Biology, BS, Pre-Medical Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Biology – Pre-Medical
Sample Plan for New Students
This is a sample and not the only way to complete this plan. Number of credits are in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites.
Important Major Information
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 180
- Credits in Major: 114
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Four-Year Plan For New Students
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL 1620 – Evolution & Ecology + BIOL 1621 – Lab (4+1) | BIOL 1610 – Molecular & Cellular + BIOL 1611 – Lab (4+1) | BIOL 1630 – Physiology & Development + BIOL 1631 – Lab (4+1) |
| Course 2 | CHEM 1500 – General Chem I + CHEM 1501 – Lab (4+1) | CHEM 1510 – General Chem I + CHEM 1511 – Lab (4+2) | CHEM 1520 – General Chem III (4) OR CHEM 1590 – Research-Based III (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences AND MATH 1028 – Trigonometry [if needed] (3+2) |
| Course 4 | BIOL 1400 – 1st Yr Experience (1) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Review Admissions requirements for your top medical school programs
- Assess your Math needs:
- Take ALEKS tests via Math Dept
- Plan assumes completion of MATH 1021 or placement in MATH 1230/1334
- Get involved in campus activities
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 2 | CHEM 2500 – Organic Chem: Structure/Reactivity + CHEM 2501 – Lab: Techniques (4+1) | CHEM 2510 – Organic Chem: Functional Grp Interconv + CHEM 2511 – Lab: Applications (4+2) |
†General Elective (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences (5) |
†Choose CHEM 2520 – Org Chem: Rxns of Pi-Systems + CHEM 2521 – Lab: Projects (3+1) if your choices of medical schools require >12 quarter credits of organic chemistry
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Gather volunteer & internship experience over the summer
- BIOL electives include A&P and other choices (see Curriculum Notes)
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL Elective (5) | *BIOL 4750 – Cell Biology + BIOL 4751 – Lab(4+2) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1050 – Mechanics + PHYS 1051 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1060 – Waves, Sound, Electricity, & Magnetism + PHYS 1061 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1070 – Thermodynamics, Optics, & Modern Physics + PHYS 1071 – Lab (4+1) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
*Recommended to take in Year 3 or 4
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Decide when you will take the MCAT and prepare for the test
- Request recommendation letters and consider application plans
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL 2600 – Ecology (5) | CHEM 3600 – Intro Biochemistry (5) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 2 | †General Elective (5) | †General Elective (5) | †General Elective (1-5) |
| Course 3 | BIOL 4991 – Senior Synthesis I (2) | BIOL 4992 – Senior Synthesis II (2) |
BIOL 4993 – Senior Synthesis III AND BIOL 4966 – Senior Synthesis Seminar (1+1) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
†Suggested behavior courses include PSYC/SOCL/ANTH
*Recommended to take in Year 3 or 4
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Track credit hours for graduation. A minimum of 180 credits is required.
- Consider options for gap year(s) that will strengthen your future application
- Apply for jobs, internships, programs
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I:
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
Module III:
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities & Global Challenges
- UCOR 3600 Social Sciences & Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- Students must earn C in prerequisite biology courses and C- in other prerequisite science and math courses
- At least 25 credits of 3000- or 4000-level BIOL courses are required
- Medical Schools commonly recommend these courses included in the sample plan: genetics, cell/molecular biology, and biochemistry. Also consider behavioral
sciences (ex: PSYC/ANTH/SOCL) as incoming transfer courses or general electives. - Anatomy and physiology (A&P) biology courses found to be beneficial by students who attend medical school include: BIOL 3250+3880 (=10 cr of BIOL electives) or
BIOL 2200+2210 (2210 counts as 5 cr of BIOL electives). - BIOL electives (BIOL≥2210) must include the following and one plant course:
- Choose one: BIOL 2750 – Biotechnology + BIOL 2751 – Lab, BIOL 3150 – Virology, BIOL 4700 – Molecular Genetics, OR BIOL 4750 – Cell Biology + BIOL 4751 – Lab
- Choose one: BIOL 2350 – Invertebrate Zoology & Biodiversity Science, BIOL 2520 – Plant Systematics, BIOL 3500 – Evolution, OR BIOL 3650 – Marine Biology
- Choose one: BIOL 3250 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, BIOL 3300 – Developmental Biology, BIOL 3850 – Plant Physiology, OR BIOL 3880 – Animal Physiology
- Discuss your academic and future plans with your Biology Faculty Mentor for discipline-specific guidance and suggestions
- Questions? Visit Sinegal (SINE) 401 or email biology@seattleu.edu
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CSE Advising at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Find the perfect spot to study at the Lemieux Library.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degre plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.