You may not be in a pickle. You should check with the schools. In my experience BIO 101 tends to be "cell bio" i.e. you learn about the cell, organelles etc. and BIO 102 tends to be "organismal". I never took upper "cell bio" because though concepts are almost universally covered in freshman BIO.
Check this link:
http://biology.hunter.cuny.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=73
A friend of mine had this same question from CUNY Hunter. His BIOL 100 covered the basics of cell biology so it counted toward the prerequisite.
BIOL 100 Principles of Biology I GER 2/E PD/C or D
The chemical basis of life; basic structure and function of pro- and eucaryotic cells; bioenergetics; Mendelian and molecular genetics; development and mechanisms of control of gene expression at all levels; population genetics and evolution. $5 materials fee required. PD credit awarded only upon completion of BIOL 100 and 102. Prereq: MATH 101 or equivalent 7 hrs (3 lec, 3 lab, 1 disc), 4.5 cr. fall only
BIOL 303 Cell Biology GER 3/B
This Biology major capstone course builds upon what has been learned in molecular biology & genetics and biochemistry providing and integrated look at the molecular biology of the cell. Separated into 5 units. the lecture and laboratory components are coordinated. The course includes integrated components in the following eukaryotic cell biology areas through the following 5 units: 1. Introduction: Cell morphology and commonly used techniques for examining the cell. An introduction to cell proliferation, cell motility, and cell communication (comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems). 2.Cell Cycle Regulation: Cell cycle regulation, cellular signal transduction, regulation of cell proliferation and cell growth, cell death mechanisms, and de-regulation of cell growth the process of tumorigenesis. 3. Membranes and Cytoskeleton: Membranes, cytoskeleton, and signaling, are including mechanisms for transport and cellular channels for intracellular and intercellular communication. Human biology and disease as it pertains to membrane biology. 4. Organelles: Intracellular organelles are examined in detail for their structures and functions. This includes, but is not limited to, mitochondrial function and energy production, protein degradation pathways and intracellular trafficking. 5.Cell Communication: Cellular differentiation, cell-cell communication, and an introduction to development. Prereq: Advisor permission; BIOL 300 or instructor permission. 7 hrs. (3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab, 1 hr.
discussion),4.5 cr. fall only
Some schools may require upper level cell biology. Most schools on their secondary that have these requirements will take Microbiology or Molecular Biology in lieu of upper level Cell Biology. This worked for me.
From my experiences, some schools will allow you to take the class after you apply; you would just have to indicate on you application that you plan to take the class before you enroll. You may want to call the admissions committees at the specific schools to see what their policy is. Good luck!
Bottom line: Def call around.
