University of New England

Program:  Undergraduate course of study providing preparation for application to Doctor of Pharmacy program or transfer into Bachelor of Science degree programs.

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Chemistry and Physics

Contact: Dr. Larry Thompson (Interim Chair) lthompson2@une.edu 

                Dr. Jerome Mullin (Pre-pharmacy Coordinator) jmullin@une.edu

Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science; it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science, and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.

Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. To understand living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.

In addition to offering majors in chemistry, chemistry/secondary education, biochemistry, and laboratory science, as well as a minor in chemistry, the department administers the university’s pre-pharmacy program. This two-year program of courses provides the necessary coursework to prepare a student to meet the requirements for admission to the four-year professional program leading to the Pharm. D. degree. Completion of the two-year pre-pharmacy curriculum also will prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program should they choose not to seek entry into the pharmacy program.

The College of Arts and Sciences, through the Department of Chemistry and Physics, offers a two-year, undergraduate pre-pharmacy program on UNE's University Campus in Biddeford, Maine.  This professional program will provide students with the minimum necessary coursework required for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.  The College of Pharmacy will offer the Doctor of Pharmacy as the entry-level professional degree that will prepare students for careers as pharmacists and/or pharmaceutical scientists.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is awarded after successful completion of four years of professional study. A minimum of two years of undergraduate pre-professional education is required for admission, followed by four years of professional studies.

The four-year, professional program (Pharm.D.) is anticipated to begin the fall of 2009 and will be located on UNE’s Westbrook College Campus in Portland, Maine.  For more information about the Pharm. D. program, please refer to the College of Pharmacy Web page: www.une.edu/pharmacy

Preferred conditions for entry into the pre-pharmacy program are completion of at least three years of high school mathematics and three years of high school science, including biology, chemistry and physics.  See Undergraduate Admissions requirements.

Students interested in applying for admission to the professional pharmacy program (Pharm. D. program) at the University of New England will need to complete successfully a minimum of 71 credit hours of specific undergraduate level courses. Additional admission requirements for the professional pharmacy program are required and prospective students should contact the College of Pharmacy for additional information.

Pre-Pharmacy 'Early Assurance' Status
To be eligible for consideration as a pre-pharmacy student with “early assurance” status, applicants should have the following minimum credentials:

• Be a current senior level high school student.
• Complete the undergraduate application for admission process. The priority application filing date is March 1st and applications will be accepted and reviewed after this date on a space available basis.
• Have a minimum academic grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the core academics subjects at the secondary school level, including:
  • Four units of high school level math with the successful completion of at least the following course equivalents:
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • One unit of high school level chemistry with a lab.
  • Additional advanced level math and science classes are strongly recommended.
• Courses at advanced placement (AP) and/or honors level will strengthen the candidate’s application for admission.
• Earn a composite score of 24 or above on the ACT or a combined total of 1100 or above on the Critical Reading and Mathematics sections of the SAT examination.
• Score a 24 or above on the ACT math component or 550 or above on the mathematics section of the SAT I test.
• A record of active participation in school or community organizations.

Students in the pre-pharmacy “early assurance” status are granted a seat in the College of Pharmacy upon completion of the following:

• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 for the pre-pharmacy coursework with grades of "C" or better. Students cannot repeat any prerequisite course for a higher grade, and
• Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) in the sophomore year. The PCAT must be taken no later than the January test date, and
• Score within the top 65th percentile on the PCAT with an appropriate score on the writing sample, and
• Successfully interview with the College of Pharmacy, and
• Submit two letters of recommendation. One will be from a pharmacist and the other from a professor familiar with the students work, and
• Demonstrate participation in community/campus activities, and
• Successfully complete a criminal background check, and
• Be in good standing and currently enrolled in the undergraduate program at UNE, and
• Complete the application for admission into the College of Pharmacy through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), and
• Complete the 71 credit hours of pre-professional requirements in the Pre-Pharmacy program. All pre-pharmacy coursework must be completed by the Spring semester of the year of matriculation into the College [i.e., no prerequisite courses taken the summer prior to matriculation into the College will be accepted.], and
• Complete a minimum of 12 semester hours each term.

Transfer students do not qualify for pre-pharmacy “early assurance” status. However, transfer students are encouraged to apply to the University of New England. See University Undergraduate Admissions Requirements 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.