UT Dallas Certificate in Biomedical Sciences

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HookEmBP

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Has anyone here heard of the new post-bac program being offered at UT Dallas? Here is the link:

http://www.utdallas.edu/pre-health/p...am%20Flyer.pdf

At first glance, it looks to be nothing more than typical undergraduate classes that they will give you a certificate (whoopee!) for after completing 24 credits. Nevertheless, it seems like a decent program for anyone from Dallas trying to improve their application.

Has anyone here taken classes at UT Dallas? If so, what was your experience there?
 
I'm rather impressed with this program. It's an SUPOPFTWTWNTAUDSFGI (structured undergrad program offering prereqs for those who need them, and upper div science for GPA improvers).

I would totally have moved to Texas to do this instead of doing my own lame roll-your-own, and then worked for a year to establish residency. Absolutely.
 
This is interesting.

I am looking at either the Midwestern or Tulane SMP to raise my credentials, could this be a cheaper alternative?
 
Thundercatz said:
This is interesting.

I am looking at either the Midwestern or Tulane SMP to raise my credentials, could this be a cheaper alternative?
Click to expand...

Short answer: yes.

My personal dogma is that if you need GPA improvement, then you should do more undergrad as long as it improves your GPA. After you've clocked about 6 years in undergrad, you're not going to move those numbers anymore, and an SMP is your only option. Note for the record that Perrotfish and I disagree with this - he (I think he's a he) views an SMP as WAY more effective since it gets the job done faster. Either way, for the love of all that's holy, don't do an SMP with a reparable sub-3.0 GPA.

Go to Midwestern if you want to be a DO.

Tulane doesn't have an "SMP" per se: they have several different programs with various requirements and outcomes.

Get TX residency any way you can and take advantage of their plentiful, cheap instate schools.

Best of luck to you.
 
DrMidlife said:
Short answer: yes.

My personal dogma is that if you need GPA improvement, then you should do more undergrad as long as it improves your GPA. After you've clocked about 6 years in undergrad, you're not going to move those numbers anymore, and an SMP is your only option. Note for the record that Perrotfish and I disagree with this - he (I think he's a he) views an SMP as WAY more effective since it gets the job done faster. Either way, for the love of all that's holy, don't do an SMP with a reparable sub-3.0 GPA.

Go to Midwestern if you want to be a DO.

Tulane doesn't have an "SMP" per se: they have several different programs with various requirements and outcomes.

Get TX residency any way you can and take advantage of their plentiful, cheap instate schools.

Best of luck to you.
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about applying to masters programs in Texas for that reason. But I found out (correct me if I'm wrong) that being a student doesn't give you residency in Texas, unlike how it does in Ohio. You'd have to work for a year afterward. I think that works for some of us who are working on gpa damage, though.
 
Dr. Midelife,

Thanks for the quick response.

My dilemma is I am not sure how much I can raise my GPA with a post bacc program. I have roughly 130 hrs now, and my gpa is around a 3.1.

I live in Dallas now, so this program will be much cheaper than any of the SMP programs I am looking at.



DrMidlife said:
Short answer: yes.

My personal dogma is that if you need GPA improvement, then you should do more undergrad as long as it improves your GPA. After you've clocked about 6 years in undergrad, you're not going to move those numbers anymore, and an SMP is your only option. Note for the record that Perrotfish and I disagree with this - he (I think he's a he) views an SMP as WAY more effective since it gets the job done faster. Either way, for the love of all that's holy, don't do an SMP with a reparable sub-3.0 GPA.

Go to Midwestern if you want to be a DO.

Tulane doesn't have an "SMP" per se: they have several different programs with various requirements and outcomes.

Get TX residency any way you can and take advantage of their plentiful, cheap instate schools.

Best of luck to you.
Click to expand...
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this program seems to be amazing!

It allows post baccs who havent done pre-reqs a cert. as well as post baccs who need gpa-enhancers a cert. and it seems to be open admission..

For me, I have been taking postbacc upper level bio's to increase my gpa as well as show that I can master upper level classes at my local univer. in a informal, at my own pace, self made program

And I have been rejected from SMP's..

So this is a perfect fit for me because I believe its better than taking bio. upper levels at a local university since it has so many more medical related courses offered for gpa-enhancers (my college offers embryo, histo, immuno, and than alot of plant bio, toxicology, etc...I'm running out of med. related options!), its grants a certification which has to look somewhat better than taking undergrad. courses with no cert. (informal), some of the classes are similar to those offered in SMP's (such as pharmacology), its cheap, and as Dr.Midlife had mentioned the Deans/ advisors have been on the admissions comm. for UTSW so recc. as well as advice will be better than a pre-health advisor at my local university...

