For students enrolled in or interested in the Pre-Medical and General Science Studies Certificate, there is no required course sequence. Students may select courses based on their academic background, transfer credit, professional goals, and the requirements of the schools to which they intend to apply.
Before enrolling, students are encouraged to review the certificate requirements and determine which prerequisite science courses may already have been completed at another institution. Students may request to transfer up to a total of 2 courses of the certificate requirements, subject to certificate transfer policies.
Recommended Course Sequencing
While courses may be taken in a variety of combinations, students pursuing a traditional pre-health pathway often complete coursework in the following order:
- General Chemistry I and II (including laboratories, where required)
- Organic Chemistry I, II, and III (including laboratories, where required)
- Biochemistry
- General Biology I and II (including laboratories, where required)
- Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or other advanced biology coursework
- Physics sequence
- Additional elective coursework based on professional school requirements
Please note that some advanced science courses require completion of specific prerequisite courses before enrollment. Students should always review course descriptions to verify prerequisite requirements.
Recommended Course Load
- Students working full-time typically enroll in 1-2 courses per quarter.
- Students taking laboratory sciences should carefully consider the additional time commitment required for laboratory work and studying.
- Students preparing for medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, or other health professional programs often complete their coursework over multiple years.
- Students seeking an accelerated timeline should ensure they have sufficient time available outside of class to meet the rigorous academic demands of the program.
A common starting point for many students is one lecture-based science course or one lecture/laboratory sequence during their first quarter. This allows students to evaluate the workload and determine an appropriate pace for future quarters.
Planning for Professional School Admission
Professional schools may have prerequisites that differ from the certificate requirements. Students are responsible for researching the admission requirements of the schools they plan to attend and should use the certificate curriculum to help fulfill those requirements when possible.
Students interested in medical school, dental school, veterinary school, physician assistant programs, nursing programs, or other health professions may benefit from creating a long-term academic plan before beginning coursework.
When preparing to enroll, please review all registration deadlines and important academic dates on the Academic Term Calendar.
For assistance developing an individualized study plan based on your academic background and career goals, please contact Student Advising at advising@uclaextension.edu.