Cell Biology and Genetics

[sam_jones1]

So here's the issue, I haven't taken cell biology or genetics yet. I am a junior and a non-biology major, so it is not a requirement for my major. At my undergrad school, these courses are killer "pre-med weed out" classes that require a ridiculous amount of time and effort, with only about ~10% or less of the class getting A's (that's including -As). I know this because half my friends are bio majors and have taken these classes. In addition, I believe my biggest weakness in my application at this point in time is my GPA, which I just got up to a 3.50 (sGPA ~3.40). So I really don't want to take these classes because I am almost certain they will either at best maintain my GPA, or at worst decrease it. I am aware that some medical schools say these are "recommended" courses, but usually not required. My biggest concern is that I will need to take courses cell biology and genetics because they are on the MCAT, and they would greatly increase my understanding of the subjects.

So my question, how important is it for me to take these classes for the MCAT? Are there any other ways of learning this material?

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[solnushka]

In my experience, those topics can 100% be learned out of a prep book for the purposes of the MCAT. You'll be completely unprepared for what you see in med school though, so there's good and bad.

However (and I may be wrong), I believe some schools require genetics, so make sure you look at the MSAR/specific schools you're interested in to see if thats the case.

 

[779163]

As you take practice MCAT exams, you will quickly realize that the test is less about content than it is about being able to reason scientifically. Even if the content that is covered on the MCAT is pretty easy to learn, I think there is some benefit to taking the courses, if only to develop your ability to reason and apply information. You should take that into account.

Also if you can find a way to ace these classes, that will help with your GPA and upward trend.

Edit: You have time to take some practice MCATs this summer right? Maybe you can look at how comfortable you are with the bio section before you decide.

 

[MareNostrummm]

If you know biology, then you can ace cell molecular biology, no matter what they throw at you. The concepts aren't that complex (3D structure of a protein is determined by the various amino acids and reflect how the protein interacts with the cellular environment, shape changes when it binds a negatively charged ATP, etc). At the worst your professor will just have you memorize more cell signaling cascades (GPCR, RTK, Jak-Stat, etc).. not difficult just time consuming. You can get an A.

Genetics on the other hand, can be extremely difficult if your professor likes to throw heavily conceptual questions at you. Some professors like to make genetics a math class as well (pedigree analysis, allellic frequencies, recombination rates, etc), so you have to do a lot of practice problems. I would take that at your own risk, you may get a B.

 

[779163]

If you know biology, then you can ace cell molecular biology, no matter what they throw at you. The concepts aren't that complex (3D structure of a protein is determined by the various amino acids and reflect how the protein interacts with the cellular environment, shape changes when it binds a negatively charged ATP, etc). At the worst your professor will just have you memorize more cell signaling cascades (GPCR, RTK, Jak-Stat, etc).. not difficult just time consuming. You can get an A.

Genetics on the other hand, can be extremely difficult if your professor likes to throw heavily conceptual questions at you. Some professors like to make genetics a math class as well (pedigree analysis, allellic frequencies, recombination rates, etc), so you have to do a lot of practice problems. I would take that at your own risk, you may get a B.

This is very much school and professor dependent. At my school the molecular biology class was considered much more difficult.

 

[sam_jones1]

This is very much school and professor dependent. At my school the molecular biology class was considered much more difficult.

Thanks for your input! It's good to know that I can learn most of what I need to know for the MCAT without taking the course. Obviously the best case scenario would be for me to take the classes before I take the MCAT and get an A, but I'm not sure if that will happen for me. Both these classes have an awful reputation at my school so I'd rather not, and it would be difficult to fit in these two classes. I will have time this summer to take an MCAT practice exam, so I can see how I feel. I guess I could also take one or both during my gap year if really necessary for med school!