Pre-Requisites

For any school if you are unsure if a class will fulfill a prerequisite it is recommended to email the office of admissions with your inquiry before you enroll in the class.

  • Basic Requirements

    • 2 semesters Biology (w/ lab) -BIO 201L + BIO 202L
    • 2 semesters General Chemistry (w/ lab)
      • Start with CHEM 101L + CHEM 210L
        • Do not recommend starting with CHEM 110L because you will have to take CHEM 210L anyways (unless the dental schools you are applying to accept AP credit)
      • AP credit + start with CHEM 201L (organic) *check with dental schools about AP*
      • Can always take CHEM 210L to be safe
      • If a Chem major- Physical Chemistry will also suffice the second chemistry requirement (double check with schools if using this option)
    • 2 semesters Organic (w/ lab) - CHEM 201L + CHEM 202L
      • Recommend taking at marine lab over the summer if option is available (will count as the same credit as taking it in Durham)
    • 2 semesters Physics (w/ lab) - PHYSICS 141L + PHYSICS 142L
      • A good majority take physics junior year or during summers, but really up to you because it is not covered on the DAT. Just get it done.
    • 2 semesters English
      • WRITING 101
      • AP credit
      • Any class with a W code- some schools might later ask for a syllabus of the class to ensure that it is writing intensive
    • Biochemistry - 1 semester BIOCHEM 301 (no lab required)

  • Other requirements for specific schools

    • Satistics- STAT 101 or STAT 102 (Biostats), or STA199
      • AP Credit
    • Calculus- At least Calculus I (MATH 111L), some schools Calculus II (MATH 112L/MATH 122L)
      • AP Credit
    • Anatomy- TWO semesters of Evanth 333L (anatomy) AND  Evanth 330 (physiology) will fulfill this requirement
      • Traditionally, Evanth 333L is taught in the spring and Evanth 330 in the fall so plan your course schedule accordingly.
    • Microbiology- Biology 212L

  • Recommended courses to take before the DAT

    • Bio 201L, Bio 202L, Chem 101L/110L, Chem 210L, Microbiology, Biochem, Evanth 333L
    • The more Biology courses you take the better prepared you will be for the DAT Biology section. This section on the DAT covers a wide range of material and not a singular class will cover all of the material. Most students end up self-studying for the Biology section.

  • Recommended but not required courses

    • Psychology/Sociology classes
    • CELLBIO 503: Intro to Physiology
    • BIO 330L: Anatomy of Vertebrates

  • General Tips and Guidance

    • Do not take Prerequisites at a Community College or Abroad
    • You can take them at any accredited 4-year university or at Duke over the summer