Pre Med Course Overview

Admission Requirements
To be accepted into the Medical Professions Program, a student must have: a minimum IQ of 120; a reading comprehension score on the Stanford Achievement Test at or above the 90th percentile; completed Algebra I with a minimum grade of "B" as an eighth grader. In addition, a member of the science faculty will hold a personal interview with the student.

Course Descriptions

*Honors Medical Terminology (1 semester)
This course provides students with an introduction to the study of the origin, structure and meaning of terms related to the field of medicine. Discussions centered on disease and medical procedures provide a context for the terminology. Visual aids are incorporated to help reinforce the subject matter as students learn prefixes, suffixes and root words related to systems of the body. Prerequisite: Honors Biology**

*Honors Biology (2 semesters)
A laboratory approach provides the impetus to this in-depth study of life forms from bacteria and protozoa to plants to animals and humans. A major thrust of the program is to build critical and creative thinking skills and problem solving. Prerequisites: Honors Geometry**, qualifying exam, teacher recommendation.

+Honors Human Genetics (1 semester)
This class provides a study of genomics through instruction in gene structure and function. The current state of biotechnology and the ongoing progress being made in that area of science is explored and explained as topics are presented. Topics include DNA and chromosomes, population genetics, immunity and cancer, genetics technology, sex-linked diseases, Mendel's Laws, and gene mutation. Visiting doctors and representatives of the biotechnology industry present open forums for student questions. Prerequisite: Honors Biology

+Honors Sports Medicine (1 semester)
The course provides students with an advanced understanding of the field of orthopedic medicine. Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of the human body are studied. Students are required to perform a limited number of hours in a hands-on field/technical setting. Prerequisite: Honors Biology**

*Honors Chemistry (2 semesters)
This laboratory course is an in-depth study of the established principles of chemistry. Through laboratory experiments students discover the relationships between the structure and properties of matter and use that knowledge to produce new materials. Prerequisites: Algebra II**, Geometry, teacher recommendation.

*AP Chemistry (2 semesters)
This is a college-level course culminating in the required Advanced Placement Exam. Centered around the 3 areas of Chemistry, the course focuses on laboratory experiments along with an advanced study assignment designed to help in preparation for the lab. Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry, Pre-calculus**, qualifying exam, teacher recommendation.

Introduction to Organic Chemistry (Honors) (1 semester)
This introductory course into Organic Chemistry includes learning key vocabulary terms, recognizing organic compounds, nomenclature of organic compounds and diagramming structures of organic substances. The honors course prepares the student for college level Organic Chemistry. Also included is the study of characteristics of organic compounds such as alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes alcohols, alkynes and the practical application of these materials to everyday life. Prerequisite: AP Chemistry

* Honors Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters)
This course explores the systems of the human body. Students learn names, locations and characteristics of each system through an exploratory process that includes dissection of animals and human organs. Physiology (mechanics of the human body) is taught through the use of interactive software. At the conclusion of the course students are given the opportunity to view dissections at a local medical school. Visiting physicians lecture on their own specialties and experiences. Prerequisites: Biology , Medical Terminology

*AP Biology (2 semesters)
This is a college-level course culminating in the required Advanced Placement Exam. Centered around the five kingdoms, the subject focuses on the analytical and comparative analysis of specific organisms and their relationships with each other and their environment. Labs include bacteriology, physiology and comparative anatomy through dissection. Prerequisites: Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, "B" or higher in Honors Biology, teacher recommendation.

+Honors Microbiology (1 semester)
Microbiology is the in-depth study of microorganisms. Through extensive use of slides and the microscope, the various types of bacteria, viruses and parasites are examined along with the diseases associated with these organisms.

Introduction to Pathology (Honors) (1 semester)
Pathology is a study of human disease. In this honors course, students learn the signs and symptoms of many common diseases seen around the world. Students analyze and discuss actual case studies. X- ray readings, lab work and many visual aids help students work up a differential diagnosis for cases presented in class. Visiting doctors will offer their own perspectives on diseases they see in their own practice of medicine. Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology

*Physics (2 semesters)
The study of Physics provides students with an introduction to the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Topics include kinematics, dynamics energy, work power, heat and thermodynamics, wave characteristics, light, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics. Laboratory activities are an integral part of this course. Prerequisites: Pre-calculus**, teacher recommendations.

AP Physics (2 semesters)
Advanced Placement Physics provides students with a college level course in Physics. Topics include kinetics, Newton's Law of Motion, work, energy, power, systems of particles, statics, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, electrostatics, electric current and circuits, capacitance, magnetostatics and electromagnetism. Laboratory activities are an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: "B" or higher in Honors Physics, Calculus**, teacher recommendation

* Indicates a requirement of the Medical Professions Program
+ Students must take two of the three electives
** Student must have completed the course or be taking the course concurrently with the course described

NOTE: An "AP" prefix to the course name designates Advanced Placement. These are college-level courses in which a student may earn college credit upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement exam. Students participating in an Advanced Placement course are required to take this exam in addition to other course requirements.

Internship Program
To give students exposure to the many health related professions, an internship is to be completed during the last semester of the senior year. The required internship includes observations of a variety of medical professionals in their own work environments. Students have the opportunity to visit physicians, physical therapists, veterinarians, dentists and other health-care providers. (See the list of participating medical personnel and health care institutions)

The purpose of the internship is to give students a realistic view of many fields of medicine and help them determine their own career choices. As they interact with these professionals, students use the knowledge they have gained through the Medical Professions Program and see, first hand, how this knowledge is used in the real world of medicine.

One-half credit is earned through successful completion of the internship. Students are given supplementary written assignments and are supervised by an advisor in the science department.