Pre-Medical Studies (Pre-Med)

For Pre-Medical Studies (Pre-Med) students who are interested in applying for admission to a medical school, please see the information below related to the ‘Pre-Medical Studies: Pathway to Medical School.’

Pre-Medical Studies: Pathway to Medical School
AUD embraces the rigorous and holistic approach of the North American model in the design of its Pre-Medical Studies (Pre-Med) curricula. Students who are interested in careers in medicine must earn a Bachelor’s degree in a subject area of their choice and complete a variety of Pre-Med course requirements to become eligible for admission to medical schools. The following framework fosters academic excellence and provides students with a comprehensive undergraduate experience that will prepare them for success in medical school.

Degree Flexibility
Students interested in medical school may earn a Bachelor’s degree in any subject area, as long as they complete the Pre-Med Studies requirements. While some undergraduate degree programs already include a significant number of Pre-Med course requirements and may thus be more convenient for some students than others, medical schools do not have a preference for one degree program over another.

Pre-Med Requirements
The Pre-Med requirements at most medical schools include, at minimum, 33 credit hours of basic science courses and six credit hours of courses in the Social Sciences. However, because requirements differ across programs, students interested in applying for medical school are encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor and to research the specific program requirements for the program of their choice as outlined in the Medical School Admission Requirements Report, which is published on an annual basis by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Standard Pre-Med Pathway Courses
Students pursuing Pre-Med Studies must complete the following courses:

Core Subject Areas	Minimum Required Credits*
Biology with associated labs	Typically: BIOL 202 and BIOL 203 (8 credit hours)
General Chemistry with associated labs	Typically: CHEM 201, CHEM 204, CHEM 205 (7 credit hours)
Organic Chemistry with associated labs	Typically: CHEM 211 and CHEM 213 (7 credit hours)
Biochemistry	Typically: BIOL 351 (3 credit hours)
Physics with associated labs	Typically: PHYS 201 and PHYS 202 (8 credit hours)
Social Sciences	Typically: SOCI 201 and PSYC 201 (6 credit hours)

Enhanced Pre-Med Pathway Courses
Students pursuing Pre-Medical Studies will also benefit from taking additional courses in the Biological and Physical Sciences, as well as a variety of courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences, especially those that focus on literature, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies, history, and other disciplines that emphasize core competencies in logical reasoning, critical reading, and strong communication skills. Such courses provide the broad-based education expected by leading medical schools.

Eligibility
While academic and extracurricular excellence is strongly encouraged, any student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at AUD is eligible to complete the Pre-Med requirements and apply to medical school.

MCAT Preparation
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is typically taken during the junior year in preparation for applying to medical school in the senior year. Recognizing the importance of this crucial exam, AUD offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for this essential aspect of their medical education. Specific benefits include regular information sessions, MCAT preparation materials, access to practice tests, organized study groups, and comprehensive support services designed to guide students on their journey towards medical school admission.

Extracurricular Opportunities
In addition to mastering the core competencies and subject-area knowledge noted above, Pre-Med students are encouraged to pursue a variety of extracurricular opportunities to help develop the values and skills needed for success in the medical professions. AUD recognizes the significance of this aspect of pre-medical education and therefore provides opportunities such as:

• Undergraduate Research: AUD offers undergraduate research opportunities, fostering an environment for students to engage in meaningful research projects, contributing to their academic and professional growth. Check out our students’ latest publications!
• Hands-On Learning in Conventional and Virtual Reality Labs: The university provides state-of-the-art conventional and virtual reality labs, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting to enhance their learning experience.
• Real-World Experience: Students have access to internships and clinical experiences that expose them to the real-world dynamics of the medical field through our established partnerships with leading institutions such as American Hospital Dubai and Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai.
• Student Clubs: Engaging in student organizations and clubs provides students with a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, contributing to a holistic educational experience.
• Professional Networking and Mentorship Opportunities: AUD offers engaging extracurricular activities, including guest lectures, field trips, workshops, and roundtable discussions that provide students with opportunities to establish meaningful connections with leading physicians and other industry leaders.

If you would like to learn more about the Pre-Med Studies, please contact Dr. Muriel Tahtouh Zaatar, Chair of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences: mzaatar@aud.edu