Coursework FAQs

Jump to a question:

1. Which courses can count towards the science GPA?
2. What coursework is required for medical schools?
3. Does it matter which Physics sequence I take (125 vs 130 vs. 135)?
4. Would it be okay if I took BIO 110 instead of the 210 sequence next year?  Does the 110 sequence meet the premed requirements? 
5. Can I take premed coursework during the summer here at NU?
6. Can I take premed courses outside of NU?
7. If courses that I take outside of NU are not needed for my NU degree (but are required by med schools), do I have to transfer the courses back to NU?
8. Do I have to complete all premed requirements before applying to med school?

1. Which courses count towards the science GPA?

• For MD programs, the science GPA is made up of all biology, chemistry, physics and math courses.
• For DO programs, the science GPA is made up of all biology, chemistry and physics courses.

2. What coursework is required for medical schools?

Check out our Required Coursework section.  Information about specific medical school course requirements can be found on the specific med school web sites and in the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) guide. Extra copies of the MSAR can be checked out at the University Academic Advising Center, 1940 Sheridan Road, room 305.

3. Does it matter which Physics sequence I take (125 vs. 130 vs. 135)?

No, medical schools will accept all physics sequences for completion of their physics requirement. 

• Physics 130 is the non-calculus sequence.
• Physics 135 is the calculus based sequence and is required for some majors (physics, BME).
• Physics 125 is only for Integrated Science Program (ISP) majors.

4. Can I take BIO 110 instead of the 210 sequence next year?  Does the 110 sequence meet the premed requirements? 

The BIO 110 sequence fulfills the premed biology requirement.  It is only offered in the summer at Northwestern.  If you are a biology or chemistry major, you should not take the BIO 110 sequence because the BIO 210 is required by your major.

5. Can I take premed coursework during the summer here at NU?

The decision to take coursework in the summer involves many factors; we encourage students to discuss their summer plans with a health professions adviser.

6. Can I take premed courses outside of NU?

It's preferable that you take all premed coursework at NU, but if you feel you have to take premed coursework outside of NU, it's best to take courses at a peer institution. 

If you plan to transfer coursework back to NU, you must first get the approval of the academic department in which the coursework is being offered before you take the course. Learn more about transferring non-NU summer credits.

7. If the premed required courses I take outside of NU are not needed for my NU degree, do I have to transfer the courses back to NU?

No.  Medical school applications require that official transcripts be submitted from all universities where an applicant has taken courses.

8. Do I have to complete all premed requirements before applying to med school?

We recommend that students complete the basic science sequences (biology, general and organic chemistry and physics) before applying to med school.  But students can complete non-science and upper level science requirements during the application year, as long as all required courses are completed before starting med school.

For more information about premed coursework, please see our Required Coursework section.