Advising for Pre-Medical Students at UM-Flint (Dr. Steve Myers, Biology Dept.

; updated 04/27/12)
Most of the following advice also applies to pre-dental students. (e-mail: [email protected])
Visit the UM-Flint PreMed Website: http://www.umflint.edu/advising/premedical/academic_prep.htm for lots of info.
The advising information below was extracted from the UM-Flint Catalog with added annotations in italics:
There is keen competition for the limited number of places available in medical schools. Therefore,
prospective applicants are urged to plan an alternate career option as they pursue a bachelor's degree.
Students are also advised to obtain exact information from their prospective medical schools concerning
requirements for admission.
In general, medical schools stress scholastic achievement, especially in the sciences, as a major criterion for
admission. Premed students may major in any discipline so long as the requirements of the medical program
to which they are applying are fulfilled. Medical schools are looking for well-rounded students with a broad,
liberal arts background. Such a background can be demonstrated by pursuing a non-science major or minor, or
focused sequences of courses in multiple disciplines. Such factors as the quality of the undergraduate college
and the recommendations supplied by its faculty, results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and
place of residence are also considered. Personal qualities such as integrity, motivation, leadership, and maturity
are often discernible through the applicant's record of nonacademic activities, an autobiographical statement,
and the personal interview at the medical school.
Each student who plans to apply for admission to medical school should seek the assistance and guidance
of an advisor from the Biology or Chemistry and Biochemistry Departments at the University of Michigan-Flint,
and consult the Biology website for more information at http://www.umflint.edu/biology/programs.htm
Each student who plans to apply for admission to medical school should seek the assistance and guidance of an advisor from the
Biology or Chemistry/Biochemistry Departments at the University of Michigan-Flint, or consult the Biology website for more information
at http://www.umflint.edu/departments/biology/undergrad_programs.htm. Most pre-medical student are either biology or chemistry
majors, but a more unusual major may make you stand out from the crowd. Consider dual majors. If possible, choose the major that
excites your interests the most. Also, keep optional career paths in mind in case you do not get into medical school or just change your
plans in the future. As a minimum, the following courses should be completed before applying to medical school:
BIO: 111, 113, 326, 328. Organismal Biology, Principles of Biology (intro to cell biology, genetics & ecology), Cell Biology, Genetics]
CHM: 260, 261, 262, 263 or 265, 330, 331, 332, 333. [Year of inorganic chemistry with labs; year of organic chemistry with labs]
ENG: One year (typically 111 and 112) [College Rhetoric, Critical Writing and Reading]
MTH: Wide variation; some require integral calculus. [Actually very few medical schools require calculus any more, although the
Uniformed Services University Medical School in Bethesda does. Check with the medical schools to which you plan to apply.]
PHY: 143 and 145; or 243 and 245. [When asked what undergraduate courses were most important preparation for first year of medical
school, some first-year medical students said physics! So, take heed! Also consider that if you take calculus, the PHY 243 & 245 courses
will give you experience using calculus. Learning calculus is a good mental exercise, but is even better if you can carry over the
mathematical abilities learned to subsequent courses. Using calculus in learning physics will increase the probability that you will be able
to apply calculus to aspects of medical physiology and pharmacology. Also, be aware that the 200-level physics courses cover fewer basic
physics topics(but in greater depth) than the 100-level courses; plan to study omitted topics prior to MCAT.]
Pre-medical advisors, in addition, highly recommend:
BIO: 418, 419, 432, 435. [Histology, Histology lab; Mammalian Physiology, Microbiology; pre-med students often remark that our
mammalian physiology course (BIO 432) was the single most important course in preparing them for the MCAT; this may be due to this
course drawing on general MCAT topic (e.g. general biology, chemistry and physics) or to increasing the student's reading comprehension
of the medical physiology language that shows up in MCAT questions; see http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm for more info.]
CHM: 450, 452. [Two semesters of biochemistry lecture. Some medical schools now require at least one semester of biochemistry. If you
cannot fit the two-semester sequence into your schedule, you can choose a one-semester survey course of biochemistry, CHM 350, that is
generally offered every winter semester. The feedback from several students during their first year of medical school is: “the more
biochemistry you can get, the better.”]
The following courses are also of special value and should be selected according to one's area of concentration in consultation with advisor:
BIO: 412, 425, 450. [Developmental Biology, Immunology, Parasitology; Additional courses to consider include: BIO 319, Human
Reproduction and Development, BIO 434, Human Anatomy (includes cadaver dissection; medical school admissions department generally
advise against such course and recommend something you won't get in medical school, like molecular biology; however, many physicians
and medical students who took the course before medical school recommend taking a cadaver anatomy course, because your first year in
medical school will be so much easier), BIO 482, Neuroscience (this basic neuroscience course includes clinical case studies and seeks to
make the broad topics of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy understandable); BIO 467, Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes, BIO 468,
Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes (the foundations of medical treatments are becoming increasingly based on molecular biology. Some
understanding of molecular biology is probably a good idea for any pre-med student. In fact many pre-med students at UM-Flint choose to
pursue the molecular biology and biotechnology program. This program requires most of the courses that a pre-med student would want to
take plus it offers excellent alternate career paths, even with just a Bachelor's degree)]
CHM: 340, 366, 367, 451, 453. [Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Biochemistry Lab I,
Biochemistry Lab II; Physical Chemistry will give the student a deeper mathematical understanding of thermodynamics, which should
enhance understanding of pharmacological and other physiological reactions in the body; Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry
Laboratory will give the student a deeper understanding of how biological and non-biological samples are analyzed for chemical content;
The biochemistry laboratory sequence is especially good for students wanting a research project approach to learning biochemistry]

