Curriculum - Post-Bac Pre-Med

Coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry is offered through the University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences by faculty with extensive experience preparing students for medical school. Core academic requirements include two semesters each of general chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and physics (all with associated labs).  The program also includes a course specifically designed for Post-Bac Pre-Med students on the structure and financing of the U.S. Health Care System and biochemistry in the spring semester. 

Students must take a minimum of six credits over the summer session, and at least 12 credit hours in each of the fall and spring semesters. The program offers sections of general and organic chemistry, and physics just for PBPM students. 

Standard Course Schedule

Summer Term
Chemistry 1410 Lecture
Chemistry 1411 Lab     
Chemistry 1420 Lecture
Chemistry 1421 Lab           

Fall Term
Biology 2100 (includes Lab)    
Organic Chemistry 2410 Lecture
Organic Chemistry 2410 Lab
Physics 2010 Lecture
Physics 2030 Lab           
PSHP 2040 US Health Care

Spring Term
Biochemistry 4410 Lecture   
Biology 2200 (includes Lab) 
Organic Chemistry 2420 Lecture
Organic Chemistry 2420 Lab       
Physics 2020 Lecture            
Physics 2040 Lab                               
PSHP 2041 US Health Care

Note: Students who are accepted to the program with one of the pre-medical requirements already completed will be given a customized academic schedule that will include an upper-level biology course or possibly a calculus or statistics course.

Note: About one-third of U.S. medical schools require one or two semesters of math (several specifying calculus), and approximately two-thirds require one or two English courses. Accordingly, students should review their undergraduate mathematics and English courses in light of specific medical school admission criteria. Students who require additional courses should take them prior to or following the program.

Academic Schedule

The PBPM Program begins in early June as students take two semesters of general chemistry with labs in Summer Sessions II & III. In the fall, students move on to biology, organic chemistry, and physics with labs. Students complete their biology, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry requirements in the spring semester. In addition to these science courses, students attend Dr. Powers’ U.S. Healthcare course on a weekly basis.

Students prepare for the MCAT during the spring and are encouraged to take the MCAT in mid to late May. In early June, they submit AMCAS applications for the next year’s medical school entering class.

During the ensuing glide year, Post-Bac Pre-Med staff and faculty will continue to be available to offer guidance and support.

Extracurricular Activities

The program’s focus is the comprehensive preparation for medical school and a career in medicine. Students also take a course on the U.S. health care system, taught by the program's medical director Dr. Bob Powers. Additionally, the program facilitates volunteer and shadowing opportunities for students.  

Throughout the year, the program offers special events, including sessions on the medical school application and interview process, managing letters of recommendation, the cadaver lab at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and glide year activities.  There are also movie nights featuring films about medicine. 

The information contained on this web site is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.