Embarking on the journey to medical school at the University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine requires careful planning, especially when it comes to prerequisite coursework. Meeting these academic requirements is crucial for a successful application and future medical studies. This guide provides a detailed overview of the necessary prerequisites, recommended courses, and important policies to help aspiring medical students prepare effectively.
Essential Prerequisite Coursework
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine mandates specific prerequisite coursework to ensure all incoming students possess a foundational understanding of key scientific principles. These prerequisites are designed to prepare students for the rigorous curriculum of medical school. The required courses include:
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Biochemistry: A comprehensive biochemistry course is essential. For courses taken outside of UNM, it’s recommended that the curriculum includes the study of molecules and metabolic reactions within the cell, emphasizing how these processes are physiologically regulated. Key topics should encompass fundamental biochemical principles critical for maintaining human homeostasis. This includes cellular integration of biochemical pathways, regulatory mechanisms of intermediary metabolism, and the influence of physiological signals on pathway utilization. Molecular structures and their relationship to function, enzyme kinetics, and bioenergetics are also fundamental components. Specific areas of study should include:
- Bioenergetics and Catalysis
- Protein Structure and Function
- Membranes and Signal Transduction
- Molecular Biology (replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, and related methods)
- Carbohydrate Metabolism (both catabolism and anabolism)
- Lipid Metabolism
- Nitrogen-containing Compounds Metabolism
- Hormonal Control and Bioenergetics
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Chemistry: The prerequisite coursework also specifies chemistry requirements, including:
- Biochemistry 423 ONLY
- Both Biochemistry 445 and 446
- Both Chemistry 421 and 425
Recommended Courses to Enhance Your Application
While fulfilling the prerequisite requirements is mandatory, certain courses are highly recommended to strengthen your application and provide a more robust foundation for medical school. These recommended courses include:
| Area of Study | Specific Courses |
|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | Anatomy & Physiology |
| Genetics | Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics |
| Biology | Microbiology, Developmental Biology |
| Advanced Biochemistry | Advanced Biochemistry |
| Social Sciences | Psychology or Sociology |
These courses can provide a broader understanding of biological and social sciences, which are increasingly important in modern medical practice.
Important Policies Regarding Prerequisites
Understanding the policies surrounding prerequisite coursework is as important as selecting the right courses. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine has specific guidelines regarding course completion, grading, and accreditation.
Deadline for Completion
With the exception of organic chemistry labs (both I and II) and biochemistry, all prerequisites must be completed before submitting your application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Organic chemistry labs and biochemistry prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation into medical school. For accepted applicants, grades for all prerequisite courses must be officially posted on transcripts by June 30th of the year of matriculation.
Grade and Accreditation Requirements
All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a letter grade of C or better; a C- grade is not acceptable. Courses must be taken at colleges and universities accredited by a U.S. Regional Accrediting Agency. Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit grading is generally not accepted, except for courses taken during the Spring 2020 through Spring 2023 semesters/quarters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits are accepted only for introductory Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, and only if college credit was officially granted by the institution. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit is also acceptable, provided it fulfills the required semester hours for each prerequisite.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
Accepted applicants must complete all degree programs listed on their AMCAS application before matriculation, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. All degrees must be officially conferred and noted on transcripts by June 30th prior to matriculation. Failure to meet this deadline may result in deferred matriculation.
Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree from institutions outside the United States must complete at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of coursework at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university. Of these, a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours must be in upper-division (junior and senior level) coursework, and all coursework must be taken for a letter grade.
Online Coursework Policy
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine has specific policies regarding online coursework, particularly in light of the shift to online learning during the pandemic. While online prerequisite lectures and labs were accepted during the pandemic period from Spring 2020 through Spring 2023, the policy has been updated.
Starting in the Summer 2023 semester/quarter, applicants are permitted to take a maximum of TWO required prerequisite lecture courses online. Online labs are no longer accepted for any required prerequisite labs post-Spring 2023. The two online lecture courses allowed after Spring 2023 are in addition to any prerequisite coursework completed online between Spring 2020 and Spring 2023.
Accreditation Standards
It is critical to ensure that all prerequisite coursework is obtained from a U.S. college or university recognized by one of the U.S. Regional Accrediting Agencies. This accreditation ensures the quality and credibility of your academic preparation.
By carefully planning your prerequisite coursework and adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently prepare for your application to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and take a significant step towards your medical career.
