University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Medical Biology- Medical Sciences Track

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Biological Sciences

Contact: Dr. Stephan Zeeman (Interim Chair) szeeman@une.edu 

Biology is an exploration of the living world that underscores and explains the unity and diversity of life. But it is also a truly human endeavor in that it affects us all. Because we live at this time in human history – at the beginning of what many believe to be a biological age – students must be able to apply biological concepts to the wide array of problems and choices they inevitably face.

The medical biology major is designed to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences for students who ultimately pursue careers in human medicine, dentistry, other health professions (e.g. physical therapy), biomedical research, or the biotechnology industry. Students in the medical biology major can choose one of two possible tracks: (1) medical sciences track, and (2) pre-physician assistant track.

The medical sciences track provides students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels. In addition to the comprehensive introduction to general biology, the courses offered in this track introduce the student to the fields of physiology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and genetics. This track also includes those courses that are pre-requisite courses for entrance into medical and dental schools and graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and other health professional programs. The many laboratory-based courses in this track allow students to become familiar with the most up-to-date laboratory techniques used for biological research, an advantage for students who wish to enter graduate schools in the biomedical sciences or to work in the biotechnology industry. Finally, students in this track have the opportunity to complete off-campus internships for college credit (e.g. in hospital, clinical, or laboratory setting).

This program is designed for: pre-medical students, pre-dental students, pre-veterinary students, students who will eventually enter graduate school in the biological sciences, and students who will eventually enter the biotechnology industry.

Courses previously completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred biology courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the biology courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they will transfer as general electives.  All Biology courses previously completed must be no older than eight years.  Other options and restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Accelerated 3-4 Option Medical Biology-Medical Sciences Track
For those students interested in attending the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), an accelerated version of this track offers the opportunity to complete this major upon successful completion of three years of undergraduate work and the first year of medical school.  Qualified CAS undergraduate students who wish to become a doctor of osteopathy (D.O), may apply for early admission to the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of New England following their third year. This "3-4 Program" allows mature, qualified CAS students to complete an undergraduate degree and doctor of osteopathy degree in seven years. The program is for students admitted to CAS in the medical sciences track in the medical biology major. Recommended policy and procedures for this program follow:

• Complete admission requirements of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the University of New England (see the COM Catalog medical college admission requirements.)
• Complete CAS graduation requirements for both the medical sciences track in the medical biology major and the CAS Core Curriculum (with the exception of one BIO 400 or higher level course).
• Successful completion of the first year of COM courses for which 30 hours of credit will be awarded towards meeting the undergraduate degree.
• Seventy-five percent or 90 credit hours of the total required credit hours for a baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to matriculation in COM.
• To qualify for the 3-4 Program, students must satisfy a two-year residency which requires that at least two thirds (60 credit hours) of the undergraduate requirements be taken while in CAS.
• Students entering the 3-4 Program should declare their intention by the end of the fall semester of their second year at the Registrar's Office and with their advisor. The form may be obtained online on the Registrar's page.
• To remain in good standing, students in the 3-4 Program must maintain a UNE cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a scale of 4.00) for all subjects and a science GPA of 3.00 or better.
• Students should apply to COM at the beginning of the fall semester of their third year. They will undergo the regular admission process as indicated in the UNECOM catalog and be evaluated by the Admission Committee of COM. Students are strongly advised to seek regular advice, counseling, and support from the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC). Continuing support of 3-4 students by the PHPAC requires demonstration of academic strength, personal motivation, and sufficient maturity to indicate probable success in the Osteopathic Medical Program.
• 3-4 Program students who fulfill requirements as described are guaranteed an interview and are assured of receiving full consideration by the Admissions Committee for admission to COM.
• Students are encouraged to take the MCAT in April of their second year.
• During their first year at COM, 3-4 Program students will also be CAS students and are therefore encouraged to continue to seek counsel and guidance of PHPAC of CAS.
• First-year 3-4 COM students will submit a "Petition to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office during the first week of their second semester and will be awarded a baccalaureate degree upon satisfactory completion of the first year at COM.  This form may also be obtained online on the Registrar's page.
• Students must fulfill all other CAS and COM requirements and business office obligations.
  

Additional Information
See General Information for Biological Sciences Department Majors for details concerning curriculum topic areas, minors, honors program, internships, and general information on UNE's largest department.  Please visit our Department Homepage also.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2008-2009 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2008.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.