Hey everyone, I'm considering applying to UC Berkeley for premed. Does anyone know the program requirements and what courses I should take? Any advice is appreciated!
UC Berkeley doesn't have a specific premed program per se, but they do provide a general pre-health program for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health fields. As a premed student, you'll need to complete certain prerequisite courses that are essential for admission to medical school. Here's a list of recommended courses to cover your bases:
1. General Chemistry: 2 semesters (CHEM 1A/1AL, CHEM 1B)
2. Organic Chemistry: 2 semesters (CHEM 3A/3AL, CHEM 3B/3BL)
3. Biochemistry: 1 semester (MCB 102 or MCB 100A/100B)
4. Biology: 2 semesters (BIO 1A/1AL, BIO 1B)
5. Physics: 2 semesters (PHYSICS 8A, PHYSICS 8B)
6. Math: 2 semesters of college-level math or statistics (MATH 10A and 10B, or MATH 1A and 1B, or a calculus/statistics combo)
7. English: 2 semesters (can be fulfilled with Reading & Composition courses)
Aside from this core sequence of prerequisite courses, premed students should consider taking additional courses in upper-division biology, psychology, and sociology to help prepare for the MCAT and strengthen their application.
Keep in mind that requirements can vary slightly from one medical school to another, so make sure to research the specific schools you're interested in and tailor your coursework accordingly. It's also a good idea to get involved in some extracurricular activities related to healthcare, such as research, volunteering, or internships, to gain valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to the medical field.
Best of luck with your premed journey at UC Berkeley!
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