Pre-Health Advising

Coursework

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Pre-Health Professional Program Prerequisite Coursework

It is highly recommended that you create a spreadsheet of the programs you're applying to so that you can track each one's specific prerequisites. Listed here are courses generally required by professional health programs along with their UW Bothell specific course listings.

The UW Bothell Science Courses Flow Chart can help with course planning. Use the Time Schedule to determine when these courses will be offered and consult with your Academic Advisor for all course planning.

This list is not exhaustive; if there is a professional health program you're interested in that's not listed here, contact the Natural Science & Pre-Health Professional Pathways Advisor.

Medicine Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to medical school and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement. Admissions requirements are different at all medical schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all medical school applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective medical schools early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • 1 year General Chemistry with labs (two semesters or three quarters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • 1 year Organic Chemistry with labs (two semesters or three quarters)
    • BCHEM 237 Organic Chemistry (4) Note: no lab in first quarter
    • BCHEM 238 Organic Chemistry (4), 241
    • BCHEM 239 Organic Chemistry (3), 242
  • 1 year General Biology with labs (two semesters or three quarters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • 1 year General Physics with labs (two semesters or three quarters) (choose either sequence - algebra-based or calculus-based)
    • BPHYS 114 (4), 117 (1) General Physics (Algebra-Based)
    • BPHYS 115 (4), 118 (1) General Physics
    • BPHYS 116 (4), 119 (1) General Physics
    • -OR-
    • BPHYS 121 Mechanics (5) (Calculus-Based)
    • BPHYS 122 Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion (5)
    • BPHYS 123 Waves (5)
  • 2 quarters Biochemistry with labs
    • BBIO 364 Biochemistry I (5)
    • BBIO 365 Biochemistry II (5)
  • 1 year English (two semesters or three quarters)
    • BWRIT 134 Composition (5)
    • BWRIT 135 Research Writing (5)
    • A Literature course
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • 3 semesters/quarters Social Science courses - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology
    • BIS 181 Introduction to Sociology
    • BIS 220 Developmental Psychology
    • BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology
  • 1 semester/quarter Calculus - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BMATH 144 Calculus for Life Science (5) -OR-
    • ​STMATH 124 Calculus I (5) - if series-level Calculus is required
  • Potential Electives - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BIS 380 Bioethics (5)
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)
    • BBIO 360 Introduction to Genetics (5)

Dentistry Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to dental school and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement.  Admissions requirements are different at all dental schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all dental school applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective dental schools early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • 1 semester/quarter Calculus - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BMATH 144 Calculus for Life Science (5) -OR-
    • ​STMATH 124 Calculus I (5) - if series-level Calculus is required
  • 1 year General Chemistry, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • 1 year Organic Chemistry, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 237 Organic Chemistry (4) Note: no lab in first quarter
    • BCHEM 238 Organic Chemistry (4), 241 (3)
    • BCHEM 239 Organic Chemistry (3), 242 (3)
  • 1 year General Physics with labs (two semesters or three quarters) (choose either sequence - algebra-based or calculus-based)
    • BPHYS 114 (4), 117 (1) General Physics (Algebra-Based)
    • BPHYS 115 (4), 118 (1) General Physics
    • BPHYS 116 (4), 119 (1) General Physics
    • -OR-
    • BPHYS 121 Mechanics (5) (Calculus-Based)
    • BPHYS 122 Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion (5)
    • BPHYS 123 Waves (5)
  • 1 year General Biology, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • 1 year English Composition and/or English Literature (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BWRIT 134 Composition (5)
    • BWRIT 135 Research Writing (5)
    • A Literature course
  • Biochemistry (two quarters or semesters)
    • BBIO 364 Biochemistry I (5)
    • BBIO 365 Biochemistry II (5)
  • Microbiology (two quarters or semesters)
    • BBIO 370 Microbiology I (5)
    • BBIO 470 Microbiology II (5)
  • Potential Electives
    • BIS 380 Bioethics (5)
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology (5)
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)
    • BBIO 360 Introduction to Genetics (5)
    • Other courses to show dexterity - art, engineering, etc.

Occupational Therapy Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to occupational therapy (OT) programs and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirements.  Admission requirements are different at all OT schools and are subject to change.  It is very important for all OT applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective physical therapy programs early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • General Chemistry (two quarters or semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
  • General Biology (two quarters or semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (two quarters or semesters) UW Bothell does not offer Human-focused A&P. Students can take these courses:
    • via cross-campus enrollment at UW Seattle:
      • BIOL 118/119 Survey of Physiology + Lab
      • BIOL 310 Survey of Anatomy
    • or at a Washington community college:
      • BIOL& 231/241 Human Anatomy & Physiology I - offered at local community colleges
      • BIOL& 232/242 Human Anatomy & Physiology II - offered at local community colleges
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • Courses in behavioral science - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology
    • BIS 181 Introduction to Sociology
    • BIS 220 Developmental Psychology
    • BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology
    • Any other course at UWB that covers psychology, sociology, or anthropology (5)​

Optometry Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to optometry school and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement. Admissions requirements vary at all optometry schools and are subject to change without notice.  It is very important for all optometry school applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective optometry schools early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice. The Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry provides this guide to school-specific requirements.

