Deciding between bio and philosophy

[Turambar]

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I'll be starting at a mid-tier liberal arts college this Fall with most of the core bits done at CC. I have zero credits in bio/math and a single, entry level philosophy course, so either way I'll be completing all science and almost all major courses at my 4 year.

I really love reading philosophy and exploring new perspectives, I can't imagine life without it and getting to do it for a degree would be exciting. I think it'd make me stand out somewhat during interviews, and I'd be better equipped for the verbal portion on the MCAT. But the higher level biochem courses available like neurobio and biophysics sound fascinating.

Probably the biggest thing to stop me from doing philosophy is that all faculty research at this school is conducted by professors from the sciences department - I'd have little contact time with these professors after my first two or three semesters and I worry that I'd miss out on chances to endear myself to them.

Should I suck it up and go bio/health sciences while reading philosophy in my free time?

 

[Espressso]

Biology-related major with a philosophy minor? Minors are practically pointless IMHO, but it gives you a solid reason to take classes you otherwise wouldn't take.

 

[Turambar]

Biology-related major with a philosophy minor? Minors are practically pointless IMHO, but it gives you a solid reason to take classes you otherwise wouldn't take.

Definitely something I'd have to consider. My worry is that I'd spread myself too thin, but I'd really love to do both. Would I miss out on the full benefit from a philosophy education this way?

 

[Hospitalized]

Philosophy -> take prereqs -> go to office hours of prereq professors -> become friends -> get connections -> get research -> get LOR -> get into medical school -> get money -> get paid -> get *****es

Or something like that

 

[Moose A Moose]

Major in philosophy. Minor in biology to take care of pre-reqs, and meet faculty for research opportunities. Profit.

What's the issue?

 

[Espressso]

I don't think you would. Minors are typically set up in a way where there are a handful of required classes, and then a big list of classes that you have to pick 4 or so from. So, you could always take more philosophy classes if you wanted to/felt the need.

 

[JustAPhD]

Does anyone consider philosophy a true science? ^

If philosophy is so important to you that you "can't imagine life without it" I'd say the decision is already made.
Get to know your science professors and do well in each of those classes and you may still be able to do research with them as a philosophy major.

 

[Espressso]

Does anyone consider philosophy a true science? ^

If philosophy is so important to you that you "can't imagine life without it" I'd say the decision is already made.
Get to know your science professors and do well in each of those classes and you may still be able to do research with them as a philosophy major.

Haha, you're right. Edited that out.

 

[Turambar]

I'm also concerned that majoring in a non-science would prevent me from being accepted into the school's clinical practicum during my junior or senior year, although I think I'll have to ask the department head in the sciences whether that's true because the program description online was clear while the admissions counselor was ambiguous on the matter. I hope my parents respect me after all of this.

 

[Skydive Fox]

You could (and should) major in whatever interests you most. Just do your science prereqs alongside your major.

My only words of caution would be to double-check with your program directors how being a non-science major will affect your ability to take advantage of science resources. I know some institutions, including mine, have odd rules that require you to be a science major to work in labs, take certain courses, etc., regardless of whether you're a pre-health student. Also, if you ended up changing your mind for some reason, a philosophy degree isn't very marketable. And lastly, you might be a bit less prepared for the MCAT compared to your science-major peers since they'll have taken many more supplemental classes after prereqs, but this really shouldn't be a big deal if you still finish all the pre-reqs and study well. It's just something a few of my non-science premed friends mentioned recently.

One of my life science professors did his bachelors in philosophy & biochemistry and it's made him a very well-rounded person. He can conceptualize processes and explain them in ways like no other science professor out there (mostly via the funniest and most memorable metaphors). His philosophy background has also makes him an awesome research advisor.

 

[raiderette]

Loved my philosophy minor and almost wish it had made it my major instead of psychology. I think logic classes helped with MCAT and ethics helped with interviews. If you are going to have a science minor, chemistry classes for the MCAT covered my requirements.

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[mordac21]

Just do both.

 

[DrFelix]

Since I am from a non-English speaking country, I do not know much about Western college education system but sounds like you could do a double-major if you "can't imagine life" without philosophy. But it will take valuable years of your life. How about a biology major and a philosophy minor?

 

[JustAPhD]

Since I am from a non-English speaking country, I do not know much about Western college education system but sounds like you could do a double-major if you "can't imagine life" without philosophy. But it will take valuable years of your life. How about a biology major and a philosophy minor?

Just to clarify, double majoring -if planned effectively- shouldn't take any more than the typical four years of undergrad.

 

[Turambar]

For some reason I was under the impression that my school only allows a bio major, not minor, but it appears I was mistaken. If taking a biology minor will still allow me to utilize the same resources as any science major, that's what I'll do - otherwise, I might want to double major, if possible. It wouldn't be so bad, I did the core curriculum at CC and all I have lined up for my first semester is chem 1, bio 1 and physics 1. I could get Spanish for the philosophy department's foreign language requirement, and maybe one of these honors seminars (for the scholarship) if I get into a Summer class and ace it.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

One thing to look at when choosing a major is "what kind of job can I get with this degree if I don't get into med school."

No matter what you major in just make sure it's something that gives you a plan B

 

[cardzkp]

Bio major, philo minor here. Basically did all my philo courses senior year; bio was first three years. Really opens your mind to abstract thinking. I highly recommend it.