The following guide provides examples of how courses are often categorized. Please select course classifications based on the primary content of the course. Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics grades are used to calculate the AMCAS BCPM GPA. Please note: Natural and physical sciences courses (NPSCs) are not included in the BCPM GPA.
For interdisciplinary courses in which two or more subject matters are combined into one course, refer to the description of the course on your school’s website or consult with your prehealth advisor to choose the most appropriate course classification.
Course Classification Guide
Biology (BIOL)*
Anatomy
Biology
Biophysics
Biotechnology
Botany
Cell Biology
Ecology
Entomology
Genetics
Histology
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Physiology
Zoology
Chemistry (CHEM)*
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Thermodynamics
Toxicology
Physics (PHYS)*
Astronomy
Physics
Mathematics (MATH)*
Applied Mathematics
Biostatistics
Mathematics
Statistics
Behavioral and Social Sciences (BESS)
Anthropology
Economics
Family Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Business (BUSI)
Accounting
Finance
Human Resource Studies
Management
Marketing
Organizational Studies
Communications (COMM)
Journalism
Media Production and Studies
TV, Video, and Audio
Computer Science and Technology (COMP)
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Information Systems
Telecommunications
Education (EDUC)
Counseling and Personnel Services
Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Administration
Educational Policy
Health Education
Human Development
Physical Education (except sports courses)
Special Education
Engineering (ENGI)
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
English Language and Literature (ENGL)
Composition & Rhetoric
Creative Writing
Literature
Fine Arts (ARTS)
Art
Art History
Dance
Fine Arts
Music
Photography
Theatre
Foreign Languages, Linguistics, and Literature (FLAN)
American Sign Language
Comparative Literature
Linguistics
Foreign Language(s) and Literature
Government, Political Science, and Law (GOVT)
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Government
International Relations and Studies
Law/Legal Studies
Political Science
Public Affairs and Policy
Urban Policy and Planning
Health Sciences (HEAL)
Allied Health
Chiropractic
Dentistry
Hearing and Speech Sciences
Hospital Administration
Kinesiology
Nursing
Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Osteopathy
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant
Public Health
Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Sports Medicine
Veterinary Medicine
History (HIST)
History
Natural and Physical Sciences (NPSC)
Agriculture
Animal and Avian Sciences
Environmental Science and Policy
Forestry
Geography
Horticulture
Landscape Architecture
Meteorology
Natural Resources
Oceanography
Other (OTHR)
All courses that do not fit appropriately into another classification, as well as tennis, golf, aerobics, etc.
Architecture
Library Science
Military Science
Philosophy and Religion (PHIL)
Ethics
Logic
Philosophy
Religion
Theology
Special Studies (SSTU)
Afro-American Studies
American Studies
Gender Studies
*Courses used in the BCPM GPA.