For those who might have been hopeless like me, from what I understand when applying as a "transfer undergad. senior" cumulative GPA must be 2.7 for admission...so it seems to be for the most part open admission (provided you meet the 2.7 admission requirement)

Well, the deadline is July 3rd so hope to see some of you guys in the program if I get in ( I like to plan for worse case scenario now..lol)

Also, UTSW, UTSA and UTH?? look highly upon UTD pre-med students...so hopefully they will be supportive of granting interviews to those who enrolled and succeded in obtaining this cert. (must have a 3.2 and 24 credit hours which is about 7-8 classes)

Who knows, if the program goes well this year, in coming years UTD might make a program similar to TCOM by having gross anatomy taught at UTSW and make it more structured like the TCOM program aka develop and SMP (that way they would have a.) the "post bacc/pre-req." cert., b.) the "post bacc/ gpa enhancer" cert. and c.) the SMP)

And for those who decide to pursue this cert. we will always be known as the "charter class" 🙂
 
de_la_soul said:
I've been thinking about applying to masters programs in Texas for that reason. But I found out (correct me if I'm wrong) that being a student doesn't give you residency in Texas, unlike how it does in Ohio. You'd have to work for a year afterward. I think that works for some of us who are working on gpa damage, though.
Click to expand...


I know some public schools in Texas grant "out of state waivers" (get charged as if a resident), but I'm not sure if UTD does this and what the requirements are...
 
twobeeMedoc said:
I know some public schools in Texas grant "out of state waivers" (get charged as if a resident), but I'm not sure if UTD does this and what the requirements are...
Click to expand...

Do you know which ones? I think I'm going to apply. Not sure what I'm going to do next year, but it might be an option.

So far I know Texas Tech grants the out of state waiver. If you know any others please let me know!
 
de_la_soul said:
Do you know which ones? I think I'm going to apply. Not sure what I'm going to do next year, but it might be an option.

So far I know Texas Tech grants the out of state waiver. If you know any others please let me know!
Click to expand...


University of Houston Victoria does. I know that may be far for you, but their bio. cirriculum consists of online classes which can be taken from anywhere really. Exams are proctored by any local univ. (have to set it up)

If you want to apply for summer, their med. related upper levels are cancer bio. and embryo.

Fall hasnt been released...but usually its only 3-4 classes you can take which are upper levels..

UTD cert. program seems to have so many more options! Why don't you try contacting them but meanwhile apply to UHV (its free)
 
Thundercatz said:
My dilemma is I am not sure how much I can raise my GPA with a post bacc program. I have roughly 130 hrs now, and my gpa is around a 3.1.
Click to expand...

My math says you could get up to about a 3.4 with 60 more hours (which I think is 2 more years). That's not much bang for the buck. I'd bail on undergrad and go for an SMP in your situation.

The UTD program is a postbac - it's more undergrad coursework.
 
As a pre-med student with 130 hours...I think an SMP would be the way to go if you can get in. I've got ~135 but I'm a pre-dent, so I think this still might be my best bet.
 
I am actually a Pre-Dent myself, that was why I was interested in this program...hehehe
 
HookEmBP said:
Have you looked into the baylor post-bac program?
Click to expand...


I think the program is for disadvantaged students.

I will emailed Dr. Wright about the program at UTD, so Ill wait to see what he has to say given my situation.
 
HookEmBP said:
Here is article that I found re: the program:

https://cs.utd.edu/news/2009/03/04-003.php

I wonder why they wouldn't make a Master's in Biomedical Sciences program?
Click to expand...


Yea, I wish there were more options in Texas. It surely would be cheaper for us Texans!

Anyhow, I have a meeting with Dr. Wright, so Ill see how that goes. Let me know if you want me to ask him anything specific.
 
How did you set up a meeting with Dr. Wright - by phone or email? I sent an email yesterday but haven't heard back.
 
Thundercatz said:
Yea, I wish there were more options in Texas. It surely would be cheaper for us Texans!

Anyhow, I have a meeting with Dr. Wright, so Ill see how that goes. Let me know if you want me to ask him anything specific.
Click to expand...


Hey! Yeah I have a question to ask! The cert. requirements are 24 hours..and 12 hours a semester (which would be normal) would mean the certificate can be completed in two semesters (my plan).

However, This is provided that all the classes on "the list" are being taught in both or either semesters.

So, being the nerd I am I went to the class schd. for the fall, and only saw 1-2 of the classes I wanted to take being taught in the fall...

So if you could ask him that in the list of advanced biosciences (See below) if they will add more of these to the fall 2009 schd. which has already been released...?

