Chemistry - Pre-Medical Concentration

The chemistry pre-med major gives you a firm grasp of the physical and biological principles you need to succeed in medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school.

Ready For Anything

You gain a foundation in chemistry, with courses that strengthen problem-solving skills important in health and medicine. Courses introduce you to research as early as your first year with opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored projects. You can continue research year-round through labs, independent studies and summer grants. Beyond the classroom, you can explore career options through volunteer or paid positions at Peoria hospitals and clinics.

By the time you graduate, your experiences include:

• Close mentoring relationships with faculty starting your first year, as the department boasts a 2:1 faculty-first-year student major ratio
• Hands-on experience using state-of-the-art lab equipment
• A senior research project that allows you to explore a topic of interest
• Opportunities to conduct research with faculty and present your work at local, regional and national conferences
• Networking and professional growth through weekly seminars, departmental employment, the Chem Club and Chem Demo Crew

Making Your Mark

The chemistry pre-med major is valuable for professional school entrance exams such as the MCAT and DAT. Recent graduates attended professional health programs at the University of Illinois, St. Louis University, Medical College of Wisconsin and Midwestern University.

Chem/Biochem Common Requirements

Required Courses - 50-51 hrs.

• CHM 110: General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
• CHM 111: General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 114: Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
• CHM 116: General Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
• CHM 117: General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
• CHM 253: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
• CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
• CHM 257: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
• CHM 292: Chemical Informatics - 1 hr.
• CHM 326: Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
• CHM 360: Biochemistry - 3 hrs.
• CHM 361: Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 380: Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 0 hr.
• CHM 386: Seminar II in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hrs.
• CHM 470 or 570: Physical Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
• CHM 480 or 580: Seminar III in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hrs.
• BIO 151: Molecules to Cells - 3 hrs.
• BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
• PHY 110: University Physics I - 4 hrs.
  and PHY 201: University Physics II - 4 hrs.
  or PHY 107: General Physics I - 4 hrs.
  and 108: General Physics II - 4 hrs.
• MTH 121: Calculus I - 4 hrs.
  and MTH 122: Calculus II - 4 hrs.
  or MTH 115: Brief Calculus With Applications I - 4 hrs.
  and MTH 116: Brief Calculus With Applications II - 3 hrs.

Concentration Requirements

Required Courses - 22 hrs.

• CHM 361: Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 436 or 536: Inorganic Chemistry – 3 hrs.
• BIO 230: Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3 hrs.
• BIO 232: Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3 hrs.
• BIO 310: Genetics - 3 hrs.
• MTH 111: Elementary Statistics - 3 hrs.
  or MTH 325: Probability and Statistics I - 3 hrs.
  or PSY 205: Quantitative Methods - 3 hrs.
  or BIO 260: Biological Statistics I - 1 hr.
  and BIO 261: Biological Statistics II - 2 hrs.
• PSY 101: Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.
• SOC 100: The Sociological Perspective - 3 hrs.

Elective Courses - 10 hrs.

• A minimum of 4 additional hrs of CHM courses numbered CHM 301 or above .
• BIO 231: Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I – 1 hr.
• BIO 233: Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II - 1 hr.
• BIO 250: Organismal Biology - 4 hrs.
• BIO 351: Human Histology - 3 hrs.
• BIO 406: General Microbiology - 4 hrs.
• BIO 408: Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hrs.
• BIO 464: Cell Biology – 3-4 hrs.
• BIO 468: Immunology of Host Defense - 3-4 hrs.
• BIO 482: Endocrinology - 3 hrs.
• BIO 484: Neurophysiology - 3 hrs.