Bio I vs Bio II which to take first?

[medschoolhopeful99]

Hi guys, I go to the University of Miami and because they don't offer Bio (Cellular Biology) I lab in Spring, I can't take the course. So instead I decided to take Bio II first and then Bio I in fall next academic year. What worries me is the description of Bio II (Evolution) says that if you haven't taken Biology I you're at a disadvantage, and that worries me. Are these courses in any way interlinked? The good news is I took IB Higher Level Biology so I have covered some material in both classes, but then again I'm a bit worried. Should I hold off completely until next year?

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[ciestar]

I would ask other students who have taken both courses their opinions on this.

Bio is soo variable per school. "Bio II" for me was technically a three course series.

 

[Welshman]

At both schools I’ve attended HL Bio should test you out of the 1 year intro bio classes, if this is the case I wouldn’t waste your time repeating them. Take a mid level bio course like cell bio or evolution (at my schools these have been very distinct from Bio I&II) in this case it wouldn’t matter which order they were taken in unless it’s specifically stated ones a prerequisite for another.

 

[Dwight Snoot]

You will be fine taking bio II first. I'm sure you already have a solid understanding of cellular bio after taking IB

 

[21Rush12]

Intro bio classes are easy, and if you have any background at all you’re fine going out of sequence in my opinion.

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

Hi guys, I go to the University of Miami and because they don't offer Bio (Cellular Biology) I lab in Spring, I can't take the course. So instead I decided to take Bio II first and then Bio I in fall next academic year. What worries me is the description of Bio II (Evolution) says that if you haven't taken Biology I you're at a disadvantage, and that worries me. Are these courses in any way interlinked? The good news is I took IB Higher Level Biology so I have covered some material in both classes, but then again I'm a bit worried. Should I hold off completely until next year?

I skipped bio 1 after getting AP Credit and failed bio 2 on the first attempt. Struggled to a B on the 2nd try. So in that sense it can be risky. But on the other hand idk how Miami’s bio 2 is structured.

Shoot me a PM later on when you’re ready to apply. I’m at Miami med so may be able to give so advice when the time comes.

Best of luck 🙂

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@The Knife & Gun Club hey man, was your Bio II evolution or cellular biology? Cause it seems the polling suggests they aren't interlinked (although I just realized I didn't give anyone the option to say no lol), but I'm just wondering whether or not I should hold off altogether on Biology until next year. Also on a separate note, would it look bad to med schools if I take a lighter courseload while taking pre med requirements, meaning 13 credits a semester as opposed to a full courseload? Just wondering cause I'm wary of doubling up on sciences with a full courseload at least in the beginning.

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@Welshman in the ideal world yeah I would've tested out but Miami only lets me test out if I get a 7. and I got a 6... the only thing I can test out of is some legit basic biology course which isn't for pre meds

 

[Welshman]

@Welshman in the ideal world yeah I would've tested out but Miami only lets me test out if I get a 7. and I got a 6... the only thing I can test out of is some legit basic biology course which isn't for pre meds

That should be a crime, especially when UF accepts literally everything as credit HL and SL lol

 

[MalteseFalconMD]

I took Bio II first with no issues whatsoever. I'd say go for it.