Barry S. Rothman, Ph.D. { Health Professions Home Page}

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Model Pre-Req Schedule for Informal Post-Bacs

Post-Bacs Who Have Already Completed Pre-Reqs

 

The time required to complete pre-requisite course work will depend on the amount of time you can devote to your studies, which is influenced by factors such as your level of preparation, outside employment, clinical/research activities and other responsibilities, and time spent commuting. Below is a model schedule based on completing all pre-requisite courses and some important electives as a full-time, all-year student. Typically, the entire preparation, application and acceptance process for informal post-bacs takes about three and a half years.

 

 

Summer, Year 1a

Fall, Year 1b2

Spring, Year 2b2

Phys 111 (3)b1

Phys 112 (1)

or

Math 109 (3)b1

Phys 121 (3)

Phys 122 (1)

Sci 121 (1)

Chem 115 (5)

Sci 115 (1)

Bio 230 (5)

Sci 230 (1)

Chem 333 (3)

Chem 334 (2)

Sci 333 (1)

Total: 3-4 Units
Total: 11 Units
Total: 12 Units

 

Summer, Year 2a

Fall, Year 2b2

Spring, Year 3d

Chem 335 (3)

Chem 336 (3)

 

Bio 240 (5)c

Sci 240 (1)c

Chem 215 (3)

Chem 216 (2)

Sci 215 (1)

MCAT/DAT Preparatione

Chem 349 (3)

Sci 349 (1)

Sci 695 (2)g

Total: 6 Units
Total: 12 Units
Total: 6 Units

 

Summer, Year 3a,d

Fall, Year 3h

Spring, Year 4h

MCAT/DAT Preparatione

Math 226 (4)

Med/Dent 1o Applications

 

Bio 328/329 (4-5)f

Math 227 (4)f

Sci 227 (1)f

Med/Dent 2o Applications

Interviews

Acceptances

Bio 350 (3)f

Sci 350 (1)f

Bio 355 (3)f

Sci 355 (1)f

Interviews

Acceptances

Total: 4 Units
Total: 4-10 Units
Total: 8 Units

 

Summer, Year 4
Fall, Year 4
 

Optional Elective Science Courses

Acceptances

Entry into Health Profession School

Notes

a: Bio 230, Chem 115 and Sci courses are typically not offered during the summer; however, with the inception of SFSU's Formal Post-Bac Program, Bio 230 and Chem 115 will be offered to a limited number of informal post-bacs during the summer. Check the Online Schedule for summer offerings. See also SFSU Summer Classes for scheduling issues.

b1: Students with weak preparation in math should complete Math 109 and Sci 109 (if offered) before taking Physics. This will require extensive revision of the Model Schedule above. See Starting Gently for more details.

b2: Do not take more than two lecture/lab courses in a given Fall or Spring semester. Taking three lecture/lab combinations is very likely to negatively affect your grades that semester.

c: Microbiology Lecture/Lab [Bio 401/402 (3/2)] or Human Physiology Lecture/Lab [Bio 612/613 (3/2)] may be viable substitutes for Bio 240. These classes have greater health professions content and are easier enroll in. However, check with some of the admissions office of the medical schools to which you will be applying to be sure these substitutes are acceptable.

d: Preparing for the MCAT/DAT requires a period with a light academic course load.

e: Starting in 2007, the MCAT will be offered year-round; scores will be available with a 4 week delay. The DAT is offered year-round; scores are available immediately.

f: Courses in Italics are recommended but not required.

g: Highly recommended for preparing personal statements and practicing interviews. Can be taken twice for credit, so Sci 695 could also be taken during Fall, Year 2 or Fall, Year 3.

h: Fall and Spring, Year 3, can be very busy with secondary applications and interviews. Choose course work carefully.

 

Post-Bacs Who Have Already Completed Pre-Reqs

(Academic Record Enhancers) should take 18-36 units of elective upper-division science courses. The number and choice of courses will depend on your previous academic record.

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