Biochemistry

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Homo sapien

Homo sapien

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I am registering for the Spring 2013 semester, and I can take biochemistry. But the problem is I have 4 bio classes (2 are relatively easy electives). Do you think I should take biochem or maybe some other elective like history(I have a history and an english to complete for my Biology degree). I haven't taken my MCAT either.

Also: I can pick between Biochem 1 and 2 (you do not have to have one before the other). I've read that Biochem 2 helps a lot with the MCAT. So should I get 1 or 2
 
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Homo sapien said:
I am registering for the Spring 2013 semester, and I can take biochemistry. But the problem is I have 4 bio classes (2 are relatively easy electives). Do you think I should take biochem or maybe some other elective like history(I have a history and an english to complete for my Biology degree). I haven't taken my MCAT either.

Also: I can pick between Biochem 1 and 2 (you do not have to have one before the other). I've read that Biochem 2 helps a lot with the MCAT. So should I get 1 or 2
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I would not take history unless you need it for some core requirement. The Biochem in undergrad will at least lay a foundation for biochem in DPM school which goes much faster.

In all honesty there is not much on the MCAT biochem wise that you did not learn in Bio1+2. The only biochem on the MCAT is mostly knowing the fundamentals of proteins, and then lipids and nucleic acids. The biochem class will cover much more detail than what is needed for the MCAT.
At Loyola Biochem 1 was the entire text in 1 semester, Biochem 2 was more of a "current concepts" based course where it was a lot of teaching and discussing journal articles (it was cross listed with a graduate level biochem course). Not knowing what your school structures it, I would guess though Biochem 1 will have more MCAT esque info as the MCAT is more on the fundamentals.
 
I have to have History 1 and 2 to get my degree, part of the social science requirements.

I don't know what they do with Biochem 1 and 2

So, since you said not much Biochem is on it, would it be better for me to take a biology class (upper level elective) for my degree?
 
Homo sapien said:
I have to have History 1 and 2 to get my degree, part of the social science requirements.

I don't know what they do with Biochem 1 and 2

So, since you said not much Biochem is on it, would it be better for me to take a biology class (upper level elective) for my degree?
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Assuming you will also be studying for the MCAT, I think you are taking too many classes. Studying for the MCAT is a full time job. Any class, whether an easy elective or a difficult biology class, is going to take away from your MCAT study time. Keep in mind that you want to maintain a high GPA and get an awesome MCAT score.

Have you taken molecular biology? If you did take the course, there is no need to take a biochemistry course.
 
I would have to agree that if you have taken a solid molecular course (the key word is solid) you should be fine. The biochemistry in pod school is relatively straight forward and not overly difficult.

Disclaimer: I have a degree in biochemistry. Some of my class mates would not agree that our biochem class was easy.
 
I am not studying for the MCAT now. I am doing that this summer,end of May, June and July, and taking it in August. I have to graduate from college, too. The reason I want to take so many biologies is that I want to raise my science GPA, as well as take the classes to graduate, and, no, I haven't had molecular biology because you have to have genetics and physiology first and I have had neither.
 
I am looking to do as well as I can, but what exactly do you call awesome, futureDPM
 
I lust for as high as I can get, whether it be 25,35,45. I'm going to study hard this summer and then see what I get
 
Homo sapien said:
I am not studying for the MCAT now. I am doing that this summer,end of May, June and July, and taking it in August. I have to graduate from college, too. The reason I want to take so many biologies is that I want to raise my science GPA, as well as take the classes to graduate, and, no, I haven't had molecular biology because you have to have genetics and physiology first and I have had neither.
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I learned the hard way... I did terrible on my MCAT because I tried to study for it while taking 16 credits. But biology courses taken before the MCAT will definitely help you. I took molecular biology (Im majoring in biochem and genetics and physiology aren't required to take that course at my university) and I did much better on the BS section than any other section.

Although most pod schools require a 22+, don't make that score your goal! For me, an amazing score is 32+.
 
I make my score the best I can get, although I know what pod school scores usually are, the higher the better. I am a biology major and I will have the end of May, all of June and July free to study MCAT.

I will be taking genetics this semester
 
Here would by my hint. If your GPA is on the borderline for the school that you most want to attend and you DO NOT need BioChem for your major then I would advise against it. BUT at the same time I would look at how well you feel you did in Bio, Chem, and maybe MicroBio. If you did poorly in two of these classes then no I would not take it. BioChem is one of the more challenging classes you may take.

Keep in mind your GPA. You don't want to lower your GPA by taking BioChem since DPM schools say it could help but not required for admission.
Really up to you. If you feel that you are suited well for BioChem then take it, but if you don't feel overly confident then I would advise against it. Not worth lowering your science and cumulative GPA big time by taking a class in which most of the stuff like Amino Acids, Lipids, Carbs, etc. that may be on the MCAT you should have learned in your Bio 2 class anyways
 
Thanks for the help, I won't be taking it for the same reason Hughes said. It isn't worth the possible GPA hit

made A in chem and B in biology
 
Good choice. I am even at that. I took MicroBio b/c last year I thought about PA school and they required it and if I didn't take that class I would have a C+ (2.5) on my grades and would be graduating this Spring. But unfortunately I have put 4 extra credits into my schedule that weren't for my major and hurt my GPA a bit.

I got a B- in Chem 1&2 and a B+ in Bio1&2 but then MicroBio a C+ and BioChem a C-. So I came in thinking I would do well but after 2 semesters off from Bio2 and 4 semesters off from Chem2 I was ill-prepared for both of these classes.

GOOD LUCK and Happy Holidays!
 
My science GPA right now is a 2.85 and I have some retakes in there (with grade replacement about a 3.2). I still have one semester and two intersessions before I apply, and, I also could wait unitl next December to finish another semester before I do.

What is your sGPA, if you don't mind me asking?
 
Homo sapien said:
It would have been 3 + biochem OR 4 bio
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Biochem is a class requiring a very strong foundation. If you get off on a great start, you'll find the class highly enjoyable. If you feel you can absolutely nail this semester down, I encourage you to do so. It can go a LONG way in showing pod admissions that you are more than capable of handling the work load.
 
My Bio 2 class had been turned into nothing but plant biology, although I just finished organic. I don't think I will though, I may do genetics, microbiology, and 2 others. I am thinking though, but it's 85% I won't
 
The main issue is that I have to do all my upper level bio electives for graduation in the next 1.5 years so I don't want to take up credit hours with a class I don't need for graduation
 
yea I had to take biochem for my degree... not fun. It starts off simple, and manifests into a beast by finals.
 
i didnt take biochem in my post-bac, so i will be up the creek next year. but i love a challenge! lol

im currently reading BRS physiology in preparation for first year; hope it helps me rock my classes.
 
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