Pre-med Track
Prepare for a career in medicine at AUS
AUS students who aspire to careers in medicine have the option of pursuing a pre-medical (pre-med) track that meets the requirements of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This track is available to students in any major—science, engineering, business, arts or humanities—offering comprehensive preparation for medical college admission through the department's tailored program.
While AUS does not have a medical college, its graduates who have fulfilled the pre-med track requirements are well positioned to apply to medical colleges following the North American medical education system. Several AUS alumni have already earned their MD degrees, while others are currently pursuing their studies in respected medical schools in the UAE, Lebanon, Grenada and Poland.
Journey from the AUS pre-med track to medical school admission
Pre-med track at AUS
To prepare for a career in medicine, AUS students are required to fulfill their pre-med track by taking the following courses:
- 12 credits of biology courses (BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 102L, BIO 260)
- 16 credits of chemistry courses (CHM 101, CHM 101L, CHM 102, CHM 102L, CHM 215, CHM 216, CHM 217, CHM 218)
- 3 credits of biochemistry courses (CHM 350)
- 8 credits in physics (PHY 101, PHY 101L, PHY 102, PHY 102L)
These courses are available within the university's four-year bachelor of science degree programs, either as part of major requirements or as free electives.
Most students who pursue the pre-med track choose to enroll in one of the following undergraduate programs that adequately prepare students for the MCAT, fulfilling the required pre-med courses with proper advising and mentoring, and helping students prepare for the MCAT or its equivalent:
International collaboration and partnerships
AUS focuses on streamlining its alumni admissions, promoting cooperation and expanding educational opportunities for its students by signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with several universities. This allows medical colleges to evaluate AUS applicants as graduates from a “sister” university and provide financial discounts or scholarships.
Currently, AUS has active MoUs with American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University, University of Balamand, Ulster University, St. George’s University (SGU), Global University Systems (GUS) Canada medical schools that include Saba University School of Medicine, Medical University of the Americas, and St. Matthews University School of Medicine.
Learn more about SGU’s international scholarships and tuition fees and living cost.
AUS students admitted into the BSB and BSCB programs may also receive a conditional offer of admission to one of the GUS Medical schools, guaranteeing their place in medical school pending the fulfillment of the admission requirements for the MD degree. Learn more about GUS’ SABA University School of Medicine, St Matthew’s University School of Medicine and Medical University of the Americas.
Graduates who complete the required pre-med courses can apply to any medical school as long as they meet all admission requirements.
Successful pathways
Having completed their pre-med track at AUS, our alumni have further pursued their medical education at:
- Michigan State University, USA
- Kansas City University, USA
- St. George’s University, Grenada / UK
- Khalifa University, UAE
- American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Balamand, Lebanon
- St. George’s University of London, Greece
- University of Lodz, Poland
Alumni testimonials
Souha Dhaouadi, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2022
My experience in AUS provided me with a foundational and well-rounded understanding of the biochemical and cellular processes within biology. My degree allowed me to apply my knowledge and work with laboratory materials, consolidating key concepts in histology, biochemistry and physiology. I am currently pursuing my medical
Jad Jabbour, Bachelor Science in Biology, Class of 2022
My experience at AUS was undoubtedly the biggest contributor to my readiness for medical school. The pre-med track helped equip me with the necessary knowledge in preparatory medical sciences like biochemistry, genetics, general anatomy and physiology and many more. Faculty members challenged us consistently to become better whilst supporting us every step of the way. I am especially grateful for the research experience I received. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the University of Balamand in Lebanon.
Yara Fakheir, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2022
My undergraduate studies in biology at AUS provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the human body. My experience extended beyond the classroom, allowing me to explore numerous research opportunities that enriched my education. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Amal Mohamed, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2019
My undergraduate experience at AUS was truly memorable. The biology program sharpened my ability to think quickly and critically and significantly deepened my theoretical knowledge in the courses I undertook, enabling me to continue advancing in my field. Despite the academic rigor, the invaluable tools provided by each professor in the department empowered me to pursue and gain diverse experiences in both healthcare and research fields. Recently, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Biotechnology, and I have been accepted into Kansas City University – College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM), USA, to pursue my dream of becoming a physician.
Dr. Sylvie Sekian, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2018
Since my formative years at school, I have been known as the girl who eagerly awaited science class. My passion for science, particularly biology, drove my decision to pursue a degree in biology at AUS. Alongside acquiring knowledge, hands-on experience and conducting research, I also developed the valuable skill of critical thinking. I attribute this growth to the professors and instructors at AUS who instilled this skill in all their students. With discipline and dedication, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and subsequently applied to medical school in Europe. My years at AUS were instrumental in preparing me for a career in medicine. Currently, I work as a junior doctor at a hospital in Cardiff, UK, and plan to continue my specialty training here. I fondly cherish my time in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science and I am grateful for the foundation it provided me.
Dr. Sawsan Horani, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2014
I am a proud AUS alumna who is currently a surgeon in training at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical Center - Mayo Clinic, Abu Dhabi. The pre-medical program at AUS provided a strong foundational backbone and numerous opportunities that helped me chart my path into medicine, all within a supportive and inspiring community. Building a career in science and/or medicine can be challenging yet rewarding. So, make sure you laugh ‘a-lung’ the way. Ask for help and guidance when you ‘knee-d’ it. Dream big, B+ and trust your gut. It is going ‘tibia’ okay. And remember, blood is red, cyanosis is blue. If I can do it, then so can you.
Contact
For more information on the pre-med track, please contact:
- Dr. Sarah Dalibalta, [email protected]
- Dr. Amin Majdalawieh, [email protected]
- Ms. Sharon Arugay, [email protected]
