Does it matter significantly if I take a harder calculus class than is required?

[HealingSprings]

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I am attending UC Davis. I am currently a freshman in the Biochemical Engineering major, but I plan to switch out because I am positive about my decision to become a Pharmacist. At UC Davis, there are three different series for calculus:
MAT16: Short Calculus
MAT17: Calculus for Bioscience
MAT21: Calculus (required for math, physics, and engineering majors. At UC Davis, Chem majors are required to take this harder version of Calculus also, but I've heard that at other schools, Chem majors can take a easier version of Calculus... )

So I'm confused. Does MAT16 (the official name of the class really is "Short Calculus") meet the requirement for the Pharmacy school pre-requisite calculus? And if so, would it significantly increase my chances of admission to Pharmacy school if I take MAT21 (Calculus for Engineers, math, and physics majors)? Is it better, in the eyes of the Pharmacy admission officers, to get an A in MAT16 than a B in MAT21?

Thanks so much!

 

[delano2000]

I am attending UC Davis. I am currently a freshman in the Biochemical Engineering major, but I plan to switch out because I am positive about my decision to become a Pharmacist. At UC Davis, there are three different series for calculus:
MAT16: Short Calculus
MAT17: Calculus for Bioscience
MAT21: Calculus (required for math, physics, and engineering majors. At UC Davis, Chem majors are required to take this harder version of Calculus also, but I've heard that at other schools, Chem majors can take a easier version of Calculus... )

So I'm confused. Does MAT16 (the official name of the class really is "Short Calculus") meet the requirement for the Pharmacy school pre-requisite calculus? And if so, would it significantly increase my chances of admission to Pharmacy school if I take MAT21 (Calculus for Engineers, math, and physics majors)? Is it better, in the eyes of the Pharmacy admission officers, to get an A in MAT16 than a B in MAT21?

Thanks so much!

You will more than likely have to take the Calc geared towards Math/Science majors. Honestly though, as long as you take the right Calc class, no one in AdCom will care if you happen to take the harder one. Schools want to ensure that you take their prerequisites more than anything else. Even if you are completing a degree, you still need to complete the prerequisites before you can matriculate. Go with the easier one that will satisfy your intended choices' requirements (unless you're a Math major--> then good luck).

 

[PharmacyWarrior]

I am attending UC Davis. I am currently a freshman in the Biochemical Engineering major, but I plan to switch out because I am positive about my decision to become a Pharmacist. At UC Davis, there are three different series for calculus:
MAT16: Short Calculus
MAT17: Calculus for Bioscience
MAT21: Calculus (required for math, physics, and engineering majors. At UC Davis, Chem majors are required to take this harder version of Calculus also, but I've heard that at other schools, Chem majors can take a easier version of Calculus... )

So I'm confused. Does MAT16 (the official name of the class really is "Short Calculus") meet the requirement for the Pharmacy school pre-requisite calculus? And if so, would it significantly increase my chances of admission to Pharmacy school if I take MAT21 (Calculus for Engineers, math, and physics majors)? Is it better, in the eyes of the Pharmacy admission officers, to get an A in MAT16 than a B in MAT21?

Thanks so much!

You don't need to take the hardest calc course, just the one that is equivalent to the requirement that they want you to fulfill. However, if you are interested in learning for your own good, then take the hardest course (make sure it fulfills the requirement) cause the joy of learning is so fun!

 

[HealingSprings]

You don't need to take the hardest calc course, just the one that is equivalent to the requirement that they want you to fulfill. However, if you are interested in learning for your own good, then take the hardest course (make sure it fulfills the requirement) cause the joy of learning is so fun!

haha actually I've thought about that for a while- taking the harder option because I enjoy learning, especially math and physics because they truly fascinate me! But now I realized that I value good grades more, so I must be careful in making a decision. Thanks for your reply!

 

[HealingSprings]

Anyone else? Help? *bump*

 

[SFO-IST]

no one looking at your app will notice, no one will care. just my $.02

 

[HealingSprings]

Thanks 🙂

Does a course named "Short calculus" sound like it may fulfill the pharmacy pre-reqs?

 

[PharmacyWarrior]

Thanks 🙂

Does a course named "Short calculus" sound like it may fulfill the pharmacy pre-reqs?

You should go to that school site and search for "course equivalency" to see if the courses that you are taking fulfill what they want. You could also use google and search for your school name + course equivalency.

 

[headortail]

You will more than likely have to take the Calc geared towards Math/Science majors.

Agreed. You should look at specific pharmacy schools on your possible list and see what they require, but for many of them, the calculus class(es) for science major is required. At UCLA (my undergrad.), we had different math, chem, and physics series for bio sci (aka the "easier" one), and the series for engineers/physical science majors. I ended up taking the harder series for engineers/physical science because I thought I might want to major in chemistry. I came out fine though. Keep in mind that the classes for bio sci majors may be easier content-wise, but with a lot of pre-meds /pre-health in the class, the curve will be very harsh. For my series, most people were engineers and pretty chill when it comes down to points.

Either way, they don't care which series you take as long as the class satisfies their requirements.

 

[delano2000]

Thanks 🙂

Does a course named "Short calculus" sound like it may fulfill the pharmacy pre-reqs?

Once again you need to check with AdCom for whatever schools you plan on applying to. Only they can give you a definitive answer. If they are unsure then they will ask you to send a copy of the school catalog showing that course and then they can decide if it's OK to take or not. As a side note, it will more than likely be the one geared for Math/Science majors.

 

[HealingSprings]

Agreed. You should look at specific pharmacy schools on your possible list and see what they require, but for many of them, the calculus class(es) for science major is requierd. At UCLA (my undergrad.), we had different math, chem, and physics series for bio sci (aka the "easier" one), and the series for engineers/physical science majors. I ended up taking the harder series for engineers/physical science because I thought I might want to major in chemistry. I came out fine though. Keep in mind that the classes for bio sci majors may be easier content-wise, but with a lot of pre-meds /pre-health in the class, the curve will be very harsh. For my series, most people were engineers and pretty chill when it comes down to points.

Either way, they don't care which series you take as long as the class satisfies their requirements.

Thank you about the tip about the curve. It's very helpful! Thanks everyone for your help! Btw, headortail, what is the name of the cartoon character turtle in your profile picture? It's so cute! (completely off topic, i know) 🙄

 

[HealingSprings]

Once again you need to check with AdCom for whatever schools you plan on applying to. Only they can give you a definitive answer. If they are unsure then they will ask you to send a copy of the school catalog showing that course and then they can decide if it's OK to take or not. As a side note, it will more than likely be the one geared for Math/Science majors.

Thanks for your help! I keep that in mind.😀