Basic Core Health Science Postbaccalaureate 

Prepare for a new career as a healthcare professional with Temple University’s Basic Core Health Science Postbaccalaureate program in the College of Science and Technology. This 35–36-credit program is designed for college graduates with limited coursework in basic sciences who need enhanced academic preparation before applying to professional schools.

Students gain the necessary knowledge base in general sciences required for professional school through a rigorous and structured suite of prerequisite and scientific training in the basic health sciences. This interdisciplinary degree program draws scholars from across the university and its health system to provide advanced coursework in the following subjects.

• General, organic and biological chemistry 
• Physics
• Introductory and advanced biology (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology and physiology) 

Through the curriculum, you’ll learn critical analysis, communication and problem-solving skills. Educational opportunities including seminar series covering science & non-science topics, and an introduction to the review of scientific literature, help you build these skills.  

Program Benefits

Take advantage of small learning cohorts and enhance classroom instruction with professional development opportunities. The following services are specialized to help guide and support student success throughout the duration of the program.

• Advising
• Application support including committee letters, personal statement review and mock interviews
• Customized standardized test preparation 

Classes & Curriculum

This is a rigorous full-time program that will take 12 months to complete. All classes are held on Temple’s Main Campus.

Students in the postbaccalaureate program choose one of three possible tracks of study. The following requirements apply to all students regardless of which track they choose unless they receive a waiver from the program director.

• Attend mandatory advising sessions throughout the 12-month program. 
• Attend the appropriate standardized test preparatory courses.  
• Complete all course work in the 12-month timeline of the program.

All certificate program students are required to take the following courses in addition to the required coursework for individual tracks.

• Basic Core General Chemistry I
• Basic Core General Chemistry II 
• Basic Core General Chemistry Lab I 
• Basic Core General Chemistry Lab II
• Basic Core Organic Chemistry
• Basic Core Organic Chemistry Lab
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry 

Track 1

Students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or Doctor of Optometry (OD) complete the following courses. 

• Basic Core Intro to Biology I 
• Basic Core Intro to Biology II
• Basic Core Physics I 
• Basic Core Physics II

Track 2

Students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) complete the following courses.

• Basic Core Intro to Biology I 
• Basic Core Intro to Biology II
• Basic Core Physics I 
• Basic Core Physics II
• Practice and Development of Spatial Visualization*

Track 3

Students who wish to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) complete the following courses. Students enrolling in Track 3 must have already taken Biology I and II before admission to the program.

• Clinical Microbiology w/Lab 
• Elements of Statistics
• Human Anatomy
• Human Anatomy Lab
• Medical Terminology*
• Physiology 
• Physiology Lab

*These one-credit courses are required unless a student receives a waiver from the director of the Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program.

Learn more about Basic Core Health Science NDEPB courses.

Careers

Program graduates are prepared for admission to the following professional schools.

• Allopathic and/or osteopathic medical
• Dental 
• Optometry 
• Pharmacy
• Physician assistant 
• Podiatry