General Premed Advising page 2 UM-Flint

More Premed Advising:
 Try to design your education and extracurricular activities to make you “standout” in some way from
other premed students. Medical schools generally want a medical school class with a broad range of
individuals. In a recent year, the undergraduate major across the country with the highest acceptance
rate into medical school was Music! An individual who can excel in their premed coursework and in
something as diverse from science as music will standout in the applicant pool. Don’t try to force
yourself into a major you do not enjoy. If you choose biology or chemistry as a major, consider a minor
or a sequence of courses within a minor (and brag about it!) that is unusual for a premed student, such
as English, Anthropology, Communication, and History or some other humanity or social science. The
Health Sciences Department has an interesting minor in gerontology. Gerontology is a fast growing
area of medicine and such a minor might catch the eyes of a medical school admissions committee. You
may not be able to fit all of the gerontology minor into your curricular plan, but you can still brag
about having completed a series of courses within this or other minors. Also, medical schools look for
applicants with a broad undergraduate education. After completing UM-Flint’s general education
requirements you should have a broad undergraduate education. To add depth to your breadth of
general education, try to take sequences of lower-level and upper-level courses in the same general topic
areas (i.e. ethics, literature, cultural studies). When you write your essay to medical school or in your
interviews, explain the strengths of your general education background and highlight some of your key
courses that contributed to your intellectual growth in areas such as cultural diversity, ethics, literature,
etc. Try to select courses that you think will make you more marketable (i.e. strengthen your
weaknesses and give you new skills and abilities to add to your “bag of tricks”).
Some general education courses to consider:
 If you do not have a fine arts course in mind, students have recommended the following courses:
MUS 100, An introduction to Music (essentially a music appreciation course); ART 120, Introduction to
Visual Arts (little if any actual art techniques, mostly about art and artists).
 For humanity courses, consider a sequence of courses in philosophy. The premed students who are
philosophy majors generally score higher than other premeds on the Medical College Admissions Test
(MCAT). To enhance your critical reading and logical reasoning ability, I recommend PHL 101,
Introduction to philosophy, or PHL 202, Introduction to Logic, followed by one of the 300-level
philosophy course. A less rigorous philosophy sequence that also of value is a sequence in ethics such as
PHL/NSC 168, Introduction to Bioethics, and PHL/HCR 304, Ethics of Health Care. PHL 168 is
designed for pre-nursing students, but is appropriate for any student. PHL 304 is not much different
that PHL 168, but covers different case-study situations.
 COM 210, Introduction to Public Speaking also is a humanity course. The course teaches
some of the “tricks” to becoming a better speaker. All students probably should take this course.
 PSY 100, Principles of Psychology, is a social science required by all medical schools.
Medical school web sites often suggest PSY 309, Abnormal Psychology, as a good psychology elective
course. Also, PSY 313, Developmental Psychology is a good elective, because it presents how human
psychology changes from childhood to old age. Consider other social science courses (e.g. SOC, ANT,
HIS, POL, ECN, and many HCR courses) to add breadth to your background.
 Consider a foreign language and or courses in cultural diversity to enhance your cultural
awareness. Cultural diversity courses can be found in many departments (e.g. AFA, COM, HIS, POL,
SOC, WGS). Of particular note is HCR 362, Cultural Competence in Health Care.
 Consider getting involved in an undergraduate research project. The project does not have to
be medically related to impress a medical school admissions committee. Most members of medical school
admissions committees are academic clinicians who value research and know the effort and dedication
involved. Medical school training stresses “evidence-based practice” in medicine, which is the application
of the scientific method in medial practice. Undergraduate research is a step in that direction.
 For students who are interested in a business class, I recommend BUS 201, Principles of
Financial Accounting. This course provides a basic understanding of accounting, which could be very
useful for a practicing physician who needs to communicate effectively with an accountant.

