Pre-Medical Science, B.S.
Improve the quality of life for others.
The pre-medical science major provides you with an understanding of select areas of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, most specifically related to career preparation in some medical fields, including Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy.
The major is designed to guide you through the optimal coursework required for the majority of medical schools. However, it is not necessary to choose the major to be eligible for medical school. In fact, most medical school students are initially graduates with majors in biology or chemistry. The pre-medical science major also meets the undergraduate course requirements of most dental, veterinarian and other health profession schools.
Please note that the pre-medical science major is not the same as the medical studies major.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Pre-Medical Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Learning Inside & Outside the Classroom
In addition to extensive laboratory experience through all of the biology courses, there are many opportunities for pre-medical science students to learn and develop skills inside and outside of the classroom.
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Research & Scholarship
As a major, you are required to complete an independent research project — performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation — and present your findings to faculty and peers.
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Student Activities & Organizations
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
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Internships, Careers & Graduate Study
You may choose to participate in an internship available through area hospitals, laboratories, physician and dental offices, veterinarian clinics, as well as science centers. Work-study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can gain valuable experience serving as lab and/or faculty assistant.
Career and graduate school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
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It can be overwhelming and intimidating in STEM, but our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is dedicated to the success of students. The energy and people are amazing.
Major Requirements
The Pre-Medical Science major gives students an understanding of selected areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. This major meets the undergraduate course requirements of most medical, dental, and some other health profession schools, including Physician Assistant Schools. A Pre-Medical Science major earns a B.S. degree.
Honors
Students majoring in Pre Medical Science judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate "With Honors in Biology," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete BIO 390 and BIO 391 in the junior year and Biology 490 and 491 in the senior year with a minimum grade of "B" in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390, BIO 391, 490, and 491 may count for BIO 400 and 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Technical Requirements (3-4 Hours)
- Additional MAT elective beyond core requirement (excluding MAT 105) Hours: 3-4
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Major Requirements (65 Hours)
- BIO 121 - Principles of Biology I
- BIO 122 - Principles of Biology II
- BIO 200 - Biology Seminar
- BIO 240 - Cell Biology
- BIO 245 - Plant Anatomy and Physiology
- BIO 305 - Genetics
- BIO 310 - General Ecology
- BIO 400 - Research Problems
- BIO electives (excluding BIO 110, BIO 220, BIO 281, BIO 282, BIO 471-BIO 473) Hours: 3
- CHE 103 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 201L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 202L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- BIO or CHE elective Hours: 4
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II(or higher sequence)
- Other Requirements
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General Elective
(If Needed)
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Total Credit Hours (Minimum) 128
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific core curriculum requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All Bachelors programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 128 credit hours. If, in combination, core, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 128 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 128 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
The Alumni Association recognized five LR graduates for their extraordinary service to their communities and the world around them at an April 12 ceremony.
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12 LR students presented their research at the 2024 meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Sciences, earning awards and sharing the thrills of discovery.
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