Pre-Medicine/Pre-Health Science |
DEGREE OPTIONS
Students who apply for advanced training at a professional school in the health sciences generally earn either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Both degree programs are available in the sciences at Drake. At Drake, the BS track differs from the BA, in that the BS track emphasizes a commitment to undergraduate research.
PROGRAM SIZE
Approximately 110 students are enrolled in the pre-professional program as pre-medical or pre-health-science students. The average classroom size will range from about 10 to 40 students, but larger introductory science classes may be expected in the first year of the program.
FACULTY
The pre-medical and pre-health science program includes faculty members from a broad variety of disciplines. However, most advisors for pre-medical and pre-health science students occupy faculty positions within the sciences. Students are matched with an experienced adviser, who will mentor the student in developing a program of study as he/she prepares for medical school or other professional health training.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
A strong high-school background in mathematics and the sciences is recommended for students who plan to enter medicine. This should include a well-rounded academic curriculum in other areas. Involvement in student activities or individual achievements, and demonstration of leadership qualities, are also indicators of success.
REQUIRED COURSES OUTSIDE THE PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM OF STUDY
The Drake Curriculum is required of all undergraduates, and is designed to help students meet their overall educational goals. The Drake Curriculum provides for the development of knowledge and intellectual skills in the areas of communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information technology, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, and values and ethics. You will work closely with your academic advisor to create, implement and revise, as needed, an individual Drake Curriculum plan. The Drake Curriculum also requires First-year Seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring their educational skills and ideas to bear on one project during their senior year at Drake University.
COURSES GENERALLY REQUIRED BY MEDICAL SCHOOLS
The following courses are listed by most medical schools as essential core requirements for entrance:
General Biology (1 year)
Inorganic or General Chemistry (1 year)
Organic Chemistry (1 year)
Physics (1 year)
Mathematics (1 year)
English (1 year)
These requirements may vary, however, depending on the medical school. For example, some schools may additionally require coursework in the behavioral sciences, as well as upper-level courses in biochemistry and/or genetics. It is suggested that students consult the entrance requirements of medical schools in their state of residency for specific requirements.
COURSES IN THE PRE-MEDICAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH STUDY PROGRAM AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY
A pre-medical, pre-health-science course of study will include a minimum of 124 credit hours toward graduation. Courses indicated by an asterisk (*), below, fulfill the minimum core health-science prerequisites listed by most medical schools. The Drake Catalogue may be consulted for a description of courses required for a specific major, and for the BA or BS degrees offered for that major. Science programs in which these courses are offered include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, and the interdisciplinary biochemistry-cell-molecular-biology program.
Courses within the Pre-Medical-Health-Science Program:
Life-Science Courses:
*Biology 11 and 12 (8 hrs)
Cell Biology (4 hrs)
Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
Mammalian Physiology (5 hrs)
Microbiology (5 hrs)
Immunology (3hrs)
Parasitology (4 hrs)
Comparative Anatomy (4 hrs)
Developmental Biology (4 hrs)
Aging (3 hrs)
*Genetics (4 hrs)
Advanced Molecular Life-Sciences Laboratory (3 hrs)
Undergraduate Research (2-4 hrs)
Bio Proficiency Symposium (2 hrs)
Chemistry Courses:
*General Chemistry I and II (8 hrs)
*Organic Chemistry (8 hrs)
Biochemistry (3 hrs)
Advanced Biochemistry (3 hrs)
Quantitative Chemical Analysis (4 hrs)
Physical Chemistry (4 hrs)
Mathematics Courses:
*College Algebra (4 hrs)
Calculus I (4 hrs)
Computer Science (3 hrs)
Physics Courses:
*Physics 11 and 12 (8 hrs)
Behavioral Science and Ethics Courses:
* Psychology 1 (4 hrs)
*Ethics (3 hrs)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES/INTERNSHIPS
There are several medical centers, nursing homes, and clinics, in the greater Des Moines area that may provide opportunities for qualified students to volunteer their time in order to acquire patient care experience under the professional supervision of health care staff at these institutions. Additional experiences, such as ìshadowingî physicians, are similarly valuable in preparing for professional health careers. Undergraduate research and/or internship opportunities may be available to qualified students through local industries such as Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Each year in the fall, interested Drake students attend an annual pre-medical conference hosted by the University of Iowa, in Iowa City. This experience gives insight into the expectations of the professional medical schools. To further facilitate a student's understanding of the expectations of medical school, Drake also offers a ìBiology Proficiency Symposiumî course for pre-professional students during the fall semester of the junior year. In this course students learn about procedures for applying to medical school, studying for the MCAT and related exams, and listen to personal talks from physicians and professional health-care speakers. A pre-medical advisory committee, comprised of Drake faculty members, writes letters of recommendation to medical schools on behalf of qualified student applicants.
CAREER OPTIONS
A variety of health related careers are available to qualified Drake pre-medical and pre-health-science graduates. These include surgeon, physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, osteopathic physician, physician's assistant, physical therapist, chiropractor, veterinarian, and others.
ORGANIZATIONS
There is a wide range of activities available for students on campus, including residence life, Greek life, various student organizations, student government, recreational and athletic programs and fine arts. There are also many student honors organizations, including Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-medical honorary fraternity. Involvement in student activities, campus organizations, and/or individual achievement, is highly valued.
NOTED ALUMNI
- Kenneth W. Culver, M.D., AS'77, Pharmacogenetics Novartis, Pharmaceuticals Corp., Mendham, NJ
- Timothy J. Ley, M.D., AS'74, chief, Hematopoiesis Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO
- William M. Murphy, M.D., AS'63, Dept. of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Thomas L. Bennett, M.D., AS'74, Medical Examiner, Pathology Consultants, Billings, MT
- Peter Robinson, DDS, AS'63, dean, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
- Jeffrey G. Wiese, MD, AS'91, assistant professor of medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