General Premed Advising page 3 UM-Flint

Advising for Biology Pre-Medical Students at UM-Flint

Most pre-med biology majors choose the general program in biology; however, an increasing number of academically strong pre-med
students are choosing the molecular biology and biotechnology program. Molecular biology plays a major role in current medical
research such that some exposure to molecular biology is probably a good idea for any pre-med student. Individual interests and academic
talents of the student should be factored into the decision to take molecular biology coursework or to pursue the molecular biology and
biotechnology program. It is often very difficult to do well in a rigorous course, like molecular biology (BIO 467), if the student does not
have a strong interest in the subject area.
An alternative premed program to the B.S. programs mentioned above is the B.A. in human biology. This program was designed primarily
for pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy and pre-pathology assistant students. However, by substituting the premed chemistry
courses, the B.A. in human biology can serve as a premed program with more flexibility for completion of minors or a double major with
another Bachelor of Arts degree program (e.g. English, Philosophy, Music, History, Anthropology, etc.)

General Program in Biology

(Bachelor of Science)
Faculty Advisors: All regular, full-time biology faculty
The Bachelor of Science Program in General Biology is selected by most biology majors. This program is designed to provide a wide
breadth of preparation in biology along with the greatest degree of student choice in selecting their upper-level courses. Like all of the
Bachelor of Science programs in biology, this program requires at least pre-calculus mathematics (MTH 120), a year of physics (PHY 143
& 145), the freshman CHM 160 series, six to eight additional credits (depending on program) of higher-level chemistry, plus a foundational
set of five, core-biology courses: Organismal Biology (BIO 111); Principles of Biology (BIO 113); Cell Biology (BIO 326); Ecology (BIO
327); and Genetics (BIO 328). Then, with the aid of an advisor, the student may select from a wide range of biology courses meet their
own individual interests and career goals.

Requirements.

A. The general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.

B. At least 44 credits* in biology including BIO 111, 113, 326, 327 and 328, and two writing courses; and no more than 16
credit hours of 100 or 200-level courses.

C. At least 25 credits in non-biological sciences, mathematics and computer science, including CHM 260, 261, 262, either
263 or 265, at least 6 additional credits of chemistry (CHM 330 and 332 recommended); MTH 120 (unless equivalency
is granted by the Biology Department), PHY 143, 145. Additional credits from any area of natural science or
mathematics or CSC 121, 122, 175, or 271, excluding CHM 131, 140; ENV 100; MTH 090; PHY 105, 110.

D. Electives to complete a total of 124 credits.

E. At least 33 credits taken in upper division courses (courses numbered 300 or above).

F. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology and in the total work at the University of Michigan-Flint.

G. Grades of C- or better in all core courses to be used as prerequisites.

For the student planning to enter a graduate or professional school, one year of organic chemistry and one year of calculus
are recommended.

