Adequate Biology preparation for MCAT?

[bihari]

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Hi,

If I recall correctly, schools require 2 courses (1 yr) of general college biology. Being an Electrical Engineering student, it is extremely difficult for me to fit biology classes into my schedule, I may be able to fit a Molecular and Cellular Biology course into my program (similar to the first course below), but not two courses; so this is my backup in case I can't fit/get into the first Biology course this fall.

These are courses my community college offers (I know, not the best route, but what can you do...) that transfer to 4 year schools as the first year sequence taken by Biology students. These transfer to my school as well, but again, due to schedule problems, I may take them over the summers and then take an MCAT prep course. (If I can't fit the first one in this fall)

So my question is, will these two provide an adequate base for me to study for the MCAT/partake in an MCAT prep course? I have a plan for the Chemistry courses, and I think these will be ok, but just wondering if I should take any additional biology courses after this, or will these two suffice for the MCAT?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


General College Biology I
Laboratory course examines basic principles of biology. Content includes cellular biochemistry and physiology, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration; details of protein synthesis and functions of DNA and RNA in gene function. First of two-course sequence. Intended for those wanting strong biological focus in curricula.

Textbook: Biology by Cambell/Reece

and

General College Biology II
Laboratory course continues General College Biology I. Content includes heredity, Mendelian genetics, evolution, reproduction and development, ecology and the physiology of selected organ systems. Second of two-course sequence

Textbook: Biology by Cambell/Reece

also, these are some other courses that are offered (I believe these are geared towards nursing students, but will confirm), should I even bother with these? (I heard that knowledge of microbiology and biochemistry will be useful for the MCAT)

Microbiology
Laboratory course introduces biology of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses. Content includes metabolism, genetics, identification, control, physiology, relationship to health and disease, and host defense. Intended primarily for student in health fields.

Textbook: Microbiology by Tortora

and

Biochemistry
Course introduces molecules, macromolecules, and processes found in living organisms. Content includes structures of amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, and sugars; corresponding macromolecular structures, i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, and polysaccharides as related to their biological functions; kinetics and mechanism of enzymatic reactions, the central metabolic pathways, the genetic code and developments in biotechnology.

 

[argonaute]

from the standpoint of the MCAT, I would say it would probably be well enough. I haven' taken it yet, but it seems too really rely heavily on self-study, and if you can study the biology yourself you should be fine.

What I would be more worried upon is that medical schools would frown upon taking premed classes (especially one as important as biology) at community college...

 

[bihari]

What I would be more worried upon is that medical schools would frown upon taking premed classes (especially one as important as biology) at community college...

I agree; which is why I am trying to squeeze in the bio classes during my time at the university. I am hoping that a decent MCAT score will make up for any community college issue.....we'll see..

 

[Transmogrifier]

Micro isn't terribly useful for the MCAT. I'd say take physiology instead. In my case, all the relevant micro was included in bits and pieces in other courses.

I'd recommend a Molecular and Cell Bio class too.

 

[Omni]

to prepare for the MCAT, just buy books like examkrackers or kaplans and just sit down and study what they tell you to. Chances are, you won't remember everything you learned in your bio calsses. EK helps simplify what you need to remember.

 

[matth87]

to prepare for the MCAT, just buy books like examkrackers or kaplans and just sit down and study what they tell you to. Chances are, you won't remember everything you learned in your bio calsses. EK helps simplify what you need to remember.

The classes that I found most helpful for the MCAT were all my upper level classes.

Cell Bio
Neruo
Biocehm
Organic
Microbial Physiology

 

[bihari]

Does Anatomy and Physiology I count as a 'general biology course'?

 

[Dannyw]

Does Anatomy and Physiology I count as a 'general biology course'?

If it has the same prefix in the class title as the other bio classes then yes.

 

[echidna]

I think if you take a prep course and do a lot of self-study you should be fine. I only took the basic 1 year of bio plus a prep course and ended up with a 14 in biological sciences. They test pretty basic concepts, and most of the answers can be deduced from the passages themselves. I think the upper level bio just makes you more familiar with the material at hand so you don't have to concentrate as hard during the test.

 

[Omni]

Its not exactly gen bio. its a little bit of an advanced bio, but if you can take that class before your MCAT, then it would be most helpful

 

[Revilla]

Does Anatomy and Physiology I count as a 'general biology course'?

At some schools, yes. At others, no. You need to call the schools you plan to apply to if you want to take A&P instead of Gen Bio. I think A&P can be useful, depending on where you take it. At my school, A&P II was almost all physiology, which was great. But one of my friends took it at another school and it was 85% anatomy. Anatomy by itself won't do much for you on the MCAT. Also, unless you're planning to take A&P I and II, I wouldn't bother. A&P I was very light on the physiology at my school.

OP, those classes should be fine. A handful of schools won't take CC credit if you're concurrently enrolled at a four-year school, but most will probably be fine with it.

 

[bihari]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

Thanks everyone!!

Yeah micro isn't useful at all. Physio, Biochem and Mo Bio were all very helpful. Neuro was also useful but to a lesser extent.

The Berkeley Review's two bio prep books are extremely useful and detailed, and did a very good job of synthesizing those 3 classes mentioned above (whereas Kaplan and Princeton Review generally only review what youll learn in the intro courses). It will take you some time to learn all the info on your own if it's not review, but I have no doubt you could score >12 in BS using only TBR.

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

I took micro but it wasn't that useful to me on the MCAT. The classes that helped me the most with bio on the MCAT were physiology and genetics.