Greg Heiberger, Coordinator and Advisor
Biology and Microbiology
Dairy-Microbiology 225C Box 2104A
605-688-4294
e-mail: greg.heiberger@sdstate.edu
Advisors
Dr. Don Auger, Dr. Michael Hildreth, Dr. Scott Pedersen, Mr. Greg Heiberger.
Area of Study
Students preparing for medical careers should recognize the desirability of a broad education and the need for a basic understanding of the natural sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. Prospective students seeking admission to a school of medicine should recognize that highly developed communication skills as well as a basic understanding of the social sciences and the humanities are necessary.
No particular major is required of students desiring to apply to medical school. No area of study is given preference in the selection process. The college or university selected for undergraduate study should be based on the strength of the undergraduate program and the advising system.
The pre-medicine program is coordinated by the Department of Biology and Microbiology. The curriculum is designed to be compatible with many different majors at South Dakota State University. It includes the following typical medical school minimum admission requirements: one year each of biology and physics with laboratory; mathematics, including a course in calculus; two years of chemistry with laboratory including one year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry or a combination of organic and biochemistry; communications (English, literature, speech); social sciences and humanities as needed to complete the baccalaureate degree.
The student’s advisor will have knowledge of requirements for medical schools in the U.S. Pre-medicine students are encouraged to prepare to meet the entrance requirement for several medical schools of their choice. Advisors can assist in course selection, choosing a major, preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and in the application process as handled by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
Refer to the Association of American Medical School Web site at http://www.aamc.org for more specific information on the application process as well as information on specific medical schools or visit the pre-professional section under academics on the SDSU Web site.