*Students under the 2003-05 catalog or earlier edition are required to take 40 credits of biology. Also, under those catalogs, lower-
level courses (<300), other than BIO 111 and 113, only count ½ of their credits towards the 40 credits required for the BS in General
Biology Program. Students under the 2005-07 catalog may count fully towards their required 44 credits in biology three lower-level
BIO course (i.e. BIO 111, 113 plus any other lower-level BIO course such as BIO 104, 135 or 167).

General Premed Advising page 4 UM-Flint

Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Bachelor of Science)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Joe Sucic, Dr. Jerry Sanders and Dr. Ann Sturtevant
The development of recombinant DNA technology, sometimes referred to us as genetic engineering, has radically altered the biomedical
sciences. Recombinant DNA techniques have triggered the exponential growth of a new biological field—molecular genetics, or, more
generally, molecular biology—which only two decades ago was in its infancy. Fundamental biological problems, untenable only a decade
or two ago, are now being addressed using new molecular genetic methods. Recombinant DNA techniques are also revolutionizing disease
diagnosis, as the genetic basis for diseases like cancer, muscular dystrophy, and Alzheimer’s are being discovered; indeed, almost nightly
you can see a story on the news or in the paper that describes a new discover, facilitated by recombinant DNA methods, relating to these
and other diseases. Applications of recombinant DNA methods, collectively called biotechnology, are yielding new approaches to disease
treatment, drug development, forensics, and even the study of evolution.
The Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology provides students with a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for a
career in this exciting and expanding area of biology. Students in this program will be exposed to state of the art molecular techniques, and
students completing this program will be highly qualified to 1) seek employment at academic, industrial, or government laboratories
engaged in molecular biology endeavors, or 2) pursue graduate studies in molecular biology and related fields such as microbiology,
immunology, or cell biology.
Requirements
A. The general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.
B. At least 40 credit hours in Biology including BIO 111, 113, 326, 327, 328, 425, 435, 462, 467, and 468.
Core biology BS program courses: BIO 111, 113, 326, 327, 328 (Organismal Bio., Principles of Bio., Cell Bio., Ecology, Genetics)
Additional required courses: BIO 425 (Immunology); 435 (Microbio.);462 (Plant Molecular Biology); 467 & 468 (core Molecular
Bio). Note: Course substitutions are possible; for example, premed students are often allowed to substitute BIO 432 (Mammalian
Physiology) for BIO 462(Plant Molecular Biology) – See Dr. Sucic for advice on possible course substitutions.
C. The following courses in non-biological natural sciences: MTH 120, PHY 143, 145, CHM 260, 261, 262, 263, 330, 331, 332, 333, 450
D. Electives to complete a minimum of 124 credits. (should take CHM 452 as well or substitute CHM 350 for 450 above)
E. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology and in total work at the University of Michigan-Flint.
F. Grades of C- or better in all core courses used as prerequisites.
Program in Human Biology (Bachelor of Arts)
Faculty Advisors: Liz Malinowski and Dr. Steve Myers
The Bachelor of Arts program in human biology is designed to provide students with a background in human-
related biology courses as the focus of a broad and liberal education and in preparation for entrance into
physical therapy, physician assistant, or pathology assistant programs. Before selecting this program students
are cautioned to carefully consider their educational goals and to review the requirements for their future
health profession program. It is strongly advised that students considering the program in human biology seek
the counsel of a faculty advisor during their first year as critical decisions concerning the election of a
chemistry sequence must be made at this time. Bachelor of Science biology students are required to take the
two-semester freshman chemistry sequence (CHM 260/261 and 262/263), while human biology program
students may alternatively choose a one-semester survey of chemistry (CHM 150/151). Students who choose
CHM 150/151 and later decide to switch to a Bachelor of Science program may not be able to complete their
degree within four years. Also, in past years some physical therapy graduates have gone on to become
orthopedic surgeons, which was made possible because as undergraduate students they took the premed
chemistry courses. The best undergraduate academic advice is “take care before you burn the bridges” to
alternate career paths. The Program in Human Biology is not designed for students planning professional or
graduate studies in the medical or biological sciences. Such students should complete one of the Bachelor of
Science degree programs or complete higher-level chemistry and math courses within the human biology
program. The principle differences between the Human Biology Program and the Bachelor of Science programs
are that the Bachelor of Science programs require more math and chemistry courses, while the Human Biology
Program requires a course in public speaking, a foreign language requirement, and a different set of core-
biology courses.
Requirements.
A. All requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts degree, including general education
requirements and a foreign language requirement.
B. Thirty-two (minimum) to forty (maximum) credits in biology (no more than 16 numbered below 300),
including a core sequence of BIO 111, 113, 167, 168, 326 and 432. (BIO 407 or 434 may be substituted for BIO
167 and 168.) Any 300 or 400 level biology elective course may be applied to this program; however, students
are encouraged to choose upper-level elective courses that will enhance their specific career goal.
C. Communication/writing courses to include COM 210 and two biology writing courses with grades of C or
better (BIO 432 counts toward this biology writing course requirement). COM 225 or COM/ENG 338
(recommended) with a grade of C or better may be substituted for one biology writing course.
D. Non-biological natural sciences and mathematics to include the following (or higher-level courses): CHM
150, 151, and at least four additional credits in biochemistry or organic and biochemistry (pre-physical therapy
minimum: CHM 252, 253; pre-physician & pre-pathology assistant minimum: CHM 220, 350); MTH 111 (MTH
120 recommended); PHY 143, 145. Premed students who choose this program need to substitute the premed
chemistry courses: CHM 260, 261, 262, 263, 330, 331, 332, 333, plus either 350 or 450 & 452.
E. Electives to complete a total of 120 credits.

