BS - Biological Sciences-Premedical

What is a premed program in biology?

Whether you want to explore the mysteries of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, become a leader in cancer research, or gain entry into a prestigious medical, veterinary or dental school, you can get there with a premed program in biology. Getting your degree in premedical biology from Florida Tech will help you develop a strong background in biology and get hands-on experience in physiology, biochemistry and genetics.

Our premed program in biology is dynamic and focused. You'll get started right away, taking core courses like Biological Discovery and General Chemistry as a freshman. Guided by highly accomplished faculty who care about your success, you'll complete the majority of medical school prerequisites by the end of your sophomore year. From there, you have the opportunity to specialize in unique sub-fields, conduct research, and further enhance your resume (and character) through community service and health-related internships.

Advantages

Why Florida Tech:

• 70% acceptance rate into highly competitive, top-ranked medical and graduate schools
• Mentorship and advisement from Dr. Julia Grimwade, premedical program chair and accomplished cancer researcher
• Hands-on labs in anatomy, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, immunology and cell biology
• Close-knit, supportive environment of learners with a mutual interest in community service and making a difference
• Undergraduate access to high-tech equipment and facilities usually reserved for graduate students and faculty at other institutions
• Classes taught by research scientists with their fingers on the pulse of modern medicine

Facilities: The premed program in biology is housed in the F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building (LSB). LSB contains eight teaching labs, 12 modern research labs, a 16-workstation computer facility, and an electron microscopy suite. The building also includes animal care facilities for housing small mammals and reptiles and a temperature-controlled 800 sq. ft greenhouse. The department has excellent teaching facilities with a state-of-the-art multimedia auditorium and classroom. All research and teaching space is fully connected to the campus-wide high-speed network.

Learning

Clubs and Organizations:

• Tri Beta, biological sciences honor society
• Pre-Med Club

Research: Research is an integral part of the premed program in biology , and undergraduate students are invited to participate in ongoing research by departmental faculty during the academic year and summer semesters. Students also participate in research at other universities and corporations. Recent research sites include:

• The American Society for Microbiology
• Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
• Purdue University
• Michigan State University

Internships and Cooperative Learning: Recent internship sites include:

• Brevard Zoo
• Sea World
• Holmes Regional Medical Center

Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Grad School: Our students in the premed program in biology go onto health professional schools, doctoral programs , or work in biotechnology and research. Recent graduates are enrolled in:

Medical Schools

• Boston University
• Florida State University
• Howard University
• State University of New York at Syracuse (Upstate)
• University of Maryland
• University of Miami
• Washington University (Saint Louis)

Other Health Professional Schools

• Baylor College of Dentistry
• University of Florida College of Pharmacy
• University of Louisiana College of Veterinary Medicine

Doctoral Programs (Biomedical Science)

• Florida Institute of Technology
• Georgetown University
• Harvard University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of California at Santa Barbara
• University of Florida
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Outcomes - Career and Salary: Graduates in the premed program in biology work in health-care and research agencies around the country, including:

• Harvard Medical School
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control
• Midwest Research Institute
• Womens and Infants Hospital, Providence RI
• NASA (Kennedy Space Center)
• Peace Corp
• Lehigh Valley (Pa.) Hospital Pediatric Inpatient Care

Curriculum

Curriculum program plans shown reflect current degree requirements. Previous academic year requirements can be accessed from the catalog page by choosing the appropriate academic year.

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Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences–Premedical Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Premedical Biology seeks to educate students in unifying themes in biology, while encouraging them to expand their knowledge in more specialized subject areas. The department offers six undergraduate programs in which a student may specialize: aquaculture, conservation biology and ecology, general biology, marine biology, molecular biology and premedical biology. The curriculum is organized so that in the first two years students learn concepts fundamental to all biological sciences, and in the last two years students follow their own interests in selecting courses that are more specialized.

The premedical biology program is designed for students interested in becoming physicians. It is also appropriate for students interested in veterinary medicine and allied health professions (such as physician’s assistant, physical therapy or pharmacy). The chair of this degree option serves as Florida Tech’s premedical adviser, and also organizes a premedical evaluation committee to provide evaluation letters for students applying to medical school. Students graduating from this program have had an excellent acceptance rate into medical and professional schools.

Admission Requirements

Students intending to apply for admission to study in the department of biological sciences should complete at least one year each of high school biology, chemistry and physics. Prospective students should also have at least three years of high school mathematics, including second-year algebra and trigonometry.

Florida Tech has articulation agreements with many of the community colleges in Florida. Students contemplating transfer to Florida Tech should consult with the department to determine transferability of credits. If there is a question regarding specific courses needed, students should contact the associate department head for undergraduate studies.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Premedical Biology must complete the minimum course requirements outlined in the following curriculum. Electives are selected in consultation with the faculty adviser to reflect the knowledge a student needs either for employment or graduate school.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 129