This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
PGHS 505. Medical Biochemistry. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 4 lecture hours. 4 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the pre-medical graduate health sciences certificate program. The course offers an in-depth study of biochemistry covering the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways and human disease clinical correlations. A principal learning objective is for students to achieving a facile conceptual understanding of the material rather than to practice rote memorization. This is a graduate-level course that is designed to help students prepare for professional school admissions tests (i.e., MCAT, DAT, etc.) and gain experience with the academic rigor and rapid pace of a first-year professional (i.e., dental or medical) school curricula and to implement test-taking and study pace is therefore deliberately rapid and the amount of material covered large. To excel in the course, students may need to learn and implement robust study, test-taking and time management strategies that are distinct from those used in undergraduate courses.
PGHS 510. Medical Physiology. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 4 lecture hours. 4 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the pre-medical graduate health sciences certificate program. The course offers an in-depth study of human physiology covering foundational concepts, the structure and function of major physiological systems, the integration and regulation of such systems, and application of physiological concepts to understand mechanisms of human disease. A principal learning objective is for students to achieving a facile conceptual understanding of the material rather than to practice rote memorization. This is a graduate-level course that is designed to help students prepare for professional school admissions tests (i.e., MCAT, DAT, etc.) and gain experience with the academic rigor and rapid pace of a first-year professional (i.e., dental or medical) school curricula and to implement test-taking and study pace is therefore deliberately rapid and the amount of material covered large. To excel in the course, students may need to learn and implement robust study, test-taking and time management strategies that are distinct from those used in undergraduate courses.
PGHS 601. Professional Skills and Readiness I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the pre-medical graduate health sciences certificate program. The course is designed to prepare pre-professional (i.e., pre-medical and pre-dental) students to succeed in professional and pre-professional environments by addressing key competencies such as professional behavior, communication skills, ethics, professional readiness and knowledge of foundational scientific principles. Each week consists of two meetings, with a combination of lectures, assignments, team-based and active learning exercises, and discussions aimed at developing essential skills for future healthcare professionals.
PGHS 602. Professional Skills and Readiness II. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Enrollment is restricted to students in the pre-medical graduate health sciences certificate program. The course is designed to prepare pre-professional (i.e., pre-medical and pre-dental) students to successfully apply to medical or dental school and strengthen key competencies, including written and oral communication skills and preparedness for standardized professional school admissions tests. The course will meet once per week and utilize a combination of lectures, written and verbal assignments, student-driven discussions and standardized test preparation materials. By the end of the course, students will have written a well-structured and compelling draft personal statement, be able to effectively answer common professional school application questions, demonstrate improved readiness for professional school interviews through mock interviews and track improvement in their preparedness for MCAT/DAT.