Pre-Professional Health Sciences Track
The Students following this academic track are preparing for entrance into professional or allied health science schools, including medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician’s assistant. Many also pursue graduate education in biomedical research. The majority of students entering professional schools major in Biology stemming from a genuine interested in human biology, and the rigorous coursework in the natural sciences which is excellent preparation for the MCAT and for the courses taken in medical school. Advising for the pre-professional and allied health sciences is available in the Biological Science Undergraduate Advising Office and also the Health Professions Advising Office, 2140 College of Medicine (850-644-7678). The Health Professions Advising Office offers academic advising, schedule planning, information about health science schools and required entrance exams, and assistance in the application process for admission to health professional schools.
Elective Courses:
- Biology of Aging (PCB 4244)
- Ecology of Infectious Disease (PCB 4402)
- Virology (BSC 4933)
- Prokaryotic Biology (MCB 4403)
- Prokaryotic Biology Lab (MCB 4403L)
- Molecular Biology (PCB 4024)
- Molecular Biology Lab (PCB 4024L)
- Immunology (PCB 4233)
- Immunology Lab (PCB 4233L)
- Animal Development (PCB 4253)
- Human Physiology (PCB 4701)
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience (PCB 4843)
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (ZOO 3713C)
- Histology (ZOO 4753C)
Recommended Electives outside the department:
- General Biochemistry BCH 4053
- Organic Chemistry II Lab CHM 2211L
- Introductory Sociology SYG 1000
- Brain and Behavior PSY 2012
Opportunities for Research & Hands-on Experience:
Students are strongly encouraged to gain experience in research through sponsoring faculty and their labs. You can become involved in research in these labs and at local research facilities in three ways:
- Directed Individual Study (BSC 4900) Research or other individual study for credit:
Available to students with a GPA of 3.0 in courses that apply to the major. Search faculty pages here for appropriate mentors. - Honors in the Major:
(BSC 4970). A two-semester independent research experience for qualified students. Available to students with a GPA of 3.2. - Medical Volunteering:
Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the health professions and gain important experience. Many of the pre-health clubs and organizations provide lists of opportunities in the surrounding area and state
Facilities:
The research facilities available within the Department support the numerous faculty labs conducting biomedical research. The department maintains facilities for DNA sequencing; monoclonal antibody production; transmission and scanning electron microscopy, confocal and fluorescence microscope; the analytical biochemistry laboratory with HPLC's, gel scanning densitometers, ultracentrifuges, and PCR equipment; computerized molecular modeling and gene data base facility; and participates in the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine.
Registration:
Contact: For details, see the Advising Office or find an appropriate faculty member.
Register here to be added to a voluntary list of track members to receive news and updates of interest to the track via email.