Biology coursework covers topics relating to life science. Courses investigate cell biology, plant biology, animal and human anatomy, and ecology. Students considering future enrollment in premedical or medical programs will typically be exposed to their fist learning experiences on medical topics during a year-long, college-preparatory biology class. Many students also complete advanced electives in biology such as anatomy and physiology. A premedical program will often give preference to applicants who exhibit a true enjoyment of learning about these science topics combined with an excellent level of subject matter mastery.
College preparatory chemistry is a prerequisite for premedical studies. Premedical students must have a solid understanding of chemical reactions and how they related to cellular and biological functions. A year of chemistry is required for admission to most colleges, and premedical programs, as premedical students must complete advanced courses in organic and inorganic chemistry and will need this basic foundation in order to begin their premedical studies.
High school physics courses cover the study of matter, motion, energy and force. College-preparatory physics offers students important learning experiences in critical thinking and problem-solving that can later be applied to premedical studies. Physics also incorporates math topics that help students engage more-advanced topics such as biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology, all of which explore the relationship between the laws of physics and life science.
A variety of college-preparatory science elective courses offer key skills that students need to be adequately prepared for a premedical program. Some high schools may offer computer-science courses related to scientific study, and general computer-science courses offer key skills that can be applied to premedical studies such as using graphing programs or conducting computer-based research on science topics. In addition, any advanced elective in laboratory sciences will give a student the opportunity to practice valuable lab skills that will be used throughout the course of an premedical program.