  • General Chemistry with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • 1 year Organic Chemistry, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 237 Organic Chemistry (4) Note: no lab in first quarter
    • BCHEM 238 Organic Chemistry (4), 241 (3)
    • BCHEM 239 Organic Chemistry (3), 242 (3)
  • General Biology with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • 1 semester/quarter Calculus - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BMATH 144 Calculus for Life Science (5) -OR-
    • ​STMATH 124 Calculus I (5) - if series-level Calculus is required
  • Anatomy and Physiology (two quarters or semesters) - Both must be taken
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)
  • Microbiology (one quarter or semester)
    • BBIO 373 Medical Microbiology
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5) -OR-
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5) -OR-
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5) -OR-
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • Psychology (one quarter or semester)
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology

Pharmacy Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to pharmacy school and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement. Admissions requirements are different at all pharmacy schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all pharmacy school applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective pharmacy schools early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • General Chemistry with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • 1 year Organic Chemistry, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 237 Organic Chemistry (4) Note: no lab in first quarter
    • BCHEM 238 Organic Chemistry (4), 241 (3)
    • BCHEM 239 Organic Chemistry (3), 242 (3)
  • General Biology with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • Biochemistry (two quarters or semesters)
    • BBIO 364 Biochemistry I (5)
    • BBIO 365 Biochemistry II (5)
  • Microbiology (one quarter or semester)
    • BBIO 373 Medical Microbiology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (two quarters or semesters) - Take both courses
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)
  • Calculus (one quarter or semester)
    • STMATH 124 Calculus I (5) (series-level tends to be required)
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • English composition (two quarters or semesters)
    • BWRIT 134 Composition (5)
    • BWRIT 135 Research Writing (5)
  • Microeconomics (one quarter or semester)
    • BIS 220/B BUS 220 Microeconomics (5)
  • Interpersonal Communications/Public Speaking (one quarter or semester) - Choose one based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BIS 237 Public Speaking and Communication
    • BIS 179 Interpersonal Communication
    • BIS 178 Introduction to Communication
    • BHLTH 179 Interpersonal Communication

Physical Therapy Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to physical therapy programs and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement.  Admission requirements are different at all PT schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all PT applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective physical therapy programs early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • General Chemistry with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • General Biology with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • 1 year General Physics with labs (two semesters or three quarters) (choose either sequence - algebra-based or calculus-based)
    • BPHYS 114 (4), 117 (1) General Physics (Algebra-Based)
    • BPHYS 115 (4), 118 (1) General Physics
    • BPHYS 116 (4), 119 (1) General Physics
    • -OR-
    • BPHYS 121 Mechanics (5) (Calculus-Based)
    • BPHYS 122 Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion (5)
    • BPHYS 123 Waves (5)
  • Anatomy and Physiology (two quarters or semesters) - Both must be taken
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • Two courses in behavioral science - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology
    • BIS 181 Introduction to Sociology
    • BIS 220 Developmental Psychology
    • BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology
    • Any other course at UWB that covers psychology, sociology, or anthropology (5)​

Physician Assistant Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to physician assistant programs and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement.  Admission requirements are different at all PA schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all PA applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective programs early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.  Most programs will require at least:

  • General Chemistry with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • General Biology with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (two quarters or semesters) UW Bothell does not offer Human-focused A&P. Students can take these courses:
    • via cross-campus enrollment at UW Seattle:
      • BIOL 118/119 Survey of Physiology + Lab
      • BIOL 310 Survey of Anatomy
    • or at a Washington community college:
      • BIOL& 231/241 Human Anatomy & Physiology I - offered at local community colleges
      • BIOL& 232/242 Human Anatomy & Physiology II - offered at local community colleges
  • Microbiology (one quarter or semester)
    • BBIO 373 Medical Microbiology
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • Psychology (one quarter or semester)
    • BIS 170 Introduction to Psychology

Veterinary Medicine Coursework

Below is common required coursework for applying to veterinary school and the appropriate UW Bothell courses that fulfill the requirement.  Admissions requirements are different at all veterinary schools and are subject to change without notice, so it is very important for all veterinary school applicants to carefully research the requirements for admission at all prospective veterinary schools early enough to address any deficiencies in preparation for admission to the schools of your choice.

  • General Chemistry with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 143 (4), 144 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 153 (4), 154 (2) General Chemistry
    • BCHEM 163 (4), 164 (2) General Chemistry
  • 1 year Organic Chemistry, with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BCHEM 237 Organic Chemistry (4) Note: no lab in first quarter
    • BCHEM 238 Organic Chemistry (4), 241 (3)
    • BCHEM 239 Organic Chemistry (3), 242 (3)
  • General Biology with labs (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BBIO 180 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 200 Introductory Biology (5)
    • BBIO 220 Introductory Biology (5)
  • 1 year General Physics with labs (two semesters or three quarters) (choose either sequence - algebra-based or calculus-based)
    • BPHYS 114 (4), 117 (1) General Physics (Algebra-Based)
    • BPHYS 115 (4), 118 (1) General Physics
    • BPHYS 116 (4), 119 (1) General Physics
    • -OR-
    • BPHYS 121 Mechanics (5) (Calculus-Based)
    • BPHYS 122 Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion (5)
    • BPHYS 123 Waves (5)
  • Genetics (one quarter or semester)
    • BBIO 360 Intro to Genetics (5)
  • Biochemistry (one quarter or semester)
    • BBIO 364 Biochemistry I (5)
    • BBIO 365 Biochemistry II (5)
  • 1 semester/quarter of Statistics - Choose one based on what your major requires
    • BBUS 215 Introduction to Business Statistics (5)
    • BHLTH 215  Health Statistics (5)
    • BIS 215 Understanding Statistics (5)
    • STMATH 341 Introduction to Statistical Inference (5)
  • 1 semester/quarter Calculus - Choose based on your major's/program's requirements
    • BMATH 144 Calculus for Life Science (5) -OR-
    • ​STMATH 124 Calculus I (5) - if series-level Calculus is required
  • 1 year English Composition and/or English Literature (three quarters or two semesters)
    • BWRIT 134 Composition (5)
    • BWRIT 135 Research Writing (5)
    • A Literature course
  • Potential Electives
    • BIS 380 Bioethics (5)
    • BBIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (5)
    • BBIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (5)