Why Study Pre-Pharmacy?
Pharmacists play a critical role on healthcare teams by dispensing medications and counseling patients on their appropriate use. As a pharmacist, you’ll work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers to promote wellness, alleviate pain and treat illness.
As a pre-pharmacy student at Belmont, you’ll get a solid grounding in the science fundamentals you need to apply to pharmacy school. You’ll get hands-on advising from faculty who want to see you succeed. You may also be eligible to apply for our Early Assurance program, a six-year path to the PharmD that can save you both time and money.
Studying pre-pharmacy at Belmont opens the door to a wide variety of opportunities through our nationally recognized College of Pharmacy, including medical mission trips, student pharmacy organizations and seminars.
And our location in Nashville – the healthcare capital of the world – gives you access to internships and jobs at more than 500 regional healthcare companies.
What You'll Learn
The exact courses you’ll take vary depending on which major you choose. Many pre-pharmacy students major in pharmaceutical studies, while others choose chemistry with a pre-health emphasis.
Whichever major you choose, you’ll study a broad range of subjects. Classes in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics provide a solid foundation for pharmacy school, while writing, communication and the behavioral sciences prepare you to work on a team and counsel patients.
Career Possibilities
Pharmacists work in a wide range of settings and specialty areas, allowing you to tailor your career to match your interests.
Our PharmD graduates go on to jobs in labs, pharmacies, retail government agencies, hospitals and beyond. For example:
- Psychiatric pharmacist
- Veterinary pharmacist
- Critical Care pharmacist
- Community pharmacist
- Pharmacy manager
- Toxicologist
- Pharmaceutical scientist
- Pharmaceutical representative
Program Details
The courses you’ll take depend on which major you pursue. Here are two popular pathways.
Chemistry with a Pre-Health Emphasis
CEM 1050 Freshman Chemistry Seminar
Required of all freshman chemistry majors. This orientation course acquaints students with chemistry programs, chemistry faculty and the University. Topics will include opportunities in the field of chemistry, advising, scheduling, faculty expectations, career planning and networking. The academic component of this course will include current scientific literature, assignments and discussions.
CEM 1510 General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. During the first semester of General Chemistry, covered topics include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns and an introduction to the gas laws.
CEM 1515 General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab accompanies the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the first semester include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns and an introduction to the gas laws.
CEM 1520 General Chemistry II
General Chemistry II is the second course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered second semester include: Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry and an introduction to chemical kinetics.
CEM 1525 General Chemistry II Lab
General Chemistry II Lab accompanies the second course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the second semester include: thermochemistry & thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry and an introduction to chemical kinetics.
CEM 2810 Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I is the first course of a two-semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. In the first semester, the focus is on the properties and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. This course includes a laboratory component.
CEM 2820 Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II is the second course of a two-semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. The second course continues the exploration of the properties and reactions of organic compounds through the study of aromatic and carbonyl compounds. This course includes a laboratory component.
CEM 3410 Quantitative Analysis
A modern approach to the subject is taken and includes basic statistical tools, error analysis and a thorough discussion of equilibrium, including solubility, acid-base, complex formation and oxidation-reduction reactions. Independent laboratory work is a major portion of the course.
CEM 3700 Research in Chemistry
A discussion of research in Chemistry, including experimental design, data analysis, literature review methods, publications of chemical research and research presentations. Student will create a proposal for research to be executed in CEM 4700.
CEM 4700 Research in Chemistry II
Students will execute the research project proposed in CEM 3700 or another project agreed upon by the student and the instructor. This course can be taken twice for credit, not to exceed five hours total.
CEM 4050 Chemistry Senior Capstone
The Chemistry Senior Capstone serves to prepare students for employment or post-graduate education. Practical issues such as career planning and interviewing will be included. Central to this course is the integration of chemical concepts and application to practical, real-world issues. This course will also be utilized for program assessment.
Pharmaceutical Studies
BIO 1150 Principles of Biology I Lecture
Principles of Biology I is the first course in the introductory sequence of courses for biology majors, minors, and students in health science programs. The complete introductory sequence includes Principles of Biology II. This course introduces students to biochemistry, cellular biology and genetics.
BIO 1155 Principles of Biology I Lab
Principles of Biology I Laboratory course complements topics presented in the corresponding BIO 1150 Lecture course. Hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory experiments develop skills utilized in biochemistry, cellular biology and genetics.
BIO 1160 Principles of Biology II Lecture
Principles of Biology II is the second course in the introductory sequence of courses for biology majors, minors and students in health science programs. The complete introductory sequence includes Principles of Biology I. This course introduces students to evolution, diversity of organisms, plant and animal structure and function, and ecological relationships.
BIO 1165 Principles of Biology II Lab
Principles of Biology II Laboratory course complements topics presented in the corresponding BIO 1160 Lecture course. Hands-on experiences and field trips introduce students to evolution, diversity of organisms, plant and animal structure and function, and ecological relationships.
CEM 1510 General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. During the first semester of General Chemistry, covered topics include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns and an introduction to the gas laws.
CEM 1515 General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab accompanies the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the first semester include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns and an introduction to the gas laws.
CEM 1520 General Chemistry II
General Chemistry II is the second course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered second semester include: Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry and an introduction to chemical kinetics.
CEM 1525 General Chemistry II Lab
General Chemistry II Lab accompanies the second course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the second semester include: thermochemistry & thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry and an introduction to chemical kinetics.
CEM 2810 Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I is the first course of a two-semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. In the first semester, the focus is on the properties and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. This course includes a laboratory component.
CEM 2820 Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II is the second course of a two-semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. The second course continues the exploration of the properties and reactions of organic compounds through the study of aromatic and carbonyl compounds. This course includes a laboratory component.
BIO 2120 Basic Microbiology
A study of the morphology, structure, metabolism, genetics and control of microorganisms; disease resistance and the role of microorganisms in the disease process; environmental and applied microbiology.
PHY 1110 Precalculus-Based Physics I
This course provides an introduction to the principles of linear and rotational motion, including Newton’s laws, energy, momentum and fluids. Quantitative as well as qualitative aspects of the subject are developed utilizing precalculus.
MTH 1210, Calculus I
An introduction to analytical geometry, limits, integration and differentiation.
MTH 1151, Elementary Statistics for the Sciences
The study of statistical procedures widely used in the sciences. Topics include, in addition to those taught in MTH 1150, modeling with probability distributions, multiple regression, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, nonparametric statistics and bootstrapping. Analysis of data using computer software will relate to the sciences. Special emphasis will be placed on the communication of statistical results from scientific research.
Our College of Pharmacy offers a wide range of opportunities to explore the pharmacy profession and get to know students who share your interests. For example:
- Serve on a medical mission trip within the U.S. or abroad.
- Join the Belmont Pre-Health Club, the Student National Pharmaceutical Association or another student organization to make connections and learn more about careers.
- Attend lectures, seminars and other events sponsored by the College of Pharmacy.