General Premed Advising page 5 UM-Flint

F. At least 33 credits taken in upper division courses (courses numbered 300 or above).
G. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology and in the total work at the University of
Michigan-Flint.
H. Grades of C- or better in all 100- and 300-level core BIO courses.

General Premed Advising page 6 UM-Flint

 An Example Pre-Medical Course Plan for the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Program
Ideally a premed student should start college ready to take calculus in their first semester. With High School Advanced
Placement in math and chemistry, the example course plan below could be accelerated substantially.
Semester Credit hrs.
Fall BIO 111 (4) CHM 140 (3) ENG 111 (3) MTH 120 (4) HCR 101 (1) 15
Organismal Bio. Foundations of Chem. College Rhetoric Pre-calculus Physical Fitness
Winter BIO 113 (4) CHM 260 & 261 (4) ENG 112 (3) MTH 121 (4) 15
Principles of Bio. Inorganic Chem. I English Comp. Calculus I
Spring 0
Summer CHM 262 & 263 (4) 4
Inorganic Chem. II
Fall BIO 326 (4) CHM 330/331 (4) PSY 100 (3) BIO 301 (4) 15
Cell Biology Organic Chem. I Principles of Psych. Biostatistics
Winter BIO 328 (4) CHM 332/333 (4) PSY 309 (3) MUS 100 (3) 14
Genetics Organic Chem. II Abnormal Psych. Intro. to Music
Spring PHL 168 (3) HCR 300 (3) 6
Intro to Bioethic Health Care in US
Summer
Fall BIO 435 (4) BIO 467 (4) PHY 143 (4) HCR 107 (1) 13
Microbiology Molecular Bio. I College Physics I Stress Management
Winter BIO 432 (4) BIO 468 (4) PHY 145 (4) COM 210 (3) 15
Mammalian Physio. Molecular Bio. II College Physics II Intro Public Speaking
Spring Take MCAT
Summer
Fall BIO 434 (6) CHM 450 (3) CHM 451 (2) BIO 491 (1) 14
Human Anatomy Biochemistry I Biochem. Lab I Independent Study
Winter BIO 425 (3) CHM 452 (3) BIO 327 (4) HCR 304 (3) 13
Immunology Biochemistry II Ecology Ethics of Health Care
Total credit hrs. 124
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An Example Pre-Medical Course Plan for the General Program in Biology
Ideally a premed student should start college ready to take calculus in their first semester. With High School Advanced
Placement in math and chemistry, the example course plan below could be accelerated substantially.
Semester Credit hrs.
Fall BIO 111 (4) ENG 111 (3) PSY 100 (3) MTH 111 (3) 13
Organismal Bio. College Rhetoric. Principles of Psych. College Algebra
Winter BIO 167 (4) CHM 140 (3) ENG 112 (3) MTH 120 (4) 14
Anatomy & Physio. I Foundations of English Comp. Pre-calculus
Chem.
Spring CHM 260 & 261 (4) 4
