This is a rigorous two-year program, equivalent to eight quarters, which includes enrollment in two summer sessions. Our intensive, full-time curriculum is designed to equip students to transition into future health profession programs.  Basic core courses are taught using problem-based learning to encourage analytical scientific thinking—skills necessary to be successful in any health profession program. Students will enroll in a minimum of three courses per quarter. In a hybrid cohort integration model, students will progress forward in the curriculum together and enroll in the same classes.  Students in the program will be immersed in the same classrooms with UCI undergraduate science majors, which will attest to the strength and competency of the students who complete the post baccalaureate program.  Our students will be able to partake in the same competitive learning experience at UC Irvine as other science majors in similar four year institutions, clearly demonstrating to future medical programs their readiness.

Curriculum Requirements

Our curriculum, modeled after our undergraduate curriculum,  goes beyond the the basic admissions requirements for premed admissions. We have included highly sought after upper division lectures and labs to help students demonstrate competency in core human science courses and to help them transition  to year one health profession’s curriculum.

Students entering the program are required to complete all of the following course at the UC Irvine:

  • One year of general chemistry with lab
  • One year of organic chemistry with lab
  • One year of calculus based physics with lab
  • Genetics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology
  • Upper division courses
    • Physiology lecture and lab
    • Microbiology lecture and lab
    • Anatomy combined lecture and lab or upper division lab or elective applicable to progress

Exceptions may apply if courses are satisfied prior to entrance into the program. All entering course equivalencies are subject to review by department teaching faculty. Course equivalencies listed on assist.org for UC Irvine Biological Sciences major are automatically accepted.

Enrollment

Students accepted into the program have guaranteed enrollment in the basic science core courses and several upper division level courses applicable to admissions requirements such as Human Physiology, Microbiology, Developmental Biology, and Cellular Biology. Upon completion of their basic science courses students will have the option to enroll in other upper division biology electives that can be beneficial to their career goals.  The curriculum is both structured and personalized to meet each student’s pre-health admission requirements.

Sample Curriculum

1st Summer Fall Winter Spring
Accelerated one-year General Chemistry lecture Organic Chemistry

General Chemistry lab

Genetics

Safety and Ethics

Organic Chemistry

General Chemistry lab

Biochemistry

Elective

Organic Chemistry

Molecular Biology

Elective

2nd Summer Fall Winter Spring
Organic Chemistry labs

Physiology Lecture

Scientific Writing

—–

Biostatistics or Calculus

Research (optional)

MCAT Prep – class

Physiology Lab

Physics lecture

Research (optional)

MCAT Prep – class

Upper div. Biology lecture or lab

Physics with lab

Elective

Research (optional)

MCAT Prep -self study

Microbiology lab

Physics with lab

Elective

Research (optional)

MCAT Prep -self study

Students can anticipate class instruction on campus from 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. Occasionally labs may be required in the evening.