Pre-medical students at PSU are those who wish to become allopathic physicians (MDs) or osteopathic physicians (DOs). Allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians have the same rights and responsibilities in all 50 states and their training is very similar.
Allopathic and osteopathic schools of medicine require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment and typically require that students earn a baccalaureate degree before matriculating to medical school. Portland State offers a strong pre-medical program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain extensive assistance with the medical school preparation, selection, and application process.
Portland State University Pre-Medical Course List
Based on courses commonly required and recommended by medical schools, PSU recommends the courses listed below as a solid foundation for pre-medical students.
Successful completion of this course list will result in fulfillment of the prerequisites at many medical schools; however, students are responsible for researching the requirements at the schools in which they are interested and adding any necessary extra coursework.
In addition to each school’s website, students may wish to utilize the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) online publication and the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book as resources.
In addition to completing the courses listed below, pre-medical students must also complete the requirements for a major as well as other graduation requirements. Most medical schools require a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses. It is recommended that students complete this list of classes prior to taking the MCAT exam.
| Course(s) | PSU Course Equivalency |
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| General (inorganic) chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors | General Chemistry: CH221/227, CH222/228, CH223/229 (15 credits) Note: Students wishing to enroll in General Chemistry I (CH 221) or Honors General Chemistry (CH 221H) are required to take the chemistry placement assessment and must score 90% or higher. |
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| Organic Chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors | Organic Chemistry: CH334/384*, CH335/337/385*, CH336/338/386* (16-19 credits) Note: CH223 is the prerequisite for this sequence *CH384, 385, 386 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses |
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| Biochemistry – 1 course | Biochemistry: CH350 (4 credits) Note: CH336 is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Biology – 1 year sequence for science majors | Principles of Biology: BI211/214, BI212/215, BI213/216 (15 credits) Note: CH221/227 is the pre- or co-requisite for BI211/214 |
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| Genetics – 1 course | Genetics: BI341 (4 credits) Note: BI211 is the prerequisite |
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| General Physics – 1 year course sequence for science majors | General Physics with Life Science & Medical Applications: PH231/214/274*, PH232/215/275*, PH233/216/276* (15-18 credits) Note: Math 111Z is the prerequisite for this sequence OR General Physics: PH201/214/284*, PH202/215/285*, PH203/216/286* (15-18 credits) Note: Math 112Z is the prerequisite for this sequence *PH274/275/276 and PH284/285/286 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses |
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| Mathematics | Pre-Calculus I & II: MTH111Z & MTH112Z (4-8 credits) Note: If you place into a level of math higher than MTH 111Z or 112Z, you should simply complete the higher level of math. Also note that some medical schools require from one to three terms of calculus. Oregon medical schools do not require calculus. |
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| Statistics | Elementary Statistics I: STAT243Z (4 credits) |
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| Behavioral Sciences | PSY200/201Z, PSY204/202Z & either SOC200 OR SOC250 (12 credits) |
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| English | Completion of University Studies typically fulfills some or all of this requirement (students may need additional comp courses such as WR323 but this varies). Completion of University Honors typically fulfills this requirement. Students in neither general education program (e.g. postbacs, Liberal Studies majors) should have a year of college English reflected on the transcript. Please discuss with your pre-med adviser. |
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