Premedicine Completion Program
The Premedicine Completion Program is intended for students who have completed more than eight semester hours, or twelve quarter hours, of core prerequisite coursework needed to apply to medical school. Students in this program may take their remaining core classes through SPS and receive the same student services as those in the premedicine post-baccalaureate program. This program is not intended as a records-enhancement program. Students who have already applied to medical school or completed all their pre-medical coursework should not apply.
Students must complete the program within 12 calendar months and be enrolled in at least two units of coursework per term to be eligible for financial aid. Due to the sequential nature of the coursework, students may only begin the program in the summer or fall quarters.
Students who plan to enroll in this program during the summer immediately following the completion of their undergraduate degree may not be eligible for financial aid during that summer, depending on previous aid awards for that academic year. Please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid for more information.
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Is the Premedicine Completion program right for me?
The School of Professional Studies offers a several program options for students who need to complete the required science courses necessary to pursue graduate level study in the medical field. Expand this page using the "Explore" link below to see which of our program options is the best fit for your background. Please reach out to our Enrollment Advising team if you have any questions before you start the application process.
Explore Premed Program Options
About the Premedicine Completion Program
- Premedicine Completion Program Required Courses
- Transfer Credit Policy for Premedicine Completion Program
- Premedicine Completion Program Tuition
- Admission for Premedicine Completion Program
- Premedicine Completion Program Registration Information
- Premedicine Completion Program Sample Course Plans
- Find out more about the Premedicine Completion Program
Premedicine Completion Program Required Courses
Course plans will vary based on each student’s previously completed coursework. Upon admission into the program, students should consult with their academic advisor to create a plan of study. In order to receive a letter of completion, students must complete their individual required courses as determined in the initial advising meeting, and must complete a minimum of 4 units with a 3.0 GPA.
Courses are selected from the following:
- General Chemistry Sequence (CHEM 110, 131, 132 and 141, 142*)
- Organic Chemistry Sequence (CHEM 215-A,B,C and 235-A,B,C*)
- General Biology Sequence (BIOL SCI 201, 202, 203)
- General Biology Labs (BIOL SCI 232, 233, 234)
- Biochemistry (BIOL SCI 308)
- General Physics Sequence (PHYSICS 130-A,B,C and 131-A,B,C)
Chemistry Notes:
*If you have successfully completed a year of General Chemistry with lab at another institution and you plan to register for Organic Chemistry, please note that the Northwestern Department of Chemistry requires a Chemistry Placement Test. This exam ensures that students who have studied chemistry at an outside institution are prepared to succeed in Northwestern University’s Organic Chemistry sequence. The online Chemistry Placement Test can be scheduled at your convenience. Please contact your academic adviser to get started.
Due to Northwestern Department of Chemistry policy, students may not begin a chemistry course in the middle of a sequence. Students who need to complete a chemistry course must take the entire sequence at SPS.
View Premedicine Completion Program Courses
Transfer Credit Policy for Premedicine Completion Program
Transfer credit is not accepted into this program. However, the program’s flexibility allows students to enroll in only the courses that they need.
Premedicine Completion Program Tuition
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.
Admission for Premedicine Completion Program
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.
Premedicine Completion Program Registration Information
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.
Premedicine Completion Program Sample Course Plans
View two Premedicine Completion Program Sample Course Plans here.Find out more about the Premedicine Completion Program
| Program Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| Molecular Biology <> BIOL_SCI 201-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology
sequence. Students will learn about the basics of molecular
biology, including the structure of macromolecules, DNA
replication, transcription, and translation and the mechanisms by
which these processes are regulated. Students will also learn
current biotechnology methods used to study molecular biology. View BIOL_SCI 201-CN Sections |
| Cell Biology <> BIOL_SCI 202-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology sequence. The cell biology course covers mechanisms the cell uses to compartmentalize and transport proteins, to move, to regulate growth and death, and to communicate with their environments. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 232.
Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 219 and BIOL SCI 202. Students
who have previously completed BIOL SCI 219 should not register for
this course.
