Elementary Calculus

[NPorPAorMD2b]

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I know that this is the Allpathic forum, but I was wanting to ask someone already in medical school this question. I am having a really hard time with my elementary calculus class. This class is a basic calculus class, but it is specifically concentrates on business aplications. We have covered several different types of derivates, and anti-derivates, and some basic economic principles. I am really good at algebra, but these new concepts are just not near as easy to me. In medicine, do you do a lot of complex calculations involving calculus, or is it mostly arithmetic and some basic algebra? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to study this material? Thank you! 🙂

 

[user2]

Calculus? I literally can't remember a thing from calculus. I can't imagine ever having to use it. If anyone else uses it in medicine, please correct me. If this class is required for you, just get through it and then you can forget it.

 

[DW3843]

count me in as another with calculus amnesia

I took AP in high school and Calc II my freshman year of college. I can safely say that I really know almost nothing from those classes.

 

[Blade28]

I haven't used calculus since college (I was an engineering major). You also won't use physics, o-chem, etc. in med school.

 

[Dimoak]

I think the reason they require courses like physics and calculus is to simply force people to learn to think and problem-solve subjects they may not be familiar with. Taking courses like the calcs and physics, if anything, enhances your ability to think and learn. I'm not in med school yet (hopefully I will be some day), but I also can't think of any possible applications for calc or physics in med school unless you go into Nuclear Medicine, Radiation stuff, or Research, but even there you'll have calculators and computers to do most of the complex calculations for you. Understanding calculus and physics would help, but I agree that you probably won't apply calculus or physics directly anywhere past undergrad.

 

[cutesuperjo]

I'm just finishing up 2nd year, and the only math i've used is basic stuff I learned in elementary school.....addition, subtraction, multiplication and division...maybe some simple alegbra in pharm. My calc I & II were a waste! The most difficult 'math' thing you'll probably have to worry about is some long division on an exam (no calculator!).

 

[deuist]

I used calculus for a pharm homework assignment. Then again, I also went a little over board with my presentation and left the class pretty stunned.

 

[mysophobe]

Calculus? 😕

What's that? 🙄

 

[Blade28]

Kidney stone?

😉

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to study this material?

Do lots of problems. Get help when it comes to concepts, because it may take a lot longer to understand something than it would for someone to explain it.

 

[mysophobe]

Kidney stone?

😉

 

[BozoSparky]

they use calculus alot at caltech medical school!

 

[divertete]

You may not need to know anything about calculus in med school, but in dental school you deal with it every day!

(... so sorry, I couldn't resist 🙄 )

 

[OSUdoc08]

I know that this is the Allpathic forum, but I was wanting to ask someone already in medical school this question. I am having a really hard time with my elementary calculus class. This class is a basic calculus class, but it is specifically concentrates on business aplications. We have covered several different types of derivates, and anti-derivates, and some basic economic principles. I am really good at algebra, but these new concepts are just not near as easy to me. In medicine, do you do a lot of complex calculations involving calculus, or is it mostly arithmetic and some basic algebra? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to study this material? Thank you! 🙂

There is not math in medical school beyond a middle school level.

I haven't done a derivative since freshman year of college.

 

[NPorPAorMD2b]

thank you all so much for easing my fears about this math class. Now all I've got to do is study my butt off until Tue. for the final!!

 

[proclivity]

thank you all so much for easing my fears about this math class. Now all I've got to do is study my butt off until Tue. for the final!!

<font color=blue> no worries my friend. I have not used calculus either and i have been all thourgh the medical community.