Genetics w/o Intro?

[HesyRa]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I have read that it is helpful for the MCAT to have taken genetics. In addition, all schools want you to have 8+ hours with lab of human biology. I am currently enrolled in genetics at my school, but I have never taken the intro bio courses. In my opinion, taking them would allow me less time to take more important upper division classes. That being said, I did an undergraduate degree in a hard science, and save chem and physics, it seems to me like the intro material for bio are concepts that I can easily teach myself out of the intro textbook (I purchased it). I am also doing an MS in the same field as my undergrad degree.

Any opinions on whether this is realistic from those who have taken these courses?

 

[MedPR]

I have read that it is helpful for the MCAT to have taken genetics. In addition, all schools want you to have 8+ hours with lab of human biology. I am currently enrolled in genetics at my school, but I have never taken the intro bio courses. In my opinion, taking them would allow me less time to take more important upper division classes. That being said, I did an undergraduate degree in a hard science, and save chem and physics, it seems to me like the intro material for bio are concepts that I can easily teach myself out of the intro textbook (I purchased it). I am also doing an MS in the same field as my undergrad degree.

Any opinions on whether this is realistic from those who have taken these courses?

It's realistic, but gen bio is more helpful on the MCAT than genetics.

 

[Dynamo24]

It's realistic, but gen bio is more helpful on the MCAT than genetics.

True to an extent, but genetics will help understand some of the "WTF" moments in the genetics section of studying. There are things in there that if I didn't take the class it would take me quite of bit of time to understand. But, that is me..some people may understand it faster. I have noticed my Neuroscience class has REALLY helped me in the bio section when it comes to neurons, etc. Makes that stuff a cake walk.

 

[MedPR]

True to an extent, but genetics will help understand some of the "WTF" moments in the genetics section of studying. There are things in there that if I didn't take the class it would take me quite of bit of time to understand. But, that is me..some people may understand it faster. I have noticed my Neuroscience class has REALLY helped me in the bio section when it comes to neurons, etc. Makes that stuff a cake walk.

Genetics is a tiny part of the MCAT. Your time would be better spent in physio (which covers some genetics).

Also idk what kind of stuff you were studying but MCAT genetics is very basic.. Like the genetics you learn in freshman bio.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[HesyRa]

I have not been studying anything bio/genetics wise. I will not be taking the MCAT for two more years. I basically looked to see what bio classes fit in between my MS classes and my TA position and genetics and intro to bio 2 were the only ones that did.

 

[HesyRa]

Also, I appreciate your guy's/gal's feedback on this. As I am new to the whole world of bio, all advice is very valuable.

Do you think that in order to take physio that I would need the intro bio courses?

 

[Shjanzey]

You will find that each BIO class you take has interlap with others. They often repeat concepts presented or covered in other BIO courses. Sometimes verbatim, and at others from a different perspective.

With that being said, the most comprehensive BIO course I took that was most applicable to the MCAT was my Anatomy/Pysiology course. I wish I had taken this before I took my previous 2 MCATs. It was THAT good 😀

 

[MedWonk]

I find biochem, molecular bio, and physiology to be more useful than genetics. Most of what I learned in biochem seem to creep into most passages in some way, and there always seems to be some sort of blot/gel/PCR experiment in there. Most genetics I've encountered on the FLs have been punnet squares, pedigrees, and Hardy-Wienberg eq. Usually if there's something crazy, they explain it in the passage.