U.S. medical schools typically require applicants to successfully complete one year of introductory biology. General biology courses cover genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, evolutionary biology, microbiology and neurobiology. Students learn about cell structure, physiology of the human body, classification of organisms and other basic biology principles. A strong grade in general biology will enhance your medical school application.
Begin your premed chemistry curriculum by taking general chemistry, which covers topics in inorganic chemistry. Participate in the associated lab to learn basic chemistry laboratory techniques and apply your knowledge to practical chemistry problems. After completing introductory chemistry, enroll in organic chemistry and its associated lab. Organic chemistry covers the structure, composition, properties and chemical reactions of compounds that contain carbon. The human body is composed of organic compounds, making an understanding of organic chemistry important for a medical education.
Most medical schools require applicants to successfully complete introductory physics. Basic concepts in physics include classical mechanics, electromagnetism, theories of special relativity and thermal dynamics. Take a physics lab concurrently with your classroom course to perform basic physics experiments. Doing well in physics requires a strong understanding of mathematics.
Medical school applicants must successfully complete one year of college-level calculus. If you did not complete higher-level math in high school, take an advanced algebra or precalculus course before undertaking calculus. Some schools allow applicants to substitute another advanced math course, such as statistics, for calculus. Consult your adviser to decide on the most appropriate math coursework for you.
Medical schools look for applicants with a broad background and demonstrated academic success. Taking English, psychology, history, languages and other non-science courses shows an admissions committee that you are well-rounded academically. Also consider taking advanced science courses, such as anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, histology, public health or biophysics to show your ability to master complex concepts in medical science.