Program Overview

Pre-Medical and General Science Studies

The Pre-Medical and General Science Studies program is designed to provide students with a rigorous post-baccalaureate certificate that can help them pursue a career change, apply to health or professional programs, or enhance their knowledge in the sciences. The program is ideal for potential applicants to health programs, including medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy.

Program Overview

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core disciplines such as biology, chemistry, life sciences, math, and physics. Students can choose from a variety of courses, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The program also provides students with the opportunity to sample a wide range of subjects in other science disciplines, humanities, and social sciences.

Program Requirements

To complete the certificate, students must take a minimum of 12 UCLA-equivalent (XL) courses, with at least nine courses chosen from the following four core disciplines:

• Group 1 Chemistry (CHEM)
• Group 2 Biological Sciences (LIFESCI, PHYSCI, MIMG, or MCD BIO)
• Group 3 Math/Statistics (MATH or STATS)
• Group 4 Physics (PHYSICS)

Optional Courses

XL-level social sciences, humanities, and language courses are available if needed for a student's academic goal, but are not required to earn the certificate. Students can include up to three of these courses and have them count towards the certificate's 12-course minimum requirement.

GPA Requirement

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of completion to earn the certificate.

Course Details

The program offers a range of courses, including:

Group 1 - Chemistry

• CHEM XL 14A: General Chemistry for Life Scientists I
• CHEM XL 14B: General Chemistry for Life Scientists II
• CHEM XL 14BL: General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
• CHEM XL 14C: Structure of Organic Molecules
• CHEM XL 14CL: General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
• CHEM XL 14D: Organic Reactions and Pharmaceuticals
• CHEM XL 153A: Biochemistry: Introduction to Structure, Enzymes and Metabolism
• CHEM XL 153B: Biochemistry: DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis
• CHEM XL 153C: Biochemistry: Biosynthetic and Energy Metabolism and Its Regulation

Group 2 - Biological Sciences

• LIFESCI XL 7A: Cell and Molecular Biology
• LIFESCI XL 7B: Genetics, Evolution and Ecology
• LIFESCI XL 7C: Physiology and Human Biology
• LIFESCI XL 7L: Introduction to Laboratory and Scientific Methodology
• LIFESCI XL 107: Genetics
• MCD BIO XL 100: Introduction to Cell Biology
• MCD BIO XL 138: Developmental Biology
• MCD BIO XL 144: Molecular Biology of Cellular Processes and Experimental Applications of Theory
• MIMG XL 100L: Microbiology Laboratory for Professional Schools
• MIMG XL 101: Introductory Microbiology
• MIMG XL 102: Introductory Virology
• PHYSCI XL 3: Introduction to Human Physiology
• PHYSCI XL 13: Introduction to Human Anatomy

Group 3 - Math/Statistics

• MATH XL 1: Precalculus
• MATH XL 31A: Differential and Integral Calculus
• MATH XL 31B: Integration and Infinite Series
• STATS XL 10: Introduction to Statistical Reasoning
• STATS XL 13: Introduction to Statistical Methods for Life and Health Sciences

Group 4 - Physics

• PHYSICS XL 5A: Physics for Life Sciences Majors: Mechanics and Energy
• PHYSICS XL 5B: Physics for Life Sciences Majors: Thermodynamics, Fluids, Waves, Light and Optics
• PHYSICS XL 5C: Physics for Life Sciences Majors: Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics
• PHYSICS XL 10: Physics

International Students

The certificate is approved for international students to study full-time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

Cost and Fees

• Application and Candidacy Fee: $200
• Estimated Textbooks and Materials: $1,500
• Estimated Program Tuition: $15,000
• International Student Fees: Not included in the estimated program tuition

Payment Options

• Eligible for VA Benefit
• Federal Financial Aid is available

Program Duration

The program is a total of 48 quarter units, and students have three years to complete all the required courses. The estimated tuition per credit hour is $312.50.