Dentistry, Bachelor of Science Pre-Professional

Contact Information
Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean

Program Information

Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

Please note that course work for pre-professional programs varies as per university. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are taking correct pre-professional coursework when applying to a University other than specified in the Calendar.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

International Students and Students applying outside of their home province are advised to consult the calendar of the institution to which you will be applying regarding its policy on admitting international and out-of-province students. This may vary between institutions.

The Program

The Pre-Dentistry program is the first two years of a Bachelor of Science program, tailored to meet the admission requirements of the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at the University of Alberta.

Program Admission Features

This program is designed to prepare students to meet admission requirements to The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Competitive admission to professional programs requires a high grade point average. You should check with universities to be aware of specific admission requirements.

Because space is limited in the Dentistry program at University of Alberta, admission to the Pre-Professional Program for Dentistry at RDC does not guarantee admission to University of Alberta. You should meet all of the Pre-Dentistry requirements, but also design your program so that you can complete a Bachelor of Science degree.

Consult U of A Calendar for other admission requirements.

Selecting the right courses for the first two years is vital when choosing courses for the Pre-Professional Program for Dentistry at University of Alberta. You must see an academic advisor before selecting courses.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Physics 30

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Program Content
University of Alberta

You must make sure you meet admission and minimum course load requirements for the professional program as well as your alternate BSc program.

(Please note these credits are U of A credits.)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • 3 Arts or Science options (9 credits)
  • CHEM 351 (3 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

BIOL 218

An introduction to how the diverse organisms on this planet have been affected by their ennvironment and how the current environment is the product of the activities or organisms. The course also examines how evolution has operated over long time periods to produce major groups of organisms and how evolutionary origins are reflected in their classsification. The principles that underlie our understanding of the major lineages will be discussed using examples from bacteria; fungi; protists; animals; and plants. A description of the involvement of organisms in major ecosystem processes leads to an evaluation of the stability of those systems and of human impact on the processes. Prerequisite: Biology 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30

CHEM 212

Titration curves; solubility and complex ion equilibria; entropy and Gibbs energy; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; bonding and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 211

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure; nomenclature; reactions; reaction mechanisms; structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes; alkenes; alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry; agriculture and everyday use (polymers; fats; soaps; pesticides; medicinals; etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241; CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

Year 2

See an academic advisor for details.