Courses

Download: Course Selection Document (Word format)

The admission requirements of most medical schools are satisfied by the following Williams College courses:

Course Number Course Name
BIOL 101, 102 The Cell, The Organism
CHEM 151 (or 153 or 155), 156 Concepts of Chemistry, Introductory Organic Chemistry
CHEM 251 (or 255), 256 Intermediate Organic Chemistry, Foundations of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
PHYS 131, 132 Particles and Waves, Electromagnetism and the Physics of Matter
ENGL 1XX, XXX Courses with an emphasis on literature and composition; some schools have no English requirement, others permit other writing intensive courses as substitutes (Note: These must be designated with a 'W'.)
*MATH 10X, XXX Calculus and another math or statistics course

Some students elect to take courses beyond the basic requirements, based on interest in the material and the additional requirements published by specific schools. Some schools require, and even more recommend, Biochemistry, for example. Texas state medical schools require a second year of biology. Plan on meeting with the Health Professions Advisor early in your Williams career to discuss your course plan.

Additional courses might include:

Course Number Course Name
PSYC 101 OR SOC 101 Intro to Psychology or Sociology
BIMO 321 OR 322 Biochemistry I or II
BIOL 202 Genetics
BIOL 205 Animal Physiology
BIOL 301 Developmental Biology

In some cases AP or IB credit may be used, but it is not automatically accepted in lieu of a required course. AP is best used to place into an advanced section, as appropriate. Check with the advisor for details.

In general, medical schools do not look with favor on candidates who take prerequisite courses overseas or during summer session. Schools are aware that in many instances the standards of these courses are not equivalent to courses offered in regular semesters. Except in those cases when the student must resort to summer courses because of a late decision to prepare for medical school, it is best to avoid them.

Each school lists specific requirements and certain selection factors in an AAMC publication entitled, Medical School Admission Requirements. Copies are available for loan at the HP office. A new edition comes out in April each year and may be purchased from www.aamc.org. Go to "Publications."

Biochemistry required for matriculation, according to the 2007-2008 MSAR:

  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of Southern California
  • Florida State University
  • University of Florida
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of Michigan
  • Mayo Medical School
  • University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and Duluth
  • University of Nebraska
  • University of New Mexico
  • Brown Medical School
  • Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • University of Texas, San Antonio