Inorganic Chem. I
Summer
Fall BIO 113 (4) PHY 143 (4) CHM 262 & 263 (4) HCR 107 (1) 13
Principles of Bio. College Physics I Inorganic Chem. II Stress Management
Winter BIO 328 (4) PHY 145 (4) BIO 168 (4) ART 120 (3) 15
Genetics College Physics II Anatomy & Physio. II Intro. to Visual Arts
Spring BIO 326 (4) 4
Cell Biology
Summer
Fall BIO 435 (4) CHM 330/331 (4) HCR 202 (3) PSY 347 (3) 14
Microbiology Organic Chem. I Intro. Gerontology Psych. of Aging
Winter BIO 432 (4) CHM 332/333 (4) BIO 425 (3) PHL 168 (3) 14
Mammalian Physio. Organic Chem. II Immunology Intro to Bioethic
Spring Take MCAT
Summer COM 210 (3) HCR 300 (3) 6
Intro Public Speaking Health Care in US
Fall BIO 434 (6) CHM 450 (3) HCR 304 (3) BIO 491 (1) 13
Human Anatomy Biochemistry I Ethics of Health Care Independent Study
Winter BIO 301 (4) CHM 452 (3) BUS 201 (3) BIO 327 (4) 14
Biostatistics Biochemistry II Prin. Financial Accounting Ecology
Total credit hrs. 124
General Premed Advising page 7 UM-Flint
 An Example Pre-Medical Course Plan for the Human Biology Program
Ideally a premed student should start college ready to take calculus in their first semester. With High School Advanced
Placement in math and chemistry, the example course plan below could be accelerated substantially and allow a greater
possibility of completing a double major or a minor.
Semester Credit hrs.
Fall BIO 111 (4) ENG 111 (3) PSY 100 (3) MTH 111 (3) HCR 101 (1) 14
Organismal Bio. College Rhetoric. Principles of Psych. College Algebra Physical Fitness
Winter BIO 167 (4) CHM 140 (3) ENG 112 (3) MTH 120 (4) 14
Anatomy & Physio. I Foundations of Chem. English Comp. Pre-calculus
Spring CHM 260 & 261 (4) 4
Inorganic Chem. I
Summer
Fall BIO 168 (4) PHY 143 (4) CHM 262 & 263 (4) HCR 107 (1) 13
Anatomy & Physio. II College Physics I Inorganic Chem. II Stress Management
Winter BIO 113 (4) PHY 145 (4) SPN 111 (4) MUS 100 (3) 15
Principles of Bio. College Physics II Spanish I Intro. to Music
Spring BIO 326 (4) 4
Cell Biology
Summer
Fall BIO 435 (4) CHM 330/331 (4) SPN 112 (4) HCR 202 (3) 14
Microbiology Organic Chem. I Spanish II Intro. Gerontology
Winter BIO 432 (4) BIO 328 (4) PHL 168 (3) 14
Mammalian Physio. Genetics Intro to Bioethic
Spring Take MCAT
Summer
Fall BIO 434 (6) CHM 450 (3) HCR 300 (3) HCR 304 (3) 15
Human Anatomy Biochemistry I Health Care in US Ethics of Health Care
Winter BIO 491 (1) CHM 452 (3) BUS 201 (3) HCR 352 (3) COM 210 (3) 13
Independent Study Biochemistry II Prin. Financial Accounting Chronic Illness & Aging Intro Public Speaking
Total credit hrs. 120

