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BA in Biology: Pre-Health Track

Medical student in classroom. She is of South Asian descent, and has long straight black hair that flows over her shoulder.

 Make an Impact with a Pre-Health Concentration  

If you are considering a career in healthcare, a Pre-Health track will prepare you to begin your career in medicine right away or for entry to graduate programs in the biological sciences. Your courses will cover topics from a range of biology and science, providing a strong foundation. 

At Rosemont, we believe that experiential learning is vital, so almost all courses have a laboratory component that will give you experience with current lab techniques and methodologies. Our small class size allows students to get hands-on experience and individual attention from faculty to make the most of their learning experience. All students are required to participate in either an internship or research project that is designed to give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, develop real-world skills, and gain confidence in the clinical environment. Students who conduct on-campus research with a faculty advisor will also be able to present their findings at scientific meetings and publish their results.   

 While you’re at Rosemont, you may want to join the Pre-Health Club. The Pre-Health Club is devoted to developing a community of students interested in careers in healthcare. You’ll work with your classmates from across the science disciplines, giving you the chance to learn with like-minded peers. The club provides students with access to practice key skills such as CPR and suturing, observe medical procedures, support health causes, and learn from speakers who are experts in the field of medicine.  

If you're interested in further education after graduation, you can choose one of our joint programs with Salus University (audiology, optometry, physician assistant) or Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Please note that for the 4+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in conjunction with Drexel's ACE program, you'll follow the Biology Track.


Why Study Pre-Health at Rosemont? 

Rosemont believes in combining hands-on experience with coursework in your field to deepen your understanding of the content and best prepare you for the job market. All biology students do an internship or conduct research with a professor before they graduate to ensure that they’ve practiced research techniques. You will also learn to present papers and lead discussion on current biological topics as part of your Senior Seminar- crucial skills for any science career.  

At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, the ability to communicate effectively is a cornerstone of success. That’s why you’ll have learning experiences focused on a foundation in scientific writing and oral communication that will support your success in any STEM profession. Rosemont prepares all its students to build a career based on sound leadership, ethics, and communication that combine with strong skills in your field of study. 


Look Forward to a Successful Future 

As a Pre-Health student at Rosemont, you’ll be prepared to pursue advanced degree programs in medical and health science disciplines. Our graduates find success in a range of careers, including: 

  • Medical doctor in a range of disciplines 
  • Physical therapist 
  • Physician assistant
  • Dentist
  • Optometrist
  • Pharmacist
  • Podiatrist
  • Genetic counselor
  • Veterinarian  

Degree Requirements for a BA in Biology: Pre-Health Track

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Pre-Health Track requires 120 credits to complete.

General Education Requirements (57-58 credits)

 In addition to meeting the course requirements for the Biology major and concentration major, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. Student may apply 6 credits from their major toward these requirements. 


Required Courses (34-38 Credits)

In this course, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that are necessary to advance in the biology major. You will develop the ability to study biology effectively and to think critically about relevant biological concepts. You will study cells & cellular processes, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, ecology and evolution. Students who do not place into College Algebra, MAT- 0115 or a higher-level math course must first take this course and its associated one-credit laboratory before enrolling in BIO 150 General Biology I.  Prerequisite:  none. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0130: General Biology Fundamentals. (1 credit)

Introductory course into the cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. Prerequisites: High school biology and high school chemistry and placement into MAT 0115 or a level higher math class, or a grade of C- or higher in BIO 0130, BIO 0131, CHE-0130, and CHE-0131. (3 Credits)

An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0150, examining cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. (1 Credit)

Insights into the diversity of life by comparing the biology of organisms on different branches of the tree of life.  Emphasis is on understanding evolutionary relationships among plants and animals by focusing on comparative anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Prerequisites: AP biology score of 4, BIO 0150 and BIO 0151 with a minimum grade of C. (3 Credits)

An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0155, examining the diversity of life.  Emphasis is on understanding plant and animal biology, ecology and evolution. (1 Credit)

A study of the structure, life cycles, physiology, nutrition, metabolism and genetics of the major groups of microorganisms, as well as microbe-human interactions, infection, disease, and immunity. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, and BIO 0220 or POI. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0200, Microbiology.  The laboratory component emphasizes methods in culturing, staining, and determining physiological reactions of representative organisms. (1 Credit)

A study of elementary principles governing Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance as they pertain to chromosomes, mapping, recombination, and mutation in eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)

Lab experience, to accompany BIO-0220, Genetics.  The laboratory component includes experiments dealing with Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, probability, Chi-square testing, mutation, karyotyping, and molecular genetics. (1 Credit)

A systematic study of human anatomy and physiology with laboratory focusing on form through individual gross dissection of major anatomical systems in representative specimens and lecture emphasizing integration and function of body systems.  Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, or POI; AP chemistry or CHE 0142 and CHE 0145. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0245, Anatomy and Physiology I.  It includes gross dissection, histology and multimedia. (1 Credit)

A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. This course is a systematic study of the following anatomy and physiology organ systems:  endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system and the urinary system. Prerequisites: BIO 0245 or POI; AP chemistry or CHE 0142 and CHE 0145. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0250, Anatomy & Physiology II. (1 credit)

A review of the history, scientific methodology, and principles of molecular genetics. Topics will include DNA (replication, mutation, and recombination), RNA (transcription, translation, genetic code, and protein-synthesizing apparatus), gene regulation, and molecular evolution.  Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0220 or POI; AP chemistry or CHE-0142 and CHE-0143. Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0400, Molecular Genetics. (1 Credit)

A seminar based on the presentation of papers on current biological topics followed by discussion. Prerequisite: senior biology major status. Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Students must earn a "C" or better in BIO 0150, BIO 0151, BIO 0155, BIO 0156, CHE 0142, CHE 0143, CHE 0145, and CHE 0146 before taking upper-level (200 level or above) courses in biology.


