accepted: AP physics
  • Required: Take physics
  • NOT Accepted: AP English
  • Required: Take at least two semesters of intensive writing/literature or communications/public speaking courses