UC Berkeley Pre-Med Prerequisites

I'm interested in UC Berkeley's pre-med program and wanted to know what the prerequisites are. Can anyone provide a list of required courses or pointers on where to find this information? Thanks!

First, it's important to note that UC Berkeley doesn't have a specific "pre-med program" - rather, students choose to follow a pre-med track by taking the necessary prerequisite courses alongside their chosen major. While course requirements can vary somewhat depending on the medical school you eventually apply to, there's a general set of courses UC Berkeley recommends that should cover most pre-med prerequisites:

1. General Biology: Two semesters with lab components. For example, Bio 1A and Bio 1AL (lecture and lab), and Bio 1B (lecture and lab) at Berkeley.

2. General Chemistry: Two semesters with lab components. Typically Chem 1A and Chem 1AL (lecture and lab), and Chem 1B and Chem 1BL (lecture and lab) at Berkeley.

3. Organic Chemistry: Two semesters with lab components. Generally, Chem 3A and Chem 3AL (lecture and lab), and Chem 3B and Chem 3BL (lecture and lab) at Berkeley.

4. Physics: Two semesters with lab components. Physics 7A and Physics 7B or Physics 8A and Physics 8B are common options at Berkeley.

5. Biochemistry: One semester. Biochemistry (MCB 102 or 110) is recommended at Berkeley.

6. Mathematics: Two semesters, usually including one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics. Math 10A and Stat 2 or Public Health 142 are examples of courses taken at Berkeley.

7. Writing/English: Typically two semesters. For example, Reading & Composition R1A and R1B at Berkeley.

8. Psychology and/or Sociology: One semester of each. PSYCH 1 (Introduction to Psychology) and SOCIOL 1 (Introduction to Sociology) would be the common introductory courses at Berkeley.

Be aware that some medical schools might also require additional courses in areas like physiology or genetics. It is a good idea to research the specific requirements of your target medical schools and shape your course selection accordingly.

To confirm the most current prerequisites and for additional guidance, you may also want to consult with advisors in the Biological Sciences department or College of Chemistry, as well as at the Career Center at UC Berkeley. They can give you guidance to ensure you take the appropriate courses for your future medical school applications.

Best of luck with your future academic pursuits!