For clinical experience with lots of patient contact, I recommend premed students obtain Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) training through either McLaren Hospital or Genesys Hospital (Genesys EMT website:
http://www.genesys.org/GRMCWeb.nsf/0/45B7983AF9C04E6A8525719C00634D8F?open). These are seven-
month training programs (cost ~ $750) that involve two days per week for about four hours each day either
daytime or evening classes. Students who have done this report really enjoyed the training and work experience,
which included lots of opportunities to interact with emergency-room physicians and other medical personnel.
Alternatively, some students have completed an accelerated Certified Nurses Aid course through American
Medical Careers (cost ~ $1,200) that only takes two weeks (full time). American Medical Careers also offers less
expensive phlebotomy courses, but only two of the four students of whom I am aware were able to find a
phlebotomy job after the training.
I also highly recommend joining the premed club for additional peer advice on volunteer/clinical experiences.
The community service activities of the premed club are good on your resume. Medical school admission
committees like to see evidence of leadership qualities in their applicants. Taking the lead in developing and
overseeing a service activity is a one way to demonstrate initiative and leadership qualities.
Worthwhile Flint Area Community Volunteer Activities Recommended by Some Previous Pre-Med Students
Organization Position Contact Number*

Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s child Joe Shovels 235-0617

program mentor

Pierce Elementary HOSTS child Mrs. Early 760-1386

mentor

Carriage Town Ministries volunteer vol. Coordinator 233-8787

Hurley Medical Center-Auxiliary volunteer Debbie Peters 257-9000

Hurley Hospice volunteer Rosaline 760-0150

General Premed Advising page 8 UM-Flint

 Salvation Army volunteer vol. Coordinator 232-2196
*phone numbers listed in this table are pretty old; so, you may need to consult a phonebook/website.

General Premed Advising page 9 UM-Flint

 Some General Advice on Preparing for the MCAT
Plan at least a year ahead for the MCAT. Set aside time several days each week for MCAT
preparation involving practice exams (see MCAT website) in combination with content review of key
courses (e.g. chemistry, physics, cell biology, genetics, physiology). To enhance your performance on
the “verbal” portion of the exam, I recommend getting a book or two on Greek and Latin word roots.
Amazon.com has several such books, but be careful which ones you pick. Some are more designed
for elementary school level. If you Google “Greek and Latin word roots” you also should find other
resources such as a CD-ROM program for building vocabulary. The key to success in this
preparation is organization and spreading your practice over a long period of time (cramming for the
MCAT is NOT a good idea).

Upper-level "human-oriented" elective courses often taken by premed students.

301. Biostatistics. Strong preparation in high school or college algebra and eight credits of biology. (4). Usually offered fall and
winter semesters.
Analysis of quantitative data from biological sources, using basic statistical procedures to elucidate biological
phenomena. Mathematical derivations and probabilistic theory not stressed; emphasis on the selection and
interpretation of statistical tests commonly used by biologists. Prior knowledge of statistics not necessary. Lecture
and recitation. Also listed as HCR 402.
407. Human Macroscopic Anatomy. BIO 111, 113; at least sophomore standing; or consent of instructor. (4). Usually
offered summer half semesters of odd numbered years.
Detailed study of the macroscopic structure of the human body, following a systems approach to the study of human
anatomy. Lecture and laboratory.
418. Lectures in Histology and Organology. BIO 111, 113, 326; admission to the professional program in physical
therapy or concurrent enrollment in BIO 410. (3). Has not been offered in several years. Future offerings are
uncertain at present.
Microscopic structure and function of mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. Lecture. Also listed as PTP 413.
419. Histology and Organology Laboratory. BIO 111, 113, 326; concurrent election of BIO 409; or consent of
instructor. (2). Has not been offered in several years. Future offerings are uncertain at present.
Identification of mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Laboratory.
412. Developmental Biology. BIO 111, 113, 326, 328; or consent of instructor. (4). Has not been offered in several
years. Future offerings are uncertain at present.
Survey of the gross morphological, cellular, and molecular aspects of cellular differentiation and organismic
development in multicellular eukaryotes. Emphasis on experimental approaches used to analyze eukaryotic
development.
425. Immunology. BIO 111, 113, 326, 328; or consent of instructor. (3). Usually offered every winter semester.
Physiology and chemistry of resistance to infection and responses to foreign biological substances of a potentially
harmful nature. Includes natural immunity, antigen-antibody reactions, immunosuppression and tolerance, the
complement system, hypersensitivity, immune deficiencies, autoimmunity, and tumor immunology. Applications
include serology. Lecture. BIO 425 and BIO 485/PTP 414 cannot both be counted toward a Biology major.
432. Mammalian Physiology. BIO 111, 113, 326; or consent of instructor. (4). (Bio writing course) Offered every
winter semesters
Detailed study of organ and organ-system function in mammals; emphasis on human function. Lecture and
laboratory.
434. Human Anatomy. BIO 432 or BIO 167and 168; admission to the professional program in physical therapy; or
consent of instructor. (6). Offered every fall semester.
Detailed study of the gross structure of the human body. Laboratory involves cadaver dissection. Lecture and
laboratory. Also listed as PTP 410.

