Pre-Med / Health Track
The Medical/Pre-Health track can be a long one, but with good planning, a passion for the field, and persistence, it is attainable. There is a common misperception that students must be declared in a field like biology in order to pursue a career in the health professions. In reality, many students who major in Psychology successfully pursue a career in medicine. The Psychology Student Services team aims to support students in their future career pursuits and this site was created to help students navigate the psychology major with a track geared towards the medicine or health field.
For more information please contact: psychsso@berkeley.edu
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Pre-Med Coursework
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Biology - 3 semesters with lab
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Most schools require at least 2 semesters of biology; however, it is recommended to take more than the 1 year-minimum
- Bio 1A/AL and 1B
- Additional upper-division biology course (not including MCB 102)
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General (Inorganic) Chemistry & Organic Chemistry - 4 semesters with lab
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2 semesters of general chemistry with lab and 2 semesters of organic chemistry with lab
- Chem 1A/1AL, Chem 3A/3AL, and Chem 3B/3BL
- PLUS MCB 102 or Chem 135 or MCB 100A/Chem C130 or BioE 103 (for BioE majors only)
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Physics - 2 semesters with lab
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Various Series to choose from:
- Physics 8A and 8B
- Physics 7A and 7B
- Physics 7A and 8B
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Mathematics and Statistics - 2 or 3 semesters
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Various Series to choose from:
- Math 1A & 1B
- Math 10A & 10B (satisfies both math AND stats req for med school)
- Math 16A & 16B
- Math 53 & 54
- Stats: 2, 20, 131A, Public Health 142
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English & Composition - 2 semesters
- R&C courses at Cal satisfy this requirement
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Behavioral and Social Sciences - not required but recommended
- Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology and other similar departments. These courses can also serve as a foundation when preparing for the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT.
- Psych 1, Sociology 1 and Anthro 1 or 3/AC can be used to satisfy some psychology major prerequisites
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Clinical + Research Experience
- Psych 199
- Campuswide Research (OURS)
- Weekly Opportunities
- Career Center - Handshake
- Work-Study
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Advising
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Psychology Undergraduate Major Advising
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Scheduling an Appointment
- Drop-ins: M-F 9-12PM & 1-4PM @ 2210 Berkeley Way West
- Email: psychsso@berkeley.edu
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Career Center Pre-Health Advising
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Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising
- Email: prehealth@berkeley.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/calprehealth
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Resources
- Berkeley Guide - Pre-Med/Pre-Health Information
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Berkeley Career Center - Medical School Information
- Questions related to Pre-Health in the Pandemic can be found here
- EOP STEM and their Bulletin Board
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Sample Plans