Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Basic Core Science Studies

Prepare for a new career as a healthcare professional with Temple University’s Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Basic Core Science Studies in the College of Science and Technology. This 37–38-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.  

Choosing a postbaccalaureate certificate program.

Students in the Basic Core Science Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program complete coursework in the basic core sciences, which is required before applying to professional school. Students in the Advanced Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program have already completed coursework in the basic core sciences and are seeking more more challenging coursework.

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 certificate 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.
• Participate in clinical enhancement and/or volunteer opportunities.  

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
• Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
• The Practice of Healthcare*

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
• Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
• Practice and Development of Spatial Visualization*
• The Practice of Healthcare*

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
• Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
• Medical Terminology*
• Physiology 
• Physiology Lab
• The Practice of Healthcare*

*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 Science Studies Certificate (Professional) courses.

Careers

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

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

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for the Basic Core Science Studies Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program is $28,850 for Pennsylvania residents and $35,590 for nonresidents.

Learn more about our tuition and fees.