Biochemistry vs. Microbiology

[Lunasly]

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Hey guys,

I'm looking to take either microbiology or biochemistry next semester as part of my degree program. Which of the two would be most beneficial for the MCAT? I personally think that it would be more convenient for me to take microbiology and get it out of the way, but I feel that biochemistry might be more beneficial for the MCAT.

Here is the course outline for the biochemistry course if it helps.

Chapter 2: Amino Acids & Protein Structure
Chapter 3: Proteins: Analytical Techniques
Chapter 7: Hemoglobin & Myoglobin
Chapter 8: Properties of Enzymes / Vitamins
Chapters 9 & 10: Enzymes: Catalytic & Regulatory Strategies
Chapter 12: Lipids & Cell Membranes
Chapter 17: Citric Acid Cycle
Chapter 22: Fatty Acid Metabolism
Chapter 26: Lipid Metabolism: Cholesterol Synthesis
Chapters 22, 26: Lipid Metabolism: Plasma Lipoproteins


Thanks.

 

[Blueprint MCAT Tutor]

If you're taking the MCAT2015, then it's no question: take Biochemistry. It's going to be on the list of courses you have to take.

If you're taking the current version of the MCAT, it's really up to you. I'd say the decision hinges more on scheduling, the feedback on ratemyprofessors for the profs of those courses, whether you have friends who took the courses who can hook you up with notes, etc.

In terms of the content that will actually be on the MCAT, it's probably more likely that micro would be helpful than biochem, but the difference is small enough that it pales in comparison to the practical considerations I just mentioned.

Good luck!

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

^ +1

 

[Bear Grylls]

Biochemistry.

 

[Lunasly]

If you're taking the MCAT2015, then it's no question: take Biochemistry. It's going to be on the list of courses you have to take.

If you're taking the current version of the MCAT, it's really up to you. I'd say the decision hinges more on scheduling, the feedback on ratemyprofessors for the profs of those courses, whether you have friends who took the courses who can hook you up with notes, etc.

In terms of the content that will actually be on the MCAT, it's probably more likely that micro would be helpful than biochem, but the difference is small enough that it pales in comparison to the practical considerations I just mentioned.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I would definitely say that Microbiology would be more convenient for me to take. I'll be taking the 2014 MCAT. I just though that thr biochemistry topics would help with regard to the cell biology on the exam.

 

[WalSlave]

I have not taken the MCAT yet, but I have taken two semester so far of biochemistry. After looking over the official outline on the MCAT website, Biochemistry covers all of the cell/molecular bio stuff. I'd definitely take biochemistry. You're also forced to brush up on your organic chemistry to do well in biochemistry, so I'd definitely take it.