Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Dental), B.S.


What does it mean to be Pre-Dental?

Pre-dental is not a specific major.  The term is used to describe students who plan to pursue a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) after completing their undergraduate degree.  Pre-dental students must complete courses required for admission to dental school, acquire the capacity to perform well on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in dental school.

Each dental school has its own specific prerequisites.  All require two semesters each of biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.  Most require math (college algebra or calculus) and statistics.  Most recommend additional coursework in biology and psychology.  Because students will generally apply to more than one dental school, a degree program that provides a strong background in the natural sciences and “covers all the bases” is essential.

The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Dental), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities to acquire sufficient foundational knowledge to prepare pre-dental students for the DAT and the rigor of dental school.  Pre-dental students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during their first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to receive information and advice on the timing and execution of that plan).

What Other Courses Should Pre-Dental Students Take?

Because prerequisites vary among schools, we recommend that pre-dental students (in consultation with their academic advisor) conduct careful research on their preferred dental schools to make sure that they are using Electives in the Major, or General Electives, and the Chowan VALUES Core to select courses that will meet or exceed each school’s prerequisites.

Because manual dexterity is essential to practicing dentistry (and is assessed during the dental school admissions process), we recommend that pre-dental students consider enrolling in General Electives that would help to develop or refine these skills (e.g., piano or violin lessons, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, etc.).

What Else Should Pre-Dental Students Do Before Applying to Dental School?

  • Get experience.

A strong dental school applicant will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the practice of dentistry.  Shadowing a dentist is an ideal way to observe standard dental practices, learn discipline specific terminology, confirm your interest in the field of dentistry, add a relevant experience block to your resume, and acquire the ability to speak knowledgeably about the field during a dental school interview.  Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493  – Cooperative Internship Experience).

  • Develop manual dexterity skills

Manual dexterity is crucial for those who practice dentistry.  The DAT contains a section designed to test this skill.  During a dental school interview you will probably be asked to provide specific examples of how you have developed or refined your manual dexterity skills.

  • Take the DAT

What is the DAT?

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required by all dental schools in the US and Canada and is an important component of a competitive dental school application.

The DAT has four sections.

  • Survey of the Natural Sciences
  • Perceptual Ability
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Reasoning

Criteria for Admission to Program

Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:

2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.

Grades of C or better in the following core courses:

GPA 2.00

Minimum Graduation Requirements (120 credit hours)


C or Better On All Courses Toward The Major.


Core Requirements (53 credit hours)


Biology Core (23 credit hours)


Chemistry Core (16 credit hours)


Physics Core (8 credit hours)


The Department of Biology strongly recommends that students take PHYS 203  and PHYS 204 .

Mathematics Core (3-4 credit hours)


The Department of Biology strongly recommends that students take MATH 170 .

Capstone (3-4 credit hours)


Electives in the Major (12 credit hours)


At least 4 credit hours must come from at least two of the following categories: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution. A course used to fulfill the requirement in one category may not be used again to fulfill the requirement in another category. At least 4 credit hours must come from 300- or 400-level courses. At least two courses must have a lab component.

Special topics courses (BIOL 299 , BIOL 399 , BIOL 499 ), seminar (BIOL 391 ), directed research (BIOL 392 ), and internships (BIOL 493 ) are assigned a specific category at the time they are offered.

Cellular and Molecular Biology


Additional Requirements (19 credit hours)


VALUES Core (36 credit hours)


Vocation, Application, and Learning in the Undergraduate Experience for Students

Chowan VALUES (18 credit hours)


*Personal and Civic VALUES (6 credit hours)


These 6 credit hours must be from 2 different disciplines. Disciplines are designated by prefixes. Personal and Civic VALUES courses allow students to develop self and identity and explore the individual’s role in and impact on society. Personal and Civic VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with PV. To view a list of approved Personal and Civic VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Historical and Global VALUES (3 credit hours)


Historical and Global VALUES courses engage students in critical analysis of the past to understand how knowledge of history helps them to navigate their future. These courses also encourage students to ask critical questions about global issues and challenges. Historical and Global VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with HV. To view a list of approved Historical and Global VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Scientific VALUES (3 credit hours)


Scientific VALUES courses enable students to develop the skills necessary to employ the scientific method and assess the way evidence-based knowledge affects the understanding of self, others, and the world. These courses encourage students to explore the physical, natural, and behavioral world. Scientific VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with SV. To view a list of approved Scientific VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Cultural and Diversity VALUES (6 credit hours)


These 6 credit hours must be from 2 different disciplines and at least 3 of these 6 credit hours must be 200 level or higher. Disciplines are designated by prefixes. Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses prepare students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and thrive in an interconnected world. These courses introduce students to an understanding of diverse cultures, arts, and communities. Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with CV. To view a list of approved Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses, click VALUES Core .

*Notes


These 18 credit hours must include 3 credit hours of social or behavioral science and 3 credit hours of humanities or fine arts. Social or behavioral sciences include geography, history, sociology, political science, psychology, or economics. Humanities or fine arts include philosophy, music, literature, drama, art, or religion.

Students can “double count” up to 6 credit hours of these 18 credit hours for both their major and general education. However, students cannot use a course to fulfill both the VALUES Core and the Global Learning Core.

To qualify for a baccalaureate degree, a student must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, meet the university’s VALUES Core requirements, and meet any specific requirements of the major.