One year of biological sciences is required and additional courses are recommended. The required class is introductory biology or biology 101. This introductory class may include topics such as cells and their structure, reproduction and respiration. It may also include topics such as DNA, the study of plants, micro-organisms, evolution and animal behavior. Other classes that you may take include anatomy and physiology, microbiology and other biology classes.
You also must take one year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry. The general chemistry class will cover topics such as stoichiometry, states of matter, gasses, acids, bases, kinetics and nuclear chemistry. In organic chemistry, you may study chemical reactions, stereo chemistry, alkynes, ketones and amines.
You are also required to take one year of physics with a lab. This course may cover topics such as bodies in motion, fluid statics, Newton's laws and heat thermodynamics.
You college may also offer biology or chemistry research electives after you have completed the basic courses.
You should also have a strong grasp of mathematics. Your college courses should include at least one
year of mathematics including calculus. Additional math classes should be taken if desired. The ability to do quick calculations in your head will come in handy later when writing prescriptions and interpreting lab results.
You are required to take one year of English including composition. This requirement ensures that you can read and write English. As a physician in the United States, you will be expected to communicate in English. A public speaking class might also be helpful to a future physician.
According to Washington University in St. Louis, medical schools want well-rounded individuals knowledgeable about many fields, not just those who excel in science and math. Consider taking a foreign language, such as Spanish, and some classes in the arts.