Biochem and Cal 2

[iwantbeaarthur]

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Would it be worth it to take these classes? I can choose between taking these classes, which would give me a really heavy load to graduate with, or I can just graduate without these classes and have a lighter load. Would taking a couple of Biochem classes and extra science classes be better than graduating anyways? I feel like a couple of Biochem classes and cal 2 would probably better prepare me, but I think having the degree might make it easier to get into pharmacy school. Plus if I dont take biochem, there will be almost a year in between the time I complete ochem 2 and the first semester of pharmacy school. Thanks

 

[browneyes021]

Would it be worth it to take these classes? I can choose between taking these classes, which would give me a really heavy load to graduate with, or I can just graduate without these classes and have a lighter load. Would taking a couple of Biochem classes and extra science classes be better than graduating anyways? I feel like a couple of Biochem classes and cal 2 would probably better prepare me, but I think having the degree might make it easier to get into pharmacy school. Plus if I dont take biochem, there will be almost a year in between the time I complete ochem 2 and the first semester of pharmacy school. Thanks

Biochem yes, Cal 2 no. But that's just me. I took biochem while an undergrad and ended up getting credit for it in pharm school. (not all schools do this though, so you may want to call the schools you're interested in and ask their policy on this) I also took Cal 2 two years before I got in and there is nothing that I remember from it. It's not really needed as much as just taking Cal 1, but if you're good in math (and know you'll make an A), take it to raise your gpa and it might even impress the admissions committee.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

I am taking Biochem this semester. It's difficult but it seem to be really interesting. I like it! Most school don't require Cal II. You may take it if you want to apply to Temple University or plan to take Calculus-based physics.

I think I will drop my Calculus III class. I think it's quite engineering-oriented (vectors and 3 dimensional, variable stuff). I took cal II 5 years ago. I didn't remember anything from it.

 

[Farmercyst]

Make sure you double check your prereqs just to be sure. All the schools I applied to required a full year of Calc (Calc I and II). It may not be necessary, but I'd want to be sure before I elected not to take it. Only one school required the Biochem, so I'd suggest taking for it's value to pharmacy curriculum, but you could drop it if necessary to protect GPA.

 

[mattc_85]

I would definitely recommend Biochem. I wish I had taken it before I started pharmacy school.
Calc II not so sure. I think Calc I was plenty for the PCAT and for pharmacy school.

 

[phuang06]

are you saying, taking biochem and calc II and graduating or not taking it, and just finishing pre-reqs? your first statement contradicts your second question.

If you're going to graduate with a bachelors regardless, why not take some classes that you feel will help you in the future or are interested in? I think that would be just fine.

I plan on graduating undergrad first and I'm a biochemistry major so I have to take biochem, but I'm going to take other higher level classes for fun and because it's interesting.

 

[labrat024]

I would say to take biochem fo sho. A good portion of the science aspect of pharmacy relates to biochemical processes. The more familiar you are with the language of organic and biochem, the easier pharmacy school will be. I would also suggest taking calc II. It will also be needed if you take the calc based physics sequence. If you only take calc I, you don't get the complete picture of what calculus is all about. I found it to be easier than calc I. And although adcoms probably pay more attention to pre-req and cumulative gpa's, doing well in the biochems and in a higher level calculus course should score you some bonus points. Go out with a bang.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

I would say to take biochem fo sho. A good portion of the science aspect of pharmacy relates to biochemical processes. The more familiar you are with the language of organic and biochem, the easier pharmacy school will be. I would also suggest taking calc II.

What about Cal III? I am debating whether I should drop it. It is not fun at all. I don't see the point of learning those multivariable, vectos, and three dimensional stuff in medical field. The teacher is also not articulate enough to clarify concepts in the classroom. I have 21 credits and really want to decrease the load. And teaching myself math is not a good idea!! It's just the begining of the semester.. so I would say W versus B/C grade?

 

[ExpressMaiL]

It's been 4 years since my last calculus course (Cal I) and I am suffering now. Horribly. Do not wait on taking Cal II. Don't make the same mistake I did.

 

[labrat024]

It's been 4 years since my last calculus course (Cal I) and I am suffering now. Horribly. Do not wait on taking Cal II. Don't make the same mistake I did.

I agree. If you plan on taking calc II, you should definitely take it shortly after calc I. You might be spending tons of time trying to remember old material. Gotta stay in the flow.

 

[misterpockets]

I'm gonna take Calc II because a prof told me that you need it for Physical Chem. (I might go to Maryland and they have pchem in their curriculum.)
Check if your schools curricula have P chem, and then maybe take Calc II for that reason?

 

[omnione]

Biochemistry principles will be in the pharmacy curriculum while calculus will only show in the form of easier calc I stuff. You might need calc II for the PCAT however.

Some schools require biochem while others have it integrated into their curriculum. You may be able to test out of the class for the latter situation like at my school. That itself might be a motivation to get it over with right away. However, the biochem in pharmacy school was easier than in my undergrad.🙄