Investigative and Medical Sciences, B.S.
Saint Louis University's investigative and medical sciences (IMS) program meets the needs of students considering any of a wide variety of career paths in the health sciences. It is designed mainly as a pre-professional program for students looking to advance in health care education and is ideal for medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, or other health-related graduate programs.
- The investigative and medical sciences program focuses on human health and diagnostic studies.
- The investigative and medical sciences program consistently has a low student-faculty ratio which allows for more individualized attention.
- The investigative and medical sciences program provides students opportunities to conduct research with faculty members, to present their research findings at professional conferences, and to have their work published in various journals.
Curriculum Overview
SLU's investigative and medical sciences curriculum provides graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their competitive edge in seeking employment or further their education in professional programs, especially medical school.
This curriculum offers:
- Basic science courses that are required for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and for admission into medical school
- A strong foundation in both basic sciences and medical courses in various areas of diagnostic medicine such as urinalysis and body fluids, medical biochemistry, hematology and hemostasis, fundamental immunology, immunohematology, and medical microbiology
- An excellent option for medical scholars
- A uniquely flexible curriculum which includes ample elective credits that can be used to earn a second major, minor, certificate, or combination to meet the student’s professional goals. Pre-medicine, Med Scholar, pre-physician assistant (PA) and PA Scholars curricula are the main options for degree candidates.
- An active student association sponsoring service projects, social events, fundraisers and trips to professional conferences
- Opportunities for research
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to conduct research and produce projects and papers for publication and presentation at professional conferences.
Careers
Advantages of the investigative and medical sciences program include a wide range of career paths.
- Professional School and Programs
- Medical, dental, optometry, physician assistant
- Veterinary science, public health
- Federal, state or municipal crime laboratory programs
- Graduate School
- Pathology, microbiology, pharmacology
- Physiology, forensic science
- Medical Research
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control
- Pharmaceutical research
- Universities
- Other Career Options
- Biotechnology technician
- Pharmaceutical technical or sales representative
Admission Requirements
Admission consideration for the investigative and medical sciences program is based on a strong overall academic background.
Admission criteria include:
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in high school chemistry, biology, mathematics and English
- Four years of high school math (with algebra) and English.
- Physics is recommended
- Minimum ACT score of 20 in each subsection or an SAT of 500 or above in each area
Transfer applicants must have at least a 2.50 GPA in math and science coursework and a 2.50 cumulative GPA from an accredited college-level institution. Interested applicants who do not meet all the admission requirements should still apply for individual consideration.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
- Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate Jesuit values to promote service in the medical sciences.
- Graduates will be able to communicate accurate medical sciences content with others.
- Graduates will be able to critically evaluate data in the medical sciences.
- Graduates will be able to apply clinical knowledge to interpret medical sciences data to develop a differential diagnosis.
- Graduates will be able to act with professional integrity.
Students in Saint Louis University's investigative and medical sciences major take the following courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ||
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 | Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| ENGL 2xxx or above | Literature | 3 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Fine Art (Cultural Studies, Art, Dance, Music, Theater) | 3 | |
| Social Science (Anthropology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Select Psychology, Urban Politics) | 3 | |
| PHIL or THEO 2xxx | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Biomedical Laboratory Science | ||
| BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 | Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| General Electives | 34 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Pre-Physician Assistant and PA Scholar Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ||
| ANAT 1000 | Basic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 3030 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 | Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 | Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| ENGL 2xxx or above | Literature | 3 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| HSI 2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Fine Art (Cultural Studies, Art, Dance, Music, Theater) | 3 | |
| Social Science (Anthropology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Select Psychology, Urban Politics) | 3 | |
| PHIL or THEO 2xxx | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Biomedical Laboratory Science | ||
| BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 | Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| General Electives | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Pre-Medicine Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ||
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 3040 | Cell Structure & Function | 3 |
| CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 | Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 | Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| ENGL 2xxx or above | Literature | 3 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| PHYS 1310 | Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 1320 | Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 1330 | Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 1340 | Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 1100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Fine Art (Cultural Studies, Art, Dance, Music, Theater) | 3 | |
| PHIL or THEO 2xxx | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Biomedical Laboratory Science | ||
| BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 | Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| General Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 grade point average (GPA).
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Standard Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 |
Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab |
3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 |
General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 |
Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| ENGL 2XXX/3XXX | Literature Elective | 3 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| XXXX | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| XXXX | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| 2XXX/3XXX | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 1 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Notes
Suggested Elective Options
- Literature: Any 2XXX or 3XXX course which is designated as “Literature” requirement for English.
-
Fine Arts: any course in: ART, ARTH, DANC, FPA, MUS, THR
-
Social Science: PSY 1010 General Psychology (3 cr) (recommended for all majors; required for students taking the MCAT), SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) (required for students taking the MCAT), any course in: ANTH, PSYCH, SOC
-
Philosophy/Theology: Any 2XXX level or above Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course.