View BIOL_SCI 202-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Evolution <> BIOL_SCI 203-CN | Fundamentals of genetics and evolution. From the rules of
heredity to the complex genetics of humans, the methods and logic
of genetics as applied to inheritance, development, neurobiology,
and populations. The process and tempo of evolution, from natural
selection to speciation, emphasizing how genetics plays a critical
role. View BIOL_SCI 203-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Molecular Biology <> BIOL_SCI 215-CN | This course is the first of a four-course sequence that is
completed with BIOL SCI 217 in the fall quarter, BIOL SCI 308 in
the winter and BIOL SCI 219 in the spring. The genetics and
molecular biology course covers the principles of inheritance; gene
function; mechanisms by which DNA is replicated, transcribed into
RNAs, and translated into proteins; and the basics of the process
of natural selection. This is an asynchronous, remote course. There is no available section. |
| Cell Biology <> BIOL_SCI 219-CN | The cell biology course covers mechanisms that cells use to
compartmentalize and transport proteins, to move, to regulate
growth and death, and to communicate with their environments. This
course was formerly BIOL SCI 216. Students who have previously
taken BIOL SCI 216 should not register for this course.
There is no available section. |
| Genetic Molecular Process Lab <> BIOL_SCI 220-CN | Laboratory techniques and experiments in fundamental aspects of transmission genetics and molecular biology. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. Prerequisite: C- or higher in both BIOL_SCI 221 and CHEM 103 or 132. There is no available section. |
| Cellular Processes Laboratory <> BIOL_SCI 221-CN | Laboratory techniques and experiments in fundamental aspects of
cell biology. Credit for this course is 0.34
units. Prerequisite: grades of C- or higher in CHEM 103 or
132. There is no available section. |
| Investigative Lab <> BIOL_SCI 222-CN | The Investigative Laboratory is a hypothesis driven, discovery based laboratory class. During the quarter, students will be engaged in independent laboratory research projects where they will design and implement their own experiments centered around a central theme. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. Prerequisite: grades of C- or higher in both BIOL SCI 221 and CHEM 103 or 132. There is no available section. |
| Cellular and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 232-CN | This is the first course in a three-quarter sequence of introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of results. The experimental model revolves around atherosclerosis and macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and molecular biology techniques. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 202. Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 221 and BIOL SCI 232. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 221 should not register for this course. View BIOL_SCI 232-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 233-CN | This is the second course in a three-quarter sequence of
introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide
students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates
relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills
such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data
collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of
results. The experimental model revolves around aggregate prone
proteins in nematodes and how RNA interference (RNAi) can be used
to affect protein folding and the clearance of protein aggregates.
Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and
molecular biology techniques. View BIOL_SCI 233-CN Sections |
| Investigative Lab <> BIOL_SCI 234-CN | This course is the culminating life-science lab experience in
the biology lab sequence. Students design and generate reagents
that can be used in larger experiments. The topic varies from year
to year, but typically revolves around the sub-cloning of a
specific gene fused to a reporter for detection. View BIOL_SCI 234-CN Sections |
| Biochemistry <> BIOL_SCI 308-CN | This course covers basic concepts in biochemistry, emphasizing
the structure and function of biological macromolecules,
fundamental cellular biochemical processes, and the chemical logic
in metabolic transformations. View BIOL_SCI 308-CN Sections |
| Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry <> CHEM 110-CN | Solution strategies for traditional word problems and their application to basic chemistry quantitative problems: dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagents View CHEM 110-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry I <> CHEM 131-CN | Quantum mechanics, electronic structure, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, intermolecular forces, properties of solids and liquids, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 141-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 131-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry II <> CHEM 132-CN | Solutions and colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, aqueous solution equilibria, chemical kinetics, metals in chemistry and biology, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 142-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 132-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I <> CHEM 141-CN | Chemical analysis of real samples using basic laboratory techniques including titration, colorimetric analysis, density measurements, and atomic spectroscopy. Planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 131-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110 (grade of C– or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 141-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II <> CHEM 142-CN | General Chemistry Lab 2 is a laboratory course in which techniques applied to materials science and nanotechnology, acid-base chemistry, and chemical kinetics will be employed. Major objectives involve work involving planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 132-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 142-CN Sections |
| Organic Chemistry I <> CHEM 215-A | Foundational concepts in organic chemistry will be introduced.
