| Program Overview
|
 |
Our program emphasizes courses that
will put students in an excellent position for admission to the
graduate school of their choice. Several course requirements must
also be fulfilled in the sciences, and these vary with each student's
program. Normally, courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics
are a minimum. Few schools require a science major, but these courses
will fulfill the requirements for admission and prepare the student
for the admissions exam. For many students, it is convenient to
major in a science, which requires many of these same courses.
The University of Maine
The University of Maine is located in Orono, a quiet community of
about 10,000 people in east-central Maine. It is relatively safe
and free of big-city problems of crime and traffic congestion. Nearby
Bangor provides first-class shopping, theaters, restaurants, and
other attractions. The scenic Maine coast is just over an hour away
with Acadia National Park and other attractions close enough for
day trips. Extensive forests and mountains are not far to the north
and west, with excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, downhill
and cross-country skiing, river rafting, boating, and fishing. Buses
run regularly to Boston, and major carriers service the Bangor International
Airport.
Research Opportunities
The University of Maine is unique in Maine. It is the only Ph.D.
granting institution in the state. As a modern research university,
it provides many opportunities for students to participate in laboratory
and clinical studies. Well-equipped laboratories are maintained
for work in basic medical sciences such as the molecular biology
of cancer, osteoporosis, the genetics and physiology of heart disease,
veterinary science, biochemistry, and human and animal nutrition.
Many undergraduates participate in laboratory studies with faculty
members on either formal or informal projects, and some go on to
be co-authors on publications with their sponsoring professors.
Having research experience adds an important dimension to graduate
school applications. Cooperating faculty members and graduate students
often make important contributions to graduate school applications
in the form of letters of recommendation.
The Faculty
Our faculty members are committed to teaching. They are the backbone
of the University of Maine and the Health Professions Program. Our
professors are expected not only to be first-rate teachers but to
conduct research as well. This requirement applies to the non-science
departments as well as the biological sciences, chemistry and physics.
The combination of research and teaching ensures that cutting-edge
information is used in all classes. Graduate institutions are well
aware of the care with which University of Maine faculty prepare
students for their programs. Grading standards are consistent with
high expectations of students. Admissions committees know they can
rely on a University of Maine degree to be "as advertised."
Most importantly, our graduates know that their preparation for
examinations like the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or
the Dental Admission Test (DAT) meet the highest educational criteria.
|
