Med-school applicants find empathetic adviser; pre-engineering majors given improved program Biology With her husband just finishing medical school and a daughter just starting, Debbie Duke understands well the process of applying to medical school - a familiarity that has prepared her for her new position as adviser for premedicine majors. "There is really a lot involved in applying for medical school," Duke said. Pre-medical students must complete a study of the sciences and make an acceptable score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) in order to apply to medical school. Duke emphasized that students don't have to be science majors to apply to medical school. "As long as they study a concentration of science and take the MCAT, anyone can apply," Duke said. She said she has loved mathematics since 8th grade, so it seemed the natural choice for a bachelor's from Harding in 1972. Then she earned her master's in special education, and she completed a doctorate in mathematics in 1992 from Memphis State. Harding students have an advantage among medical school applicants. "We really have a good record of getting our students admitted [to medical schools]." She attributes the success to special opportunities - opportunities, she said, like the 18 alumni who are physicians in Searcy. Through their influence, premed students are invited to volunteer at hospitals nearby. Harding also offers chances for students to travel to Africa to assist with medical missions in Tanzania or Nigeria. "Students can shadow a doctor or [do] anythingtheyneed them to do," Duke said. "I believe our students leave here ready for medical school. - Darcia Woodard Physical Science The demand in a changing "market ofstudents" spurred the physical science department to offer a new pre-engineering program this year. "We did anACT survey and, for two years in a row, we had about 50 students who listed engineering as a potential major and Harding as their first or · second college choice," said Dr. William H. Ryan, associate professor of physical science. Dr. Don England answers a question for Alicia Welch during chemistry lab. Chemistry students spent a bulk oftheir course hours in the laboratory. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. "...Once we tapped that market, we decided to go forward with the program." For several years, students have relied on their classses in physics, math and computer science to prepare them for engineering schools, and with success. But Ryan saw the need for more concentrated study, now offered in several new classes, including statics (Engr 201) and mechanics ofmaterials (Engr 211). These classes engaged students in hands-on training, with emphasis on graphic design. "We are learning to sketch different views ofobjects so that we will be able to communicate our ideas with engineers in the real world," Ben Johnson , a freshman preengineering major, said. Students in the Harding program will transfer to a fouryear school to complete degrees in engineering - a practical choice for a growing number of students like Johnson. "I was interested in graphic arts, but I want a job when I get out," he said. "So I chose engineering because I am good at math and science and I still have an interest in graphic arts." - Lance Lemmonds Physical Science 161
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