Pre-Pharmacy

In addition to offering majors in chemistry, chemistry/secondary education, biochemistry, and laboratory science, as well as a minor in chemistry, the department of chemistry and physics administers the university’s pre-pharmacy program. This two-year program of courses provides the necessary coursework to prepare a student to meet the requirements for admission to the four-year professional program leading to the Pharm. D. degree. Completion of the two-year pre-pharmacy curriculum also will prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program in chemistry or biochemistry should they choose not to seek entry into the pharmacy program.

The department of chemistry and physics' mission has two distinct yet interdependent aspects: to provide major programs that prepare students for careers or advanced study in the physical sciences, and to provide courses for students whose programs require a sound understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and physics as a basis for future study in pharmacy, medical, nursing or therapy disciplines.  To understand biological systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them. The Department's programs, and all of its courses, stress the integration of theory and experiment, the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the cultivation of oral and written communication skills. The Department is highly committed to undergraduate research, providing opportunities for students from all disciplinary fields to work closely with faculty mentors on collaborative research projects. In order to fulfill its dual mission, the Department maintains well-equipped holdings of modern chemical instrumentation, affording students the opportunity to gain experience using state-of-the-art equipment in courses and research projects. To meet the needs of students with diverse interests in the physical sciences, the Department offers majors in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemistry/Secondary Education, and Laboratory Science, as well as a minor in Chemistry. The Department fills a significant role for students in health science programs through its introductory and advanced courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in advanced physical sciences and their majors.

The College of Arts and Sciences, through the Department of Chemistry and Physics, offers a two-year, undergraduate pre-pharmacy program on UNE's Biddeford Campus.  This pre-professional program will provide students with the minimum coursework required for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.  The University's College of Pharmacy offers the Doctor of Pharmacy as the entry-level professional degree that will prepare students for careers as pharmacists and/or pharmaceutical scientists.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is awarded after successful completion of an additional four years of professional study. A minimum of two years of undergraduate pre-professional education is required for admission, followed by four years of professional studies.

The four-year, professional program (Pharm.D.) is offered by the UNE College of Pharmacy and is located on UNE’s Portland Campus.  For more information about the Pharm. D. program, including admission requirements, please refer to the College of Pharmacy Web page.

Pre-Pharmacy Admission Requirements

Preferred conditions for entry into the pre-pharmacy program are completion of at least three years of high school mathematics and three years of high school science, including biology, chemistry and physics.  See Undergraduate Admissions requirements.

Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program Admissions Requirements

Students interested in applying for admission to the professional pharmacy program (Pharm. D. program) in the University of New England's College of Pharmacy will need to complete successfully a minimum of 72 credit hours of specific undergraduate level courses.  Additional admission requirements for the professional pharmacy program are required and prospective students should contact the College of Pharmacy for additional information.

Transfer students are encouraged to apply to the University of New England. See University Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.

Note: Some of the courses listed above may be waived with prior credit that meets UNE approved criteria as outlined in the academic catalog (i.e. AP examination scores or transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions of higher education).   Please also note that the pre-pharmacy course sequence is different from the traditional biochemistry undergraduate major course sequence. Students seeking to complete the bachelor of science degree in biochemistry should review the Biochemistry Program information located in the academic catalog at the time of admission.
 

• Students will be able to describe basic scientific information and concepts.
• Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in safe and laboratory practices.
• Students will be able to clearly communicate scientific information in both oral and written forms.
• Students will be able to work collaboratively in various team settings.
• Students will be able to compete successfully for placement in professional programs or continuation of an undergraduate degree program.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.