Biology MajorThe Pre-Medical Professions concentration serves students interested in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Upper-level courses such as Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Cell & Molecular Biology provide advanced contend and skill training. The course sequence in this concentration provides the foundational knowledge necessary to score well on the MCAT and GRE and to succeed in a variety of professional programs.
BIOL 101 Seminar for Entering Majors (1 cr)
A sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this concentration.
You can simultaneously complete your senior year of undergraduate study and your first year of podiatric medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM).
Strong students who have met the requirements outlined in the articulation agreement can simultaneously complete their senior year of undergraduate study and first year of podiatric medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. MCLA counts credits from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine toward the B,S. in Biology.
Students can shadow physicians and dentists at local hospitals and medical/dental offices, be trained to work as medical scribes at local emergency rooms, and be trained to work as pharmacy technicians at local pharmacies. Internships may be designed that combine clinical observation with academic projects.
Students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty in the biology and chemistry departments, and motivated students are encouraged to apply for off-campus research opportunities, such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. Strong students may also be invited to serve as teaching assistants, conducting tutorials or assisting with labs in the department.
Students interested in medical programs must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and those interested in dentistry programs must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Students interested in pharmacy programs must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Students interested in graduate school should plan to take the GRE’s general test and biology subject test. Study materials for these examinations are provided in the Biology department.
A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester; in addition, the MCLA pre-medical advisory committee will provide information and, as appropriate, recommendation letters for students in this concentration. Information about prerequisites for medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinary programs is provided to enrolled students on the departmental Canvas page.
We currently have two biology graduates enrolled in medical programs, two biology graduates in a Doct or of Pharmacy program, and several biology graduates working in hospitals.
