Human Medicine
Your Pathway to a Health Career
Medical professionals provide health care services to humans and include a wide variety of specialties: dentists, doctors, optometrists, podiatrists, genetic counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, and more. They develop skills in microbiology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and surgery. Many medical professionals practice medicine in a clinical setting, but training in this area can also open up careers in animal research, public health, food safety, regulatory medicine, and education. Many students and parents ask, "what's the best major if I'm pre-med (or interested in pre-health professions)?" Here's some information from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) about selecting a major if you are interested in human medicine/health professions. Biology is an excellent major for students interested in health professions!
Becoming a medical professional usually requires specialized training and licensure, or post-graduate education. There are many medical schools and other allied health programs in the United States, and each has somewhat different admissions requirements. We recommend students investigate various paths in human medicine with their advisor and with the Pre-Health academic advising team in Catt Hall. Students should identify programs to apply for as early as possible in order to determine exactly what preparation is required and tailor a program of study accordingly.
Begin Your Adventure in Biology
Course Information
Recommended Courses
The core courses of the Biology Program and appropriate advanced courses provide very good preparation for pre-medical (pre-human health) students. Students should closely examine the admissions requirements for their chosen school and prioritize those classes when selecting advanced biology coursework.
We recommend taking at least 9 credits from the list below, especially anatomy and physiology coursework (lab courses are denoted by • ):
Course # | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 3220 | Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 3 |
BIOL 3280 | Molecular and Cellular Biology of Human Disease | 3 |
BIOL 3350 & L • | Human and Other Animal Physiology & Lab | 4 |
BIOL 3360 | Ecological and Evolutionary Animal Physiology | 3 |
BIOL 3440 | Human Reproduction | 3 |
BIOL 3490 | The Genome Perspective in Biology | 3 |
BIOL 3500 • | Comprehensive Human Anatomy | 4 |
BIOL 3510 • | Comparative Chordate Anatomy | 5 |
BIOL 3520 • | Vertebrate Histology | 4 |
BIOL 3530 | Introductory Parasitology | 3 |
BIOL 3540 & L • | Animal Behavior & Lab | 4 |
BIOL 3650 • | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
BIOL 4020 | Introduction to Pathology | 3 |
BIOL 4210X | Biology of Aging | 3 |
BIOL 4230 | Developmental Biology & Lab | 4 |
BIOL 4340 | Endocrinology | 3 |
BIOL 4360 | Neurobiology | 3 |
BIOL 4590 & L • | Mammalogy & Lab | 3 |
ANTHR 3070 • | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
ANTHR 3190 • | Skeletal Biology | 3 |
ANTHR 4240 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
BBMB 4050 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
BBMB 4110 • | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
BBMB 4200 | Mammalian Biochemistry | 3 |
BBMB 4400 • | Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics | 4 |
B M S 4480 • | Principles of Human Gross Anatomy | 4 |
ENT 3740 & L • | Insects and our Health & Lab | 4 |
FS HN 3600 | Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism | 3 |
FS HN 3610 • | Nutrition and Health Assessment | 2 |
FS HN 3640 | Nutrition and Prevention of Chronic Disease | 3 |
FS HN 3670 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
GEN 3400 | Human Genetics | 3 |
GEN 4090 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
GEN 4100 | Analytical Genetics | 3 |
KIN 3550 | Biomechanics | 3 |
KIN 3630 | Basic Electrocardiography | 2 |
KIN 4720 | Neural Basis of Human Movement | 3 |
MICRO 3020 & L • | Biology of Microorganisms & Lab | 4 |
MICRO 3100 & L • | Medical Microbiology & Lab | 4 |
MICRO 3200 | Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology | 4 |
MICRO 4020 | Microbial Genetics | 3 |
MICRO 4080 | Virology | 3 |
MICRO 4750 & L • | Immunology & Lab | 4 |
PSYCH 3100 | Brain and Behavior | 3 |
PSYCH 3150 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
Suggested Supporting Science Courses
These requirements vary depending on the type of program, but in general students should expect to take a full year of general chemistry, a full year of organic chemistry, and strongly consider taking more advanced biochemistry courses. Many programs also require a full year of physics. Some professional schools in human medicine require one semester of calculus, and occasionally two. Social sciences, such as introductory psychology and introductory sociology, are also recommended, especially for students planning to take the MCAT.
Student Spotlight
Laura S. Pesquera Colom
Hometown: Toa Alta, Puerto Rico
Major: Biology
Minor: Spanish
Next Steps: Recently, I received my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Next, residency in the field of Periodontology at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Opportunities at ISU
We strongly recommend students incorporate teaching experiences, job shadows, internships, and research in their program of study to create a competitive portfolio for applications. Breadth of study and foreign language skills are often considered positive features in applicants for medical programs as well.
Biological Sciences Club (BSC)
The departmental club for Biology majors and anyone else interested in life science, the Biological Sciences Club features regular faculty speakers on a diverse range of life science topics.
Undergraduate Research Experience
Students in the Biology Program can engage in life science research and earn academic credit for the experience. Students will learn how to seek out these opportunities during orientation and they are also welcome to discuss this with their academic advisor.
Pre-Dental Club
The Pre-Dental Club aids ISU students pursuing a dentistry career with any questions they may have regarding dental school.
Pre-Medical Club
ISU Pre-Medical Club is a organization that works to better prepare Pre-Medical students for acceptance into the medical field and to answer any questions about the path to and beyond medical school.
Pre-Pharmacy Club
The Pre-Pharmacy Club hosts a variety of activities to help prepare members for the pharmacy school application process.
Pre-Physical Therapy Club
The goal of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club is to promote networking, individual growth, and preparation for future physical therapy professionals.
Pre-Physician Assistant Club
The purpose of the Pre-Physician Assistant Club is to educate students about the physician assistant profession and help students with the application process so they are adequately prepared when meeting with a potential employer or school.
Career Resources
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- List of schools with MD programs
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
- List of schools with PA programs
- List of schools with dental programs
- American Physical Therapy Association (plus school lists)
- List of Occupational Therapy programs
- Pre-medical and allied health advising at ISU