<LI class=style2>Advanced Bioscience (options include the following and many more)
4 hours : Classical and Molecular Genetics
4 hours : Biochemistry
5 hours : General Microbiology and lab
4 hours : Anatomy and Physiology I
4 hours : Anatomy and Physiology II
3 hours : Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology
3 hours : Medical Molecular and Cellular Biology
3 hours : Proteomics
3 hours : Genomics
3 hours : Immunobiology
3 hours : Medical Microbiology
3 hours : Molecular Biology of HIV/AIDS
3 hours : Molecular Biology of Cancer
3 hours : Molecular Biology of Hemotology
4 hours : Neuroanatomy
3 hours : Neuropharmacology
3 hours : Neuroimmunology
3 hours : Medical Neuroscience
I planned on taking some sort of mix of.(4 in fall, 4 in spring) Anat. and Phys. I and II, Med. micro, med. neuro, Med. molecular and cell bio., Immunobio., neuropharm., neuroanat. and neuroimmuno.

But the only ones being offered in the fall (which I want to take ) are Anat. I, and Med. micro

So if you could please ask if they will add more of these advanced course to the fall schd.?

Thanks!
 
Cool, I set up a meeting with him next week. Post any updates or information you might have on here and I'll do the same.
 
For those applying to dental school in Texas, I spoke to the admissions office at Baylor and they recommended the Post Bacc program at UTD. They even recommended this program over a Masters for odd reason.....
 
I bet its because the post bacc courses would count towards your undergraduate GPA. I recently spoke to someone from the UTHSC in San Antonio and they said they prefer people go back and take upper level sciences as opposed to retaking courses. They feel that most masters programs are " too broad in general" and therefore hard to guage in terms of how they compare to medical/dental school coursework.

I then asked specifically about how they felt towards TCOM's master's program and recieved a different respsonse. They said they've interviewed and accepted students from TCOM's master's program recently. However, they did seem to stress that TCOM's program aims to get those student's into their DO school.
 
Elkewlbeanz said:
I bet its because the post bacc courses would count towards your undergraduate GPA. I recently spoke to someone from the UTHSC in San Antonio and they said they prefer people go back and take upper level sciences as opposed to retaking courses. They feel that most masters programs are " too broad in general" and therefore hard to guage in terms of how they compare to medical/dental school coursework.

I then asked specifically about how they felt towards TCOM's master's program and recieved a different respsonse. They said they've interviewed and accepted students from TCOM's master's program recently. However, they did seem to stress that TCOM's program aims to get those student's into their DO school.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't recommend that route. From what I understand, you need to take the MCAT to get into UNT's medical master's program (which, I assume, is the same as the TCOM master's you mentioned). I called and asked if they'd admit pre-dental students to the program and they said it was strictly for pre-meds.
 
Well pre-dents certainly can't go wrong with UT-Dallas's post-bacc program! I'm considering it in case I'm not accepted off the waitlist at TCOM's masters program.
 
Yea,

The program doesnt look to bad, but I looked through their fall schedule and didnt see a lot of the advanced bio courses listed.
 
Thundercatz said:
Yea,

The program doesnt look to bad, but I looked through their fall schedule and didnt see a lot of the advanced bio courses listed.
Click to expand...

Yeah.. that seems to be what we're all wondering.. will they be offering enough of these courses to get this program done within an academic year. It wouldnt make sense for me to move way up there for just a few courses a semester. I could do that at my local university.
 
Elkewlbeanz said:
Well pre-dents certainly can't go wrong with UT-Dallas's post-bacc program! I'm considering it in case I'm not accepted off the waitlist at TCOM's masters program.
Click to expand...

So are you a pre-dent? How did you apply to the TCOM masters program - I thought they didn't accept DAT scores?
 
Anybody had the meeting with Dr. Wright yet? I'm hoping they will add more advanced classes to the fall schd. :xf:
 
HookEmBP said:
So are you a pre-dent? How did you apply to the TCOM masters program - I thought they didn't accept DAT scores?
Click to expand...

I'm not predent.. I was posting in response to ThunderCatz post as to why Baylor (dental) would prefer UTD's post-bacc as opposed to a masters program.
 
Last edited:
Any updates as to if there will be more advanced course offerings?

I'm about to complete my app. But I rather not waste my $50 app. fee if there will be no change in the fall schd.
 
They are not adding anymore advance science courses; however, there are quite a few neuroscience courses listed under neuro section of their class catalog. It is a little weird as the neuro and bio classes at my university are listed in the bio section.
 
Thundercatz said:
They are not adding anymore advance science courses; however, there are quite a few neuroscience courses listed under neuro section of their class catalog. It is a little weird as the neuro and bio classes at my university are listed in the bio section.
Click to expand...

Have you met with Dr. Wright yet? If so, how did it go? My meeting is not until Thursday.
 
Does anybody know about Texas residency with these programs?
 
Does anyone know how the science classes at UTD are? I hear they're pretty difficult--lots of competition and tough grading.

But then again, it's like that at most places.🙄

Just want to hear some thoughts...
 
