Dec 22, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Medical Biology (B.S.)


79-81 Major Hours (includes minor), 120 Degree Hours

Students in this major must also complete requirements for a degree in the College of Arts & Sciences .

The Medical Biology program offers an interdisciplinary B.S. degree designed to prepare students for medical school and for other healthcare professional programs such as dentistry, optometry, pharmacology, physician assistant, physical therapy, and podiatry. The curriculum is based on recent guidelines of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). It focuses on competencies in the natural and social sciences relevant to medical education and to the practice of medicine. Hosted by USD’s Department of Biology, the Medical Biology major provides a broad background and excellent training in the biological sciences for students interested in pursuing graduate or professional degrees in health care, biotechnology, physiology, and cellular and molecular biology.

Required Support Courses (48-50 hours)


Note:


If used to fulfill a specific requirement, BIOL 428, 433, 443, 456, and CHEM 330 may not also be used as electives. Students may petition to include 1-3 credits of BIOL 498-Undergrad Research/Scholarship or a comparable course in a related discipline as an elective for the program. This petition must be approved by the Biology Department chair or designee. Students in the University Honors Program may substitute appropriate UHON courses for PSYC 101 and/or SOC 100 with approval of the Biology Department chair or designee.

Students who complete the Medical Biology major will have fulfilled the requirements for the Interdisciplinary Sciences Minor  and are not required to complete an additional minor, although they are welcome to add any minor other than Biology. Students completing a Medical Biology major cannot also complete a double major in Biology with the Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology Specialization, although they may complete the Biology, Conservation & Biodiversity major.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs


USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan.