The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that exposes students to the full range of biological sciences, preparing them to succeed in medical- and science-related professions.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that exposes students to the full range of biological sciences. Program courses, whether general or advanced, feature a student-centered approach based on active, hands-on learning that fully engages students in the theories and practical methods of scientific inquiry. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the content knowledge and creative, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in medical- and science-related professions. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and are provided with internship opportunities where they can apply the scientific knowledge they learn in their courses.
Biology graduates pursue further study in medical schools and/or careers as Biochemists, Microbiologists, Forensic Scientists, Biotechnologists, Researchers, Biology Instructors, Environmental Scientists, Genetic Counselors, Health Communications Specialists, Medical Affairs Professionals in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, and other related fields.
The B.S. in Biology’s primary mandate is to provide excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. It is a comprehensive program, which exposes students to the full range of biological sciences. Our undergraduate four-year curriculum introduces students to modern studies in general, molecular, cell, and environmental biology. It also emphasizes active, hands-on experience with modern technology. Small class sizes with an emphasis on laboratories and tutorials foster ongoing, productive interactions between students and faculty.
In support of its mission, the Biology degree program seeks to:
For Pre-Medical Studies (Pre-Med) students who are interested in applying for admission to a medical school, please see the information below related to the ‘Pre-Medical Studies: Pathway to Medical School.’
Pre-Medical Studies: Pathway to Medical School
AUD embraces the rigorous and holistic approach of the North American model in the design of its Pre-Medical Studies (Pre-Med) curricula. Students who are interested in careers in medicine must earn a Bachelor’s degree in a subject area of their choice and complete a variety of Pre-Med course requirements to become eligible for admission to medical schools. The following framework fosters academic excellence and provides students with a comprehensive undergraduate experience that will prepare them for success in medical school.
Degree Flexibility
Students interested in medical school may earn a Bachelor’s degree in any subject area, as long as they complete the Pre-Med Studies requirements. While some undergraduate degree programs already include a significant number of Pre-Med course requirements and may thus be more convenient for some students than others, medical schools do not have a preference for one degree program over another.
Pre-Med Requirements
The Pre-Med requirements at most medical schools include, at minimum, 33 credit hours of basic science courses and six credit hours of courses in the Social Sciences, all of which are provided within the B.S. in Biology curriculum at AUD. However, because requirements differ across programs, students interested in applying for medical school are encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor and to research the specific program requirements for the program of their choice as outlined in the Medical School Admission Requirements Report, which is published on an annual basis by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Standard Pre-Med Pathway Courses
Students pursuing Pre-Med Studies must complete the following courses:
|
Core Subject Areas |
Minimum Required Credits* |
|
Biology with associated labs |
Typically: BIOL 202 and BIOL 203 (8 credit hours) |
|
General Chemistry with associated labs |
Typically: CHEM 201, CHEM 204, CHEM 205 (7 credit hours) |
|
Organic Chemistry with associated labs |
Typically: CHEM 211 and CHEM 213 (7 credit hours) |
|
Biochemistry |
Typically: BIOL 351 (3 credit hours) |
|
Physics with associated labs |
Typically: PHYS 201 and PHYS 202 (8 credit hours) |
|
Social Sciences |
Typically: SOCI 201 and PSYC 201 (6 credit hours) |
Enhanced Pre-Med Pathway Courses
Students pursuing Pre-Medical Studies will also benefit from taking additional courses in the Biological and Physical Sciences, as well as a variety of courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences, especially those that focus on literature, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies, history, and other disciplines that emphasize core competencies in logical reasoning, critical reading, and strong communication skills. Such courses provide the broad-based education expected by leading medical schools.
Eligibility
While academic and extracurricular excellence is strongly encouraged, any student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at AUD is eligible to complete the Pre-Med requirements and apply to medical school.
