Robin asked 4 years ago
I went to the Honors Pre-med Round-up, and our advisor said that most med schools require 2 semesters of chemistry, and 2 semesters of organic chemistry. Does biochemistry qualify as one of the semesters of non-orgo chemistry? Or do I still need to take Chem 230 or Chem 260
Owen Doane answered 4 years ago
Hi Robin!
Thanks for the question! Your advisor was correct in saying that medical schools that have requirements typically require 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry and 2 semesters of organic chemistry. Biochemistry is rarely required by medical schools for admission, but it is strongly suggested that students take biochem before taking the MCAT, as 2 of the 4 MCAT sections will draw from your biochemistry knowledge.
Given that biochem is usually not required for admission (check individual schools’ websites to make sure your target schools follow this), a typical premed student at Michigan’s schedule will include PChem at some point (230 or 260), as biochem usually does not count as a semester of non-organic chem. Here is what we recommend for pre-med students regarding their chemistry sequence:
-Gen Chem Sequence (Chem 125, 126, 130) OR AP Credit for Chemistry that appears on your transcript
-Orgo Sequence (Chem 210/211, Chem 215/216)
-Biochem (see our blog about which class is right for you)
-Physical Chem (Chem 230 or 260)
Feel free to stop by our advising hours or ask a follow up question if you have any other concerns! Hope this helps!
-Owen