Topics include structure and properties of common functional
groups, acidity/basicity, conformational analysis, stereochemistry,
and reactivity of organic compounds. The chemistry of hydrocarbons,
alkyl halides, and alcohols, ethers, and carbonyl compounds will be
included. View CHEM 215-A Sections |
| Organic Chemistry II <> CHEM 215-B | Fundamental concepts in organic chemistry will be covered. The
topics will include important functional groups and will include:
nomenclature, structure, properties, and multi-step synthesis.
Reaction mechanisms for organic transformations will be presented,
and synthesis strategies will be covered. The chemistry of pi
systems and aromatic ring system, amines, and carboxylic acids and
their derivatives, and enol/enolate species will be included. View CHEM 215-B Sections |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry <> CHEM 215-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be
introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in
synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic
reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated
synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics
will include an introduction to materials and polymer
chemistry. There is no available section. |
| Organic Chemistry III <> CHEM 215-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 235-C Organic Chemistry Lab III. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better. View CHEM 215-C Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab I <> CHEM 235-A | Standard laboratory techniques in organic chemistry will be
covered. Techniques will focus on the isolation and purification of
organic compounds as well as the use of spectroscopic methods to
determine identity and purity. The results of the technique-based
modules will be communicated by completion of short on-line
worksheets. One complete organic experiment, including reaction
set-up, product isolation, and preparation of samples for
characterization will be performed. The results of the complete
experiment will be communicated in a full formal lab report. View CHEM 235-A Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab II <> CHEM 235-B | Complete laboratory experiments focusing on standard synthetic
organic chemistry will be conducted each week. Students will
complete a prelab worksheet including stoichiometric calculations,
prediction of reaction outcome, and identification of safety
protocols. During lab sessions, experimental work including
chemical measurement, reaction setup/workup, and product
purification will be performed. Product characterization using
spectroscopic techniques will be required. Reports from
experimental work will be reported in formal lab reports following
guidelines from peer-reviewed journals. View CHEM 235-B Sections |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab <> CHEM 235-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be
introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in
synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic
reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated
synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics
will include an introduction to materials and polymer
chemistry. There is no available section. |
| Organic Chemistry Lab III <> CHEM 235-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 215-C. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better. View CHEM 235-C Sections |
| College Physics I <> PHYSICS 130-A | This is the first quarter of a three-quarter algebra-based
physics course with lecture and laboratory. Physics is the most
basic of the sciences, dealing with the behavior and structure of
matter. Lectures and labs illustrate physical principles:
mechanics, motion, momentum and energy, and fluids. Continues in
winter and spring quarters as PHYSICS 130-B, C. View PHYSICS 130-A Sections |
| College Physics II <> PHYSICS 130-B | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A algebra-based physics with lecture and laboratory; the sequence concludes with PHYSICS 130-C in the spring quarter. Harnessing the forces of electrical power; how they have altered the way we live and perceive ourselves in the universe. Lecture demonstrations illustrate physical principles: electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-B Physics Laboratory II. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-A or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-A. View PHYSICS 130-B Sections |
| College Physics III <> PHYSICS 130-C | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A,B. Wave motion, optics, and introduction to the basic concepts of modern physics including quantum mechanics, relativity, and atomic physics. The course focuses on conceptual understanding of basic physical principles and their real-world applications. Demonstration experiments will be used to illustrate physical phenomena and concepts. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-C Physics Laboratory III. Lab times are Tuesdays 8:00-9:50 pm or Saturdays 2:00-3:50 pm. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-B or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-B. View PHYSICS 130-C Sections |
| Physics Laboratory I <> PHYSICS 131-A | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-A and
must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34
units.
View PHYSICS 131-A Sections |
| Physics Lab II <> PHYSICS 131-B | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-B and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units. View PHYSICS 131-B Sections |
| Physics Lab III PHYSICS 131-C | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-C and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units. View PHYSICS 131-C Sections |