Astronomy for BCPM GPA

[EmpathMan]

Hi all,

I've been doing some reading on the SDN forums, but just wanted to make sure nothing has changed since 2009. I'd like to take AST 3043, "History of Astronomy", at my university. It is under the Astronomy department, not Physics. I am not sure if it is math intensive or anything at all, I'm just looking to take one more class that will count towards my BCPM before I apply in the summer. The course description states "Astronomy from its beginnings through Newton. Emphasis is on the works of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton."

So just wanted to check to see if AMCAS would count it towards my BCPM GPA since I register tomorrow.

Thanks for your time!

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[NeuralNetwork]

Hi all,

I've been doing some reading on the SDN forums, but just wanted to make sure nothing has changed since 2009. I'd like to take AST 3043, "History of Astronomy", at my university. It is under the Astronomy department, not Physics. I am not sure if it is math intensive or anything at all, I'm just looking to take one more class that will count towards my BCPM before I apply in the summer. The course description states "Astronomy from its beginnings through Newton. Emphasis is on the works of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton."

So just wanted to check to see if AMCAS would count it towards my BCPM GPA since I register tomorrow.

Thanks for your time!

AMCAS science has to be in the dept of Biology, Chemistry, Math, or Physics. This wouldn't count, but definitely take it if you are interested in it! Astronomy is sick

 

[aSagacious]

Yes, it would probably still count as BCPM. Based on the AMCAS Course Classification Guide astronomy would fall under the category of physics.

 

[NeuralNetwork]

Yes, it would probably still count as BCPM. Based on the AMCAS Course Classification Guide astronomy would fall under the category of physics.

Oops 😳 sorry OP, and thanks for the correction aSagacious

 

[EmpathMan]

Oh okay cool, thanks for the input guys! So it doesn't matter that it's not like physics math intensive? Because it's listed under Physics on the BCPM List on SDN heh so I think that initially threw me off.

 

[aSagacious]

Oh okay cool, thanks for the input guys! So it doesn't matter that it's not like physics math intensive? Because it's listed under Physics on the BCPM List on SDN heh so I think that initially threw me off.

It gets sort of muddy actually. Some courses that are labeled kinesiology are more anatomy or physiology based on their content. Likewise some nutrition courses are more like biochemistry despite their label. In these cases applicants often list them as BCPM despite their label. Conversely, a class like 'history of anatomy' might be less heavy on the science content and more emphasis on the actual history. Though technically AMCAS is free to change the classification of the course to a non-BCPM in practice they'll likely take one look at the label and take your word for it.

 

[EmpathMan]

Oh I see, so I classify it as whatever I want, and they'll decide if it actually fits or not. Hm, well I suppose I'll sign up for it if you think there won't be any problems.

 

[jowen88]

for the record, one of the admissions people at I believe Wake Forest told me taking astronomy at my 4-year would be a way for me to take an 'upper-level' or at least more rigorous physics after having taken physics at my 2-yr community college (ie they don't like CC pre-reqs). so it definitely counts at some places

 

[sector9]

for the record, one of the admissions people at I believe Wake Forest told me taking astronomy at my 4-year would be a way for me to take an 'upper-level' or at least more rigorous physics after having taken physics at my 2-yr community college (ie they don't like CC pre-reqs). so it definitely counts at some places

The question about whether astronomy counts as BCPM has been answered. The more difficult question is whether AMCAS will classify this as a history class and not an astronomy class.

It is impossible to have 100% certainty until you've been verified, as this question may even depend on the reviewer who is assigned your application. Chances are though that if it's in the astronomy department and you put it down as physics, then the reviewer will leave it alone

 

[EmpathMan]

Hm you bring up a good point, sucks that I can't have 100% certainty though like for a Biology or Chemistry course haha. Ah the toils of registering for courses... 🙂

 

[MilkmanAl]

Just list it as a science course, even if you're not sure. They'll correct it if you're dead wrong. Otherwise, they won't bother.

 

[EmpathMan]

Okay got you, do you personally think there will be a problem though MilkmanAl? I notice you post a lot so just want to see your opinion.

 

[meganine]

I was in a similar situation with Astronomy and it was verified as BCPM by AMCAS. But, you can never know until you send the grades into AMCAS.

 

[EmpathMan]

What was the name of your astronomy course?

I was in a similar situation with Astronomy and it was verified as BCPM by AMCAS. But, you can never know until you send the grades into AMCAS.

 

[IMSingular]

I have a PhD in physics. I don't think you can understand Astronomy without understanding of basic physics; ofcourse astronomy course can be designed to go over basic physics as it is some times done. You are really ready to take Astronomy- this could be done through self study- after you understand basic physics 101 level course. If say they ask me to judge History of Astronomy as a replacement for physics most likely I will rule against it. Moreover you are likely to suffer in one of the MCAT tests unless you take genuienly physics course unless you do spend lot of in selfstudy; but then why not just take the course since you have to study it any way; and if you want good grades study it on your own before taking the course which you will breeze through.

 

[touky]

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[EmpathMan]

Touky - Thank you very much for that information. Do you recall what you did in your course and whatnot?

IMsingular - Well, I'm not trying to substitute astronomy for physics here. I have taken Physics 1 and 2 already. I am just looking to take another course that will count towards my BCPM GPA and wanted to see if History of Astronomy would be accepted.

 

[IMSingular]

IMsingular - Well, I'm not trying to substitute astronomy for physics here. I have taken Physics 1 and 2 already. I am just looking to take another course that will count towards my BCPM GPA and wanted to see if History of Astronomy would be accepted.

Then that should be fine. Interest in history of sceince is cerditablea and is good diversification within science. So you should be OK.👍

 

[EmpathMan]

Then that should be fine. Interest in history of sceince is cerditablea and is good diversification within science. So you should be OK.👍

Alright cool, thanks for your input sir!

 

[touky]

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[IMSingular]

It was a long time ago, but basic stuff like Copernican Revolution, Kepler and his laws, ... up til relativity and modern astrophysics (just theory). It was listed under the astronomy department.

At the time of Newton all these things were lumped under "Natural Philosophy". I am not concerned with what the department is. History of Astronomy is history even if it is under astronomy department. What is importatnt for physicians is how physics is related to the study of human body mechanisms and processes; history is icing on the cake. Under another thread I advocated that a course of Biophysics, with emphasis on biological mechanism and processes, be offered to pre-meds. Physics departments may frown up on, especialy in public university since they may loose money, but I will have no problem if that course is given by Departments of Biology or Physics.

 

[EmpathMan]

Thanks Touky!

IMsingular - I was just trying to see whether AMCAS would count History of Astronomy as a BCPM course so although you may be correct, I just simply wanted to see so I could determine whether I should take it or not this coming up semester before I apply to medical school.

 

[LupaCupcake]

I enjoyed Astronomy.

Some places specifically say astronomy does not count in terms of math etc, but still take it as a fun course if you are interested.

 

[theartfuldodger]

Astronomy seems like an interesting course to take definitely

 

[CopaceticOne]

True story - taking intro astronomy (for fun) actually ended up helping me on the MCAT because of its focus on modern physics (even if it was just at a superficial level). I don't think you properly learn binding energy in the general physics classes.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Taking it this semester. So stoked!! When I was a kid in elementary, my first passion was astronomy. I would get those children's books about the solar system, stars, and whatnot.