Biology Elective Courses (3 Credits)

Choose one class from the following list.

A study of the fundamental inter-relationships between plants and animals and their living and non-living environment. Includes laboratory and field experience. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of food and its importance for sustaining life as well as its impact on health.  Students will develop an understanding of the various nutrient classes and their actions within the human body for the maintenance of homeostasis.  Case study analysis of diseased states resulting from nutritional imbalances will be employed to further emphasize the role of nutrition in normal physiological functioning.  Students will use their newly acquired nutritional knowledge to evaluate their own diets as well as physical activity levels and then make recommendations for improvement.  Additional topics to be covered include; nutrition throughout the life cycle, food safety and global nutrition.  Offered spring semester.  Prerequisites:    BIO-0150 General Biology I; BIO-0155 General Biology II is not a prerequisite but is highly recommended; POI. (3 Credits)

An introduction to modern evolutionary theory, emphasizing speciation in general and in humans in particular. Supporting evidence derived from paleontology, biogeography, taxonomy, embryology, comparative anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Offered every other year, spring semester. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)

A course providing a basic understanding of cellular and humoral immunity, theories of the structure and marthe function of antibodies, antibody formation, antibody specificity, active and passive immunity, and hypersensitivity. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0200, BIO-0220 or POI; AP chemistry or CHE-0142, CHE-0143. Offered every other year, fall semester. (3 Credits)

This is an upper level biology course for majors that focuses on oceanography, diversity and functioning of different marine ecosystems, biology of marine organisms, and threats to the ocean environment. General ecological principles as they apply to the marine environment will be highlighted. Requirements: Field trip. Prerequisites: BIO 0150, BIO 0155, CHE 0142, CHE 0145, and either BIO 0230 or BIO 0240; or permission of instructor. Offered: As needed. (3 Credits)


Required Supporting Courses (24-28 credits)

In this course, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that are necessary to advance in the biology major. You will develop the ability to study biology effectively and to think critically about relevant biological concepts. You will study cells & cellular processes, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, ecology and evolution. Students who do not place into College Algebra, MAT- 0115 or a higher-level math course must first take this course and its associated one-credit laboratory before enrolling in BIO 150 General Biology I.  Prerequisite:  none. (3 credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0130: General Biology Fundamentals. (1 Credit)

A study of the foundational concepts in chemistry and the basis of the physical and chemical properties of matter.  Topics covered include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, physical and chemical properties, and reaction stoichiometry.  Prerequisite:  Placement into College Algebra MAT-0115 or a level higher math course. Students should enroll concurrently in lecture and lab.  Permission of the instructor is needed just to take the lecture course.  (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry I. (1 Credit)

An in-depth study of intermolecular forces, solutions, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisites: AP Chemistry credit or CHE 0142. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry II. (1 credit)

A systematic study of the structure, properties, and reactions of aliphatic compounds, including reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthetic applications. Prerequisites: AP chemistry credit or CHE-0145.  Offered fall semester. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry I. (1 Credit)

A further study of organic molecules including aromatic as well as aliphatic compounds.  Emphasis is on reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications.  Prerequisite:  CHE-0230.  Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry II. (1 Credit)

Newtonian mechanics; mass, velocity and acceleration; force and work; motion in a line and plane; gravitation; kinetic and potential energy; impulse and momentum, rotation; periodic motion; fluids; heat and temperature; gases, liquids and solids; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic theory; wave and acoustics.  Prerequisite:  MAT 0120.  Usually offered in fall. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Physics I. (1 Credit)

Electricity and magnetism; electric charge and potential; Coulomb's law; capacitance; current and resistance; Ohm's law; direct current circuits; magnetic fields and forces; induced voltage; inductance; alternating currents; electromagnetic waves; light and geometric optics; diffraction effects; relativity; photons, electrons and protons; quantum and nuclear concepts; radioactivity.  Prerequisite:  PHY 0100 Usually offered in spring. (3 credits)

Laboratory experience, General Physics II. (1 Credit)


Recommended Supporting Courses (7 Credits)

A study of the structure and function of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between macromolecular conformation and function. Membrane structure and transport will be covered as well as basic bioenergetics and enzyme catalysis. Clinical correlations will be made where appropriate. Enzyme and binding kinetics will be examined as well as the use of the computer to collect, analyze, tabulate, and graph experimental results. The course has a writing component designed to develop the student’s literature research skills. Prerequisites: CHE-0235. Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

The course will take the student through the testing procedure and will have intense focused review sessions in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Supplemental Material: Presentations provided to the student, on-line testing and timed formatted tests will be provided.  Prerequisites:  

BIO-0150 & 0151 (LS I), BIO-0155 & 0156 (LS II), BIO-0245(A+P I), CHE 0142 & 0143(Gen Chem I), CHE 0145 & 0146 (Gen Chem II) and CHE-0230(Org I).  Co-requisites:  BIO-0250 (A+P II) and CHE 0235 (Org II).  Optional:  A year of Physics. Offered occasionally. (1 credit)

MAT-0120, together with MAT-0121, Calculus II, provides a two-course sequence in the differential and integral calculus of functions of one independent variable. Topics include the basic analytic geometry of graphs of functions, and their limits, integrals and derivatives, including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Also, some applications of the integral are discussed. Applications to the physical sciences is a focus of this course, as this sequence of courses is designed to meet the needs of students in all disciplines. Prerequisite: MAT-0115 and MAT-0116 or their equivalents. Offered fall semesters. This course fulfills the Critical Thinking/Problem Solving requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program. (3 Credits)

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