I've heard that too, which is probably why it's a recognized program by Baylor. If you can't cut it in undergrad, you probably won't in professional school either!
 
Guys,

I did meet with Dr. Wright last week and he is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. As for the program, I think its a good program if you are looking to apply in Texas, as many of the med and dental school in Texas prefer undergrad courses over a graduate one. I am not sure why?

I am still debating if I want to do the program, but I think I am leaning towards doing it. If anyone has more questions, just post something here or send me a PM.
 
I am meeting with Dr. Wright tomorrow, so if anyone has any specific questions please let me know.
 
I wonder how the classes at UT Dallas compare to classes at UT Austin?
 
I bet they are pretty similar with UTD having smaller class sizes. I did my undergrad at UT Austin.
 
Did anyone ever get a chance to find out if after completing the program in either one or two years, if you get state residency? This is pretty much the make or brake issue for me.
 
HookEm,

How was your meeting with Dr. Wright?
 
He was very helpful with my situation. I learned that we wouldn't be limited to the courses listed on the post-bac handout - we'd be able to take any science course that's offered by UTD. Also, we all know the certificate is basically meaningless in terms of d-school admissions, so basically we are just enrolling as undergrads taking undergrad classes. I know UTD is respected by the texas dental schools, but if there's another school in Texas that you'd rather take classes at (UTSA, UNT, A&M, etc) I don't think it'd be any better or worse. One thing that UTD does have going for it though is the cost...
 
As far as classes, look them up not only in Biol. bus NSC for neuroscience..

Also, I spoke with a few medical schools and A & M referred me to UTD to do 30 hours of postbacc classes, heck they even sent me the flyer for it!

So i think A & M med. def. likes this program!
 
twobeeMedoc said:
Hey! Yeah I have a question to ask! The cert. requirements are 24 hours..and 12 hours a semester (which would be normal) would mean the certificate can be completed in two semesters (my plan).

However, This is provided that all the classes on "the list" are being taught in both or either semesters.

So, being the nerd I am I went to the class schd. for the fall, and only saw 1-2 of the classes I wanted to take being taught in the fall...

So if you could ask him that in the list of advanced biosciences (See below) if they will add more of these to the fall 2009 schd. which has already been released...?

<LI class=style2>Advanced Bioscience (options include the following and many more)
4 hours : Classical and Molecular Genetics
4 hours : Biochemistry
5 hours : General Microbiology and lab
4 hours : Anatomy and Physiology I
4 hours : Anatomy and Physiology II
3 hours : Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology
3 hours : Medical Molecular and Cellular Biology
3 hours : Proteomics
3 hours : Genomics
3 hours : Immunobiology
3 hours : Medical Microbiology
3 hours : Molecular Biology of HIV/AIDS
3 hours : Molecular Biology of Cancer
3 hours : Molecular Biology of Hemotology
4 hours : Neuroanatomy
3 hours : Neuropharmacology
3 hours : Neuroimmunology
3 hours : Medical Neuroscience
I planned on taking some sort of mix of.(4 in fall, 4 in spring) Anat. and Phys. I and II, Med. micro, med. neuro, Med. molecular and cell bio., Immunobio., neuropharm., neuroanat. and neuroimmuno.

But the only ones being offered in the fall (which I want to take ) are Anat. I, and Med. micro

So if you could please ask if they will add more of these advanced course to the fall schd.?

Thanks!
Click to expand...




So does this mean I should not take Biochemistry, molecular biology, and histology in my current undergrad school and take them at the post bac program?
Since the classes are so similiar to my undergrad school, what should I take now, and later at UT? Thanks
 
Has anyone applied to the program yet? I just submitted my app.
 
I am planning on submitting tomorrow.

I called them and got some information you all might be interested in, since I can't seem to find it on the brochure or the website.

Deadline to apply: July 1st
Number of seats: currently no limit 😕
Application: Note that there are 3 online applications. For this case, it will mostly be the first application, that says transfer undergraduate. From there, proceed to select the certificate in biomed.

Once you complete the app, you are able to send transcripts to your account. This whole process could take weeks, so I'd hop to it.

Interview: none. Only the essay is necessary to complete the application.


That's really about it. Seems a little too easy but I'm not complaining.

I forgot to ask if letters of rec are needed. Does anyone know?
 
I dont think you need letter of rec. I applied in April, but am waiting for my grades to be posted for this spring semester to send my transcript..

transfers with more than 49 credit hours get assured admittance..so yay!!

Btw, Im premed and need a roommate! lol.

the only thing is that richardson has now cheap, furnished student apartments like denton....

I think i might live in denton.....

PM me if you need a roommate!
 
Oh wow, I didn't even see that assured acceptance thing. That's pretty nice.

Good luck to all that are going. I don't think I will be attended, as things have changed. Let us know how the program is.
 
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