Students who plan to apply to schools of dentistry, medicine, optometry, and osteopathy typically major in a natural science (e.g., biology) or social science (e.g., psychology). In order to be prepared for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), students should complete the following sequence of courses:

  • BIO 101 Principles of Biology I 4
  • BIO 101 Principles of Biology II 4
  • CPC 101 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry I 4
  • CPC 102 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry II 4
  • CPC 201 Principles of Organic Chemistry I 4
  • CPC 202 Principles of Organic Chemistry II 4
  • CPP 101 General Physics I 4
  • CPP 102 General Physics II 4
  • MAT 121 Calculus I (optional) 4
  • MAT 122 Calculus II (optional) 4
  • LLE 101 English Composition I (or its equivalent) 3
  • LLE 102 English Composition I (or its equivalent) 3

These courses should be completed by the end of the junior year, when the MCAT and DAT are usually taken. Students may wish to use courses in the sequence toward an Interdisciplinary Major drawn from the sciences. These majors are individualized. The following, however, are recommended to be taken in addition to those listed above:
A Research Project (BIO 493 or CPC 493) must be completed.
Also, students should choose three elective courses from the following:

  • BIO 202 Developmental Biology 4
  • BIO 206 Cell Biology 3
  • BIO 211 Genetics 4
  • BIO 222 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
  • BIO 223 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
  • BIO 318 Molecular Biology 4
  • CPC 311 Biochemistry I 3
  • CPC 312 Biochemistry II 3
  • CPP 201 Introduction to Modern Physics 3

A special feature of Lander’s pre-medical sequence is the close and continuous contact between the senior science faculty and students. Professors who lecture in Biology, Chemistry and Physics also conduct the recitations and supervise all laboratory sessions, taking questions and providing additional help. Admission committees at dental or medical schools consider a variety of factors in reviewing applicants:

  • Test scores earned on the DAT or MCAT
  • Letters of recommendation from individual faculty members and mentors and/or a composite letter from Lander College’s Pre-Health Professional Committee
  • Service in community health institutions and relevant volunteer week
  • Research experience
  • Personal interviews, by invitation of the professional School