Differential Equations

[MissMed]

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I have heard that a couple of med schools require differential equations to apply.

For those that have taken it, did you think it was a difficult class? Is it worth taking?

Thanks!

 

[music2doc]

I have heard that a couple of med schools require differential equations to apply.

For those that have taken it, did you think it was a difficult class? Is it worth taking?

Thanks!

You mean Calc 1 & 2? There is no medical school of which I am aware that even suggests Diff EQ be taken prior to matriculation. There is simply no value in the course for a future medical students. Calc-based stats might be helpful if you're doing an MD/MPH or MD/PhD, but for a basic MD program even that would likely be overkill.

 

[flatearth22]

You mean Calc 1 & 2? There is no medical school of which I am aware that even suggests Diff EQ be taken prior to matriculation. There is simply no value in the course for a future medical students. Calc-based stats might be helpful if you're doing an MD/MPH or MD/PhD, but for a basic MD program even that would likely be overkill.

Harvard HST - http://hst.mit.edu/servlet/ControllerServlet?handler=PublicHandler&action=browse&pageId=103

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

The only school that requires diff equations is a small subdivision of Harvard's medical program, which concentrates on integrating medical education with engineering science.
Otherwise no school even requires calculus 2, and most don't even require calc 1.

 

[ShyRem]

I thought linear algebra and diff eq were cake courses. Pretty much formula based and tool box courses.

Then again, I was a math major. I literally did other homework or knitted sweaters in diff eq and linear 1.

 

[Abagnale]

I took the course this Fall and did well.

While I do agree that it is not at all required by MD programs (except for Harvard HST, which is not a traditional MD program), I don't think there is no value to it. Differential equations was definitely the most useful (albeit the most difficult) of the math classes I have taken up to this point. If you take it you'll definitely learn a LOT.

I can't say that I would have taken it had it not been required for my major. I also can't say it was easy. Just as a comparison, I felt like I had to study more for DiffEq this semester than for Orgo. That shouldn't discourage you as well, n=1, and also DiffEq is notoriously hard at my school.

If you want to take it for interest, take Linear Algebra first if you have time. I feel it should be a pre-requisite as a lot of matrix and vector work that you are required to do in Diff Eq's is taught in an introductory Linear Algebra course.

 

[music2doc]

Harvard HST - http://hst.mit.edu/servlet/ControllerServlet?handler=PublicHandler&action=browse&pageId=103

That's a specialized track there. Nevertheless, Harvard is also one of the very few schools asking for a full year of calculus, so this isn't that surprising. I guess if you're that into research, HMS might be a good fit. IMO, though, no thanks.

 

[BenzylAcetate]

I have heard that a couple of med schools require differential equations to apply.

For those that have taken it, did you think it was a difficult class? Is it worth taking?

Thanks!

I had to take Diff EQ and Vector Calc. because I went the engineering route. I found differential equations to be the more intuitive class of the two, but they were of similar difficulty. Differential equations are pretty essential to everything in engineering (thermodynamics, pharmacokinetics, fluid dynamics) and help to inform your understanding of other physiological processes and treatments, but it most likely wont be essential.

 

[GeauxTime]

Harvard HST - http://hst.mit.edu/servlet/ControllerServlet?handler=PublicHandler&action=browse&pageId=103

What's the difference between HST and MD/PhD?

 

[MissMed]

seems like I don't really have to take diff EQ. Thanks everyone 🙂

 

[flatearth22]

What's the difference between HST and MD/PhD?

They do a pretty good job answering that in the first FAQ. HST students may pursue a PhD but don't have to (most don't).

 

[MilkmanAl]

I thought linear algebra and diff eq were cake courses. Pretty much formula based and tool box courses.

Then again, I was a math major. I literally did other homework or knitted sweaters in diff eq and linear 1.

For what it's worth, I totally agree. I thought both were much easier than Calc 2 or 3. Maybe that's the physics major in me talking, but they really weren't that bad.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

I wouldn't take Diff Eq if you don't have to. It can be a pretty difficult class, especially if you don't have much experience with upper level math, physics, or engineering. With that said, I found Linear Algebra to be much easier of the two, and would recommend it if you get the chance.