Inquiry About Course Equivalency for General Biology Prerequisite

[bayarea1980]

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Hello,

I am currently on a Pre-Medicine Health Profession track and need guidance on fulfilling the General Biology requirements that most medical schools require.

I have completed the following courses:

1. BIOSC-101 – Fundamentals of Biological Science
   • Institution: Diablo Valley College (DVC)
   • Units: 3.00
   • Grade: C
   • Content: This course covered fundamental biological principles, including the process of evolution by means of natural selection, cell structure and function, plant and animal growth, reproduction, genetics, and homeostasis within and among living things, populations, and communities.
   • Notes: CSU and UC transferable (credit limits may apply to UC; see counselor for details).

1. BIOL 102 – Introduction to Biology Lab
   • Institution: California State University, East Bay
   • Units: 1.0
   • Grade: A
   • Content:
     • Demonstrated understanding of basic biological concepts covered in lab.
     • Examined and used data and visual displays of information (e.g., graphs, tables, textbook figures, concept maps, flow charts) to explain biological concepts.
     • Constructed scientific questions, analyzed and interpreted data, and communicated ideas both orally and in writing.
     • Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity.

I have already reached out to several medical schools, but I have not received definitive answers regarding whether these courses fulfill the General Biology I as typically required by medical schools.

I’m trying to avoid retaking these classes, so I would really appreciate your advice on the best path forward. What are some resources available to help me to figure this out???? I'm currently in a post-baccalaureate program at an Extension school, so my access to advisors is limited.

 

[AJS59]

Hello,

I am currently on a Pre-Medicine Health Profession track and need guidance on fulfilling the General Biology requirements that most medical schools require.

I have completed the following courses:

1. BIOSC-101 – Fundamentals of Biological Science
   • Institution: Diablo Valley College (DVC)
   • Units: 3.00
   • Grade: C
   • Content: This course covered fundamental biological principles, including the process of evolution by means of natural selection, cell structure and function, plant and animal growth, reproduction, genetics, and homeostasis within and among living things, populations, and communities.
   • Notes: CSU and UC transferable (credit limits may apply to UC; see counselor for details).

1. BIOL 102 – Introduction to Biology Lab
   • Institution: California State University, East Bay
   • Units: 1.0
   • Grade: A
   • Content:
     • Demonstrated understanding of basic biological concepts covered in lab.
     • Examined and used data and visual displays of information (e.g., graphs, tables, textbook figures, concept maps, flow charts) to explain biological concepts.
     • Constructed scientific questions, analyzed and interpreted data, and communicated ideas both orally and in writing.
     • Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity.

I have already reached out to several medical schools, but I have not received definitive answers regarding whether these courses fulfill the General Biology I as typically required by medical schools.

I’m trying to avoid retaking these classes, so I would really appreciate your advice on the best path forward. What are some resources available to help me to figure this out???? I'm currently in a post-baccalaureate program at an Extension school, so my access to advisors is limited.

Have you spoken with advisors in your pre-health office at Cal State East Bay? They're likely to help you there

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the fourms.

Is this the track you are on?

Pre-Professional Health Academic Program | California State University, East Bay

This may also help you, but seek the academic advising office.

Courses From Other Institutions

www.csueastbay.edu

According to the articulation page, your BIOSC 101 is equivalent to CSUEB BIOL 101. Here's the description.

Plants, animals, and microorganisms and the modern biological concepts that apply to their structure and function on cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Special emphasis on humans and their relationships with other living things. Credit Restriction: Not for biology major or minor credit; not open to students with credit for BIOL 100. Repeatability: G.E./G.R. Area Satisfied: B2 - Lower Division Life Sciences Cross-listed:
Units:	3
Lecture hours:	3
Recommended:	Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 102.
Department:	BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Source catalog:	California State University East Bay 2019-2020
Course tag(s):	CSU-GE-B2

[td]BIOL 101 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY[/td]

It is noted as "not for biology major or minor credit," so it cannot satisfy medical school requirements. Please confirm with your academic and biology advisors (prehealth advisors).

Despite what you have said, CSUEB has a postbac program with dedicated prehealth advisors. You are paying their salaries, so use them.

 

[bayarea1980]

Have you spoken with advisors in your pre-health office at Cal State East Bay? They're likely to help you there

I'm doing my post bac at Berkeley Extension which charges $2,500 to be in a program to get pre-health advising. Otherwise they don't provide transcript evaluation to help me here.

 

[AJS59]

I'm doing my post bac at Berkeley Extension which charges $2,500 to be in a program to get pre-health advising. Otherwise they don't provide transcript evaluation to help me here.

Sure, but what I'm wondering is are these old courses (completed before your post bac?) with cal state East Bay? If so, you should ask advisors there

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I'm doing my post bac at Berkeley Extension which charges $2,500 to be in a program to get pre-health advising. Otherwise they don't provide transcript evaluation to help me here.

You don't need a transcript evaluation; you need a syllabus review for courses appropriate for biology/science majors. The course description I provided above says it is not for biology majors, so admissions screeners will know not to count it as a med school prereq.