Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum
Doctors of
pharmacy are taking more active roles in the lives of patients, and they
need to have a thorough knowledge of the biology 
of the human body in order
to understand the action of the medicines that are prescribed to patients. A
major in general biology or cell biology, along with a chemistry minor,
continues to be of immense benefit to the pre-pharmacy candidate.
With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the move toward pharmocogenomics (the ability to tailor drugs to the genetic profiles of individuals), the need for foundational knowledge in genetics, cell, and molecular biology has never been greater. Understanding the role of the immune system in fighting disease is also critical for understanding the interactions between medications and the human body. Given these advances that impact the field of pharmacy, a degree in biology will provide excellent preparation for pharmacy school.
The Biology Department is pleased to be able to offer a number of options to prepare students to apply for admission to schools of pharmacy. We are particularly excited about our ongoing relationship with Union's School of Pharmacy and are looking forward to having our graduates enter that program--and others--in the future.
Recent Curricular Changes
We have made several changes to our curriculum, in part to facilitate pre-pharmacy education. These changes include:
- Beginning Fall 2009 and Spring 2010, we will offer Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II. These courses will build on pre-requisite coursework in Biology 112 and 214. With the changes to our curriculum for Fall 2010, these courses will be fully applicable for credit toward the major (general biology or cell biology concentrations) or the minor.
- Beginning Fall 2009, we will offer Collaborative Research Experience, a one-semester, 2 credit hour, small group research course intended for students who are interested in the Pharmacy 3+1 option (see curriculum guide, link below).
We have developed curriculum guides for students interested in either the 3+1 or four-year approaches to pre-pharmacy, through either the general biology or cell biology concentrations (students also could enroll in the zoology concentration, but would need to take Advanced Anatomy and Physiology in addition to the requirements for the major). If you have any questions about the Biology pre-pharmacy program, please see your advisor or Dr. Marc Lockett, the Biology pre-pharmacy advisor.