The premedical course requirements must be completed before matriculating and preferably before applying. Undergraduate or post/baccalaureate required courses must be completed at a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting body. Courses must include a minimum of:
- Social Sciences or Humanities - four semesters or six quarters.
- Chemistry and Biology - six semesters or nine quarters. The subject matter in these courses must include general chemistry, general biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology/cell physiology, although applicants are not required to take courses with these specific titles.
- Physics - two semesters or three quarters; OR one semester or two quarters of physics, plus one semester or two quarters of calculus or linear algebra.
The following courses are recommended, but not required:
- Ethics
- Anatomy or comparative anatomy
- Human or mammalian physiology
- Embryology
Courses such as evolution, ecology, biodiversity, nutrition, environmental sciences, astronomy and atmospheric sciences will not satisfy the prerequisites. The biochemistry course for first-year medical students focuses on molecular mechanisms central to human health and disease. It is taught with the assumption that participants have already mastered the fundamentals of biochemistry, including molecular genetics, structure and activity of proteins, and metabolism.
Courses completed internationally can be accepted to fulfill the prerequisites as long as they have been verified by a bona fide credentials evaluator. This service can be provided by such companies as Foundation for International Services, Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, World Education Services, National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or Association of International Credential Evaluators. The American Medical College Application Services (AMCAS) will not verify your international transcripts. After submitting your AMCAS application, the UWSOM will need an original copy of your transcripts sent directly from the foreign institution, and a transcript evaluation from a bona fide credentials evaluator.
Under exceptional circumstances, some course requirements may be waived for individuals with unusual achievements and academic promise. All candidates should demonstrate substantial academic ability in their major field as well as in the required science courses. Candidates should be proficient in the use of the English language, basic mathematics, personal computing and information technologies.
All entrants in recent years have fulfilled requirements for a bachelor’s degree. No specific major is advised. A broad background in the humanities and liberal arts is encouraged.