Essential Pre-Med Requirements: Almost all medical schools require these, often with specific minimum grades:
* Biology: General Biology (often two semesters), sometimes including labs. Cellular biology and genetics are especially important.
* Chemistry: General Chemistry (often two semesters with labs), Organic Chemistry (often two semesters with labs), and Biochemistry (usually one semester).
* Physics: General Physics (often two semesters with labs).
* Mathematics: At least one semester of college-level math (calculus is usually recommended).
Highly Recommended Courses:
* Anatomy & Physiology: A strong understanding of human body structure and function is essential for medical school and dermatology.
* Microbiology: Crucial for understanding infectious diseases of the skin.
* Immunology: Important for understanding skin's immune responses and related disorders.
* Genetics: Relevant to understanding genetic skin conditions.
* Psychology: Helpful for patient interaction and understanding psychological aspects of skin conditions.
Beyond the Basics:
While not strictly required, taking advanced science courses (e.g., molecular biology, cell biology, immunology), and demonstrating a strong academic record will significantly strengthen your medical school application. Research experience in a relevant field (like a dermatology lab) is also highly valuable.
In summary: Focus on excelling in the core pre-med sciences, supplementing with advanced courses and research, to build a competitive application for medical school. After medical school, you'll need to complete a four-year residency in dermatology to become a board-certified dermatologist.