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Medicine

Associate of Science–Specialization in Biology

The field of medicine is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness, and to raising and maintaining the quality of life within our communities.

If you're aiming for a future at medical school, TCC can prepare you with a specialization in biology that includes many of the classes and skills you'll need to fulfill med-school prerequisites. Most pre-med students at TCC transfer to the University of Washington to complete their bachelor's degree.

TCC offers courses that cover the first two years of a typical four-year college pre-medicine program (college-level courses) as well as courses to develop skills needed for college-level courses.

Contact Us

Pattie Green, Faculty Advisor in Medicine

Location Bldg. 15-238

pgreen@tacomacc.edu

253-566-6067

 Email

Program Planning

Preparation
Degree Requirements
Transfer Outcomes

While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, and biology.

Students interested in medicine should gain as much exposure to the profession as possible by observing, assisting, and gaining work experience in offices, clinics, hospitals, and research facilities.

Although the UW School of Medicine does not officially require a bachelor's degree, one is generally necessary in order to be a competitive applicant. Medical schools do not give preference to any particular major. Thus the major should be considered as a basis for future career or graduate study if the student is not accepted to medical school.

We suggest the following schedule of classes for students who wish to earn the Associate Degree of Sciences (college transfer).

  • Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
  • The humanities and social science courses must be chosen from the Humanities and Social Science distribution course lists.
  • At least one course must be chosen from the list of approved multicultural courses on the Approved Distribution Course List.
  • PHYS& 114 and PHYS& 115 are recommended as elective courses. They are required by most medical schools.
  • No more than 3 PE Activity credits may apply to this degree.
  • No more than five credits of electives may be from courses that are not listed under the Communication, Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or General Distribution Courses sections of the Approved Distribution Course List. Such courses must be approved by a biology advisor.
First Year
Fall Winter Spring

CHEM& 161

MATH& 151

ENGL& 101

CHEM& 162

MATH& 152

Humanities

CHEM& 163

MATH& 153 or
MATH& 146

BIOL& 221
Second Year
Fall Winter Spring

BIOL& 222

CHEM& 261

Elective

BIOL& 223

CHEM& 262

Elective

Social Science

CHEM& 263

Humanities or
Social Science

University of Washington School of Medicine

The University of Washington transfer guide encourages pre-med students to read the publication: Medical School Admissions Requirements for further information. This book is available in book stores or from: The Association of American Medical Colleges, Attn. Membership and Publication Orders, Suite 200, One Dupont Circle N. W., Washington, D.C. 20036.