General Premed Advising page 10 UM-Flint

435. Microbiology. BIO 111, 113, 326. BIO 328 highly recommended. (4). (Bio writing course) Offered every fall
semester
Biology of microorganisms with emphasis on prokaryotes and viruses. Lecture includes microbial anatomy,
physiology, growth, genetics, control and medical aspects of host-parasite relationships. Lab work includes basic
culture and identification techniques, medical and sanitary microbiology. Lecture and laboratory.
438. Medical Bacteriology. BIO 111, 113, 326, 435; CHM 161, 162. (4). Usually offered every winter semester.
Biology of medically significant prokaryotes. Morphology, growth characteristics, virulence factors, pathogenesis,
and clinical presentation of bacterial diseases of major medical importance, as well as emerging pathogens. Host
immune response, treatment, and prevention stressed. Laboratory exercises emphasize diagnostic techniques as well
as virulence mechanisms. Lecture and laboratory.
444. Neuroantomy and Physiology. BIO 167 and 168; or BIO 432; or PSY 380; and consent of instructor. (3). Offered
every winter semester.
Principles of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Lecture and Laboratory. Not open to students with credit for BIO 482.
445. Regional Anatomy. BIO 167 and 168; or BIO 432; and consent of instructor (3). Offered every winter semester.
Regional human anatomy with emphasis on neurovascular relationships of the head, neck, thoracic cavity and limbs. This course is
designed to provide foundational regional anatomy for nurse anesthesia graduate students, but is suitable as well for undergraduate
students interested in human anatomy. Lecture and laboratory; Laboratory includes cadaver dissection. Not open to students with
credit for BIO 434.
450. Parasitology. BIO 111, 113, 328; or consent of instructor. (4). Usually offered winter semester of odd numbered
years.
Study of the major groups of parasitic protists and animals, with particular emphasis on those infecting man and the
higher vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory.
467. Molecular Biology of Procaryotes. BIO 111, 113, 326, 328, 435; CHM 220 or 230; or consent of instructor. (4).
Offered every fall semester.
Survey of the molecular biology of procaryotic organisms. DNA replication, DNA repair and recombination, and
mechanisms regulating gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels; the interaction of these
processes in complex phenomena such as ribosome biosynthesis, cell division, and sporulation. Lecture and
laboratory; laboratory focus on recombinant DNA methodologies.
468. Molecular Biology of Eucaryotes. BIO 111, 113, 326, 328, 435; CHM 220 or 230; or consent of instructor. BIO
467 recommended. (4). (Bio writing course) Offered every winter semester
Survey of the molecular biology of eucaryotic organisms. DNA replication, DNA repair and recombination, DNA
rearrangements, and mechanisms regulating gene expression; the interaction of these processes in complex
phenomena such as signal transduction, cell cycle control, cell differentiation, and cancer. Lecture and laboratory;
laboratory includes mammalian cell culture and expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells.
472. Topics in Medical Genetics. BIO 111, 113, 328. (3). Future offerings are uncertain at present.
Basic medical genetic concepts and the role of genes in human disease processes and susceptibilities. In addition,
students are taught to appreciate the high incidence and broad spectrum of human genetic diseases, to learn the
technique and grasp the importance of taking a family history, and to understand the procedures and tools used for
diagnosing genetic diseases. Lecture and Discussion.
485. Pathology. BIO 111, 113, 326, 432; admission to the professional or post-professional program in physical therapy or consent of
instructor. (3). Usually offered every fall semesters of odd-numbered years.
Human structural and functional disorders primarily related to physical therapy. Lecture.

General Premed Advising page 11 UM-Flint