General Biology 1 & 2: Who needs 'em?

[Stroganoff]

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I haven't taken them nor do I think I need to. I'm taking a lot of upper level classes for my own benefit though: cell bio, micro, genetics, quantitative physiology, immunology, etc.

Of course General Chem 1 and 2, O-chem 1 and 2, maybe biochem if time.

Calc based physics 1 and 2 (maybe 3 if it's required)

Calc 1-3, Diff Eq., Linear Algebra (all required).

Do I need to go back and take General Bio?? I last took "general" bio in 9th grade. 😕

 

[Medikit]

Definitely not needed. How the heck did you get out of taking them?

 

[Stroganoff]

I'm an engineering major. 🙂

(= hardcore butt rape on grades and sleep, but I love the field)

 

[fullefect1]

Screw Bio 1+2, you already have the advanced classes. If you mist anything important just learn it in a MCAT review book.

 

[blz]

Only thing I remember from gen bio that was different were plants. GOD did i hate those chapters on plants! I feel sorry for botanists.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

They are good for MCAT BS.

 

[Medikit]

Only thing I remember from gen bio that was different were plants. GOD did i hate those chapters on plants! I feel sorry for botanists.

My neighbor teaches Botany so he will be angered by this, but fu<k plants.

Xylem is the drink and Phloem is the food!

They are good for MCAT BS.

I'm gonna have to disagree. There is nothing they cover that you don't retread in more advanced classes.

 

[bkmonkey]

Just make sure that you satisfy your lab requirement for bio classes...

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I'm gonna have to disagree. There is nothing they cover that you don't retread in more advanced classes.

Im going to have to disagree with this, while advanced classes, of course, cover smaller portions of biology to a greater depth, it would take quite a few advanced classes to cover all the basic topics listed in AAMC's guidelines for what to know about biology. Anyhow, I am confident that a solid foundation in Biology is all that's needed for MCAT success, as the questions on there do not focus on advanced topics, but only on the basics. If only advanced classes are taken, I would advise extensive review of MCAT BS materials before taking the test.

 

[Stroganoff]

If only advanced classes are taken, I would advise extensive review of MCAT BS materials before taking the test.

I agree. I totally realize this. That's what the MCAT review books are for. It's not worth going back to take those classes. I'd be bored out of my mind and wouldn't try hard to get A's. 👎

 

[Stroganoff]

Just make sure that you satisfy your lab requirement for bio classes...

Yeah, anatomy/physiology had a lab (hated the class, it was so basic and nursing level...the quantitative physiology/biophysics class kicked ass, we used Guyton), microbiology has a lab, genetics has a lab. I should be good to go. 🙂

 

[bella_dottoressa]

My neighbor teaches Botany so he will be angered by this, but fu<k plants.

God, agreed. The plant part of Gen Bio II was sooo bad. Xylem Up, Phloem Down!

 

[Prozach]

Obviously someone hated plants so much they didn't pay attention 😛 Xylem = up Phloem = Up or Down, depending on the direction favored by Bulk Flow.....sorry, I couldn't resist. I will, however, third the notion that PLANTS SUCK!

 

[Medikit]

Im going to have to disagree with this, while advanced classes, of course, cover smaller portions of biology to a greater depth, it would take quite a few advanced classes to cover all the basic topics listed in AAMC's guidelines for what to know about biology.

Give examples of topics.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Here's all 11 pages for ya
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/studentmanual/biologicalsciences/biology.pdf

Anyhow, are you really going to deny that Bio 1 and 2 are good for the MCAT?

 

[Medikit]

Here's all 11 pages for ya
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/studentmanual/biologicalsciences/biology.pdf

Anyhow, are you really going to deny that Bio 1 and 2 are good for the MCAT?

Yeah, I want you to name topics on there that you think he won't cover enough.

And yes.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I want you to name all the advanced classes it would take to cover all of those topics. I know for a fact that with only Bio 1 and 2 you can get a 14 on BS.

 

[IndyZX]

you are going to definitely behind for the MCAT having not taken bio 1 and 2. the advanced classes will help, but the mcat is not a test over science beyond intro level. its breadth over depth.

however, the stuff you need to know can be learned. you just need to go into your mcat prep realizing that it might take quite a bit of textbook crackin' in addition to your other materials.

 

[Medikit]

I want you to name all the advanced classes it would take to cover all of those topics. I know for a fact that with only Bio 1 and 2 you can get a 14 on BS.

Genetics, Vert Phys, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbio

Everything else is explained in the passage or can easily be learned from an mcat review book. Even the microbio class isn't that necessary if you open an mcat review book.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Now how does this prove that bio 1 and 2 are not good for the MCAT?

and yes, you have proven my claim that:

"it would take quite a few advanced classes to cover all the basic topics listed in AAMC's guidelines for what to know about biology"

 

[bkmonkey]

Sorry, but I have to agree that BIO 1&2 are important. You get a great foundation in these classes that isn't completely covered in upper division...

 

[Stroganoff]

Now how does this prove that bio 1 and 2 are not good for the MCAT?

and yes, you have proven my claim that:

"it would take quite a few advanced classes to cover all the basic topics listed in AAMC's guidelines for what to know about biology"

I'm sure they couldn't hurt, but my point is I don't really think it's necessary to take the actual courses when I can just do some touch-up learning on my own.

 

[Stroganoff]

As far as the MCAT is concerned, I'm sure Bio 1 & 2 are useful, but as far as med school is concerned, taking advanced classes could only make the transition easier.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Agreed, with a good comprehensive review book, youll be fine.

I am only contesting Medikit's claim that bio 1 and 2 are not good for the MCAT.

 

[Medikit]

Now how does this prove that bio 1 and 2 are not good for the MCAT?

and yes, you have proven my claim that:

"it would take quite a few advanced classes to cover all the basic topics listed in AAMC's guidelines for what to know about biology"

He's already taken nearly all of those classes! Didn't you read his post?

 

[Arsenic]

GBI is important (cells, genetics, physiology...) but GBII (plants, ecology...) is completely worthless for med school.

 

[bkmonkey]

wow, this has turned into a really petty tit-for-tat.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

As stated in my previous posts, I believe that Dallenoff will be fine as long as he does a comprehensive review before taking the test.

To my question: are you really going to deny that bio 1 and 2 are good for the mcat?

You answered: Yes

If you are referring only to Dallenoff's case in particular, then I have no disagreement. But I stand by my belief that a strong foundation in biology is required.

 

[Medikit]

As stated in my previous posts, I believe that Dallenoff will be fine as long as he does a comprehensive review before taking the test.

To my question: are you really going to deny that bio 1 and 2 are good for the mcat?

You answered: Yes

If you are referring only to Dallenoff's case in particular, then I have no disagreement. But I stand by my belief that a strong foundation in biology is required.

My earlier statement was that there was nothing there he wouldn't retread in the more advanced classes. For students with no Biology classes I would recommend bio 1 but not bio 2, but then I really don't recommend taking the mcat without advanced biology classes.

 

[bkmonkey]

So the deal is:

If a MCATer has taken practice tests and feels pretty good about them having taken only upper d classes, he/she will be fine. If not, maybe he/she needs to take BIO 1 or 2. Lower d classes can be a good foundation for some people...