College of Arts & Sciences

Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry

In preparation for admission to medical or dental schools, it is advisable to obtain a broad background in natural sciences, social studies and humanities. Students should consult bulletins from medical and dental schools of their choice for specific entrance requirements.

The usual minimum requirements are two semesters in each of the following:  

  • English Composition
  • Biology with Laboratory
  • Physics with Laboratory
  • Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
  • General Chemistry with Laboratory
  • Organic Chemistry with Laboratory

Students fulfilling the basic requirements may be accepted with almost any major. Pre-dental or pre-medical students usually major in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics. Most students complete an undergraduate program before attending medical or dental school. Exceptional students may gain entrance after three undergraduate years.

In their junior year, students must register with NKU's Pre-Medical Review Board to indicate application to medical or dental school. Information on the board can be obtained from an academic advisor.

Sample curriculum

The sample curriculum below includes course requirements that lead to a Bachelor of Science --Biochemistry Track. Any of the other chemistry tracks can apply toward medical or dental school
admissions by adding Introduction to Biology I and II to the curriculum.

Semester No. 1 (15 hours)

  • CHE 120-120L -- General Chemistry I with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • BIO 150-150L -- Introduction to Biology I with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • ENG 101 -- College Writing (3 hours)
  • MAT 129 -- Calculus I (4 hours)

Semester No. 2 (16 hours)

  • CHE 121-121L -- General Chemistry II with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • BIO 150-150L -- Introduction to Biology II with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • CMST 101 -- Principles of Speech Communication (3 hours)
  • MAT 229 -- Calculus II (5 hours)

Semester No. 3 (16 hours)

  • CHE 310-310L -- Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • BIO 302-302L -- General Microbiology with Laboratory or BIO 302-302L -- Advance Molecular Biology with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • PHY 211 -- General Physics I with Laboratory (5 hours)
  • ELECTIVE (3 hours)    

Semester No. 4 (18 hours)

  • CHE 311-311L -- Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • BIO 360 -- Advance Biology of the Cell  (3 hours)
  • PHY 213 -- General Physics II with Laboratory (5 hours)
  • CHE 391W -- Chemical Information and Writing (3 hours)*
  • ELECTIVE (3 hours)  

Semester No. 5 (15 hours)

  • CHE 340-340L -- Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • CHE 482-482L -- Biochemistry I with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • CHE 492 -- Research: Chemistry (1 hour)
  • ELECTIVES (6 hours) 

Semester No. 6 (15 hours)

  • CHE 350-350L -- Instrumental Analysis with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • CHE 483-483L -- Biochemistry II with Laboratory (4 hours)
  • CHE 492 -- Research: Chemistry (1 hour)
  • ELECTIVES (6 hours) 

Semester No. 7 (17 hours)

  • CHE 360 -- Physical Chemistry I (3 hours)
  • CHE 400 -- Seminar (1 hour)
  • CHE 492 -- Research: Chemistry (1 hour)
  • ELECTIVES (12 hours)   

Semester No. 8 (18 hours)

  • CHE 361 -- Physical Chemistry II (3 hours)
  • CHE 362 -- Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 hours)
  • CHE 492 -- Research: Chemistry (1 hour)
  • ELECTIVES (12 hours)

(* CHE 391W satisfies English Composition requirement)