Pre-Medicine A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,375* (estimated)

Build toward medical school success

Get in-depth in med school subjects

Start your journey toward medical school with an affordable and comprehensive associate degree in Pre-Medicine from the College of Lake County.

This 2-year degree prepares you for the rigors of a bachelor’s degree program as well as the medical school curriculum. In addition to general education courses, you complete introductory classes in biology, chemistry and physics. At graduation, you’re ready to continue your education and succeed at the next level.

What can you do with an A.A. in Pre-Medicine?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Pre-Medicine prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics or related fields. It lays the foundation for medical school and a career in this field.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 161

    BIO 161 General Biology I

    Class Description

    This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    CHM 121

    CHM 121 General Chemistry I

    Class Description

    This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 161
      Course Title

      BIO 161 General Biology I

      Class Description

      This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code CHM 121
      Course Title

      CHM 121 General Chemistry I

      Class Description

      This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 162

    BIO 162 General Biology II

    Class Description

    This course examines the following areas of biology: ecology, evolution, systematics, biological diversity, and various systems. Laboratory work includes field and laboratory experiments and computer simulations. This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    CHM 123

    CHM 123 General Chemistry II

    Class Description

    This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health-related fields. It continues some of the topics presented in CHM 121, General Chemistry I, in more detail. The student is also introduced to the following topics: dynamics of solution formation, various ways to express solution concentrations, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, hydrolysis, buffers, titration, solubility, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The course also includes introductory work in qualitative analysis.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 145

    MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

    Class Description

    This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 162
      Course Title

      BIO 162 General Biology II

      Class Description

      This course examines the following areas of biology: ecology, evolution, systematics, biological diversity, and various systems. Laboratory work includes field and laboratory experiments and computer simulations. This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code CHM 123
      Course Title

      CHM 123 General Chemistry II

      Class Description

      This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health-related fields. It continues some of the topics presented in CHM 121, General Chemistry I, in more detail. The student is also introduced to the following topics: dynamics of solution formation, various ways to express solution concentrations, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, hydrolysis, buffers, titration, solubility, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The course also includes introductory work in qualitative analysis.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 145
      Course Title

      MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

      Class Description

      This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 126 instead of ENG 122. Students can also choose MTH 222 instead of MTH 145.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of PHI 125.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 127

    BIO 127 Introduction to Evolution

    Class Description

    This course examines the concept of evolution and mechanisms by which evolution proceeds. An analysis of the evidence for evolution, a section on basic genetics, and a brief treatment of challenges to evolution are included.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 149

    BIO 149 Genetics and Society

    Class Description

    This course examines cell structure and function, the nature of the gene, cell division (mitosis vs. meiosis), Mendelian genetics, hereditary disorders, recombinant DNA technology, the genetic evidence supporting evolution, and ethical issues that arise due to our increased knowledge and technology as it relates to genetics.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHY 121

    PHY 121 General Physics I

    Class Description

    This it the first course in a two semester sequence designed for students in arts and sciences. Basic concepts of mechanics, waves and sound are developed through lectures, demonstrations and laboratory experience. Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry assumed.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 127
      Course Title

      BIO 127 Introduction to Evolution

      Class Description

      This course examines the concept of evolution and mechanisms by which evolution proceeds. An analysis of the evidence for evolution, a section on basic genetics, and a brief treatment of challenges to evolution are included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 149
      Course Title

      BIO 149 Genetics and Society

      Class Description

      This course examines cell structure and function, the nature of the gene, cell division (mitosis vs. meiosis), Mendelian genetics, hereditary disorders, recombinant DNA technology, the genetic evidence supporting evolution, and ethical issues that arise due to our increased knowledge and technology as it relates to genetics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHY 121
      Course Title

      PHY 121 General Physics I

      Class Description

      This it the first course in a two semester sequence designed for students in arts and sciences. Basic concepts of mechanics, waves and sound are developed through lectures, demonstrations and laboratory experience. Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry assumed.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available

    Course options: Students can choose other Fine Arts courses instead of ART 121. Students can also choose other courses or BIO 149 instead of BIO 127, or other Humanities and Fine Arts courses instead of HUM 127.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHY 122

    PHY 122 General Physics II

    Class Description

    This is the second course in a two semester sequence. Basic concepts of heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics are developed.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHY 122
      Course Title

      PHY 122 General Physics II

      Class Description

      This is the second course in a two semester sequence. Basic concepts of heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics are developed.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ANT 221 and SOC 121.

Total Credit Hours

65


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Pre-Medicine at CLC

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