Area of Specialization
The Area of Specialization (AOS) is a series of directed electives designed to guide course selection to better meet career goals such as entrance to professional schools (Medical, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Dental, Optometry, Veterinary) or graduate school.
Pre-Physician Assistant Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 |
Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab |
3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 |
General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 |
Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANAT 1000 | Basic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 |
Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| XXXX | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| XXXX | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3030 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| ENGL 2XXX/3XXX | Literature Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| HSI 2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| 2XXX/3XXX | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Notes
Curriculum is designed to address SLU’s PA Program requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a PA Program at another institution, please consult their website for specific requirements.
Suggested Elective Options
- Literature: Any 2XXX or 3XXX course which is designated as “Literature” requirement for English.
- Fine Arts: any course in: ART, ARTH, DANC, FPA, MUS, THR
- Social Science: PSY 1010 General Psychology (3 cr) (recommended for all majors; required for students taking the MCAT) SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) (required for students taking the MCAT), any course in: ANTH, PSYCH, SOC
- Philosophy/Theology: Any 2XXX level or above Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course.
Area of Specialization
The Area of Specialization (AOS) is a series of directed electives designed to guide course selection to better meet career goals such as entrance to professional schools (Medical, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Dental, Optometry, Veterinary) or graduate school.
Physician Assistant Scholars Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 |
Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab |
3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 |
General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 |
Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANAT 1000 | Basic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 |
Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| XXXX | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| XXXX | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3030 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| ENGL 2XXX/3XXX | Literature Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| HSI 2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| 2XXX/3XXX | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Notes
Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will proceed directly into SLU’s graduate-level PA program.
Suggested Elective Options
- Literature: Any 2XXX or 3XXX course which is designated as “Literature” requirement for English.
- Fine Arts: any course in: ART, ARTH, DANC, FPA, MUS, THR
- Social Science: PSY 1010 General Psychology (3 cr) (recommended for all majors; required for students taking the MCAT) SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) (required for students taking the MCAT), any course in: ANTH, PSYCH, SOC
- Philosophy/Theology: Any 2XXX level or above Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course.
Area of Specialization
The Area of Specialization (AOS) is a series of directed electives designed to guide course selection to better meet career goals such as entrance to professional schools (Medical, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Dental, Optometry, Veterinary) or graduate school.
Pre-Medicine Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: BLS 1100 & BLS 1150 |
Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science and Foundations of Medical Laboratory Science Lab |
3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies Of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| MATH 1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265 |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| Critical course: CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1125 |
General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
| THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2410 & CHEM 2415 |
Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
| PPY 2540 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| HCE 2010 | Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| PPHS 1000 | Foundations of Medicine (Required for Medical Scholars, Optional for Pre-Medicine) | 1 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 3040 | Cell Structure & Function | 3 |
| BLS 3110 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| Critical course: CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 |
Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory |
4 |
| PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4411 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| BLS 4110 | Medical Biochemistry I | 3 |
| Critical course: PHYS 1310 & PHYS 1320 |
Physics I and Physics I Laboratory |
4 |
| MATH 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| SOC 1100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4120 | Medical Biochemistry II | 2 |
| BLS 4130 | Principles & Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BLS 4610 | Research Design, Critique & Presentation | 3 |
| Critical course: PHYS 1330 & PHYS 1340 |
Physics II and Physics II Laboratory |
4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| ENGL 2XXX/3XXX | Literature Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BLS 4210 | Hematology | 4 |
| BLS 4510 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| 2XXX/3XXX | Philosophy or Theology Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BLS 4220 | Hemostasis and Thrombosis | 2 |
| BLS 4310 | Immunohematology | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| AOS XXXX | Area of Specialization | 3 |
| XXXX | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
Program Notes
Curriculum is designed to address SLU’s Medical School requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a Medical School at another institution, please consult their website for specific requirements.
Suggested Elective Options
- Literature: Any 2XXX or 3XXX course which is designated as “Literature” requirement for English.
- Fine Arts: any course in: ART, ARTH, DANC, FPA, MUS, THR
- Social Science: PSY 1010 General Psychology (3 cr) (recommended for all majors; required for students taking the MCAT), SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) (required for students taking the MCAT), any course in: ANTH, PSYCH, SOC
- Philosophy/Theology: Any 2XXX level or above Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course.
Area of Specialization
The Area of Specialization (AOS) is a series of directed electives designed to guide course selection to better meet career goals such as entrance to professional schools (Medical, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Dental, Optometry, Veterinary) or graduate school.
For additional admission questions please contact,
Katie Smialek
Recruitment Specialist
(314) 977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu