Microbio vs. Genetics in the Fall, with Orgo 1; thoughts for a TX non-trad?

[skeletor06]

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I've read other threads on this question, but I thought I'd throw a wrinkle out there, since I'm a non-trad and don't have the extra time to take classes that might or might not be worth it.

I'm taking Bio 1/2 with labs this summer. I will be taking Orgo 1 with lab, and either Microbiology or Genetics (both without labs) in the fall.

I'll be taking Orgo 2 with lab and Biochem 1 in the Spring, since several Texas schools require Biochem as a pre-req. For some reason, Texas schools want 14 hours of Biology credit, instead of the usual 8. Beats me why. I did very well in Gen Chem 1 and am doing equally well in Gen Chem 2 right now, for whatever that's worth in terms of Orgo preparation.

Anyways, for the Fall, would you recommend taking Microbiology or Genetics? I may, or may not, be retaking my Physics 1 class from Fall 2012 next fall, also. I pulled a C, but I'm making an A in Physics 2, strangely. Thoughts on that plan? Or should I just take the hit with the C, and learn it for the MCAT?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Omppu27]

I've read other threads on this question, but I thought I'd throw a wrinkle out there, since I'm a non-trad and don't have the extra time to take classes that might or might not be worth it.

I'm taking Bio 1/2 with labs this summer. I will be taking Orgo 1 with lab, and either Microbiology or Genetics (both without labs) in the fall.

I'll be taking Orgo 2 with lab and Biochem 1 in the Spring, since several Texas schools require Biochem as a pre-req. For some reason, Texas schools want 14 hours of Biology credit, instead of the usual 8. Beats me why. I did very well in Gen Chem 1 and am doing equally well in Gen Chem 2 right now, for whatever that's worth in terms of Orgo preparation.

Anyways, for the Fall, would you recommend taking Microbiology or Genetics? I may, or may not, be retaking my Physics 1 class from Fall 2012 next fall, also. I pulled a C, but I'm making an A in Physics 2, strangely. Thoughts on that plan? Or should I just take the hit with the C, and learn it for the MCAT?

Thanks for any advice!

Ochem 1 wasn't bad. I thought it was better than most gen chem and better than ochem 2. But this is quite subjective... Micro at my school wasn't bad either. I think you could handle micro, ochem1, and mol gen. However, I haven't taken mol gen yet but i haven't heard horror stories or anything about it. Maybe you'll be able to handle physics 1 with it? But if you retake you should really, really get an A.

As a non trad, are you also working fulltime to pay the bills?

 

[occams_razor]

I've read other threads on this question, but I thought I'd throw a wrinkle out there, since I'm a non-trad and don't have the extra time to take classes that might or might not be worth it.

I'm taking Bio 1/2 with labs this summer. I will be taking Orgo 1 with lab, and either Microbiology or Genetics (both without labs) in the fall.

I'll be taking Orgo 2 with lab and Biochem 1 in the Spring, since several Texas schools require Biochem as a pre-req. For some reason, Texas schools want 14 hours of Biology credit, instead of the usual 8. Beats me why. I did very well in Gen Chem 1 and am doing equally well in Gen Chem 2 right now, for whatever that's worth in terms of Orgo preparation.

Anyways, for the Fall, would you recommend taking Microbiology or Genetics? I may, or may not, be retaking my Physics 1 class from Fall 2012 next fall, also. I pulled a C, but I'm making an A in Physics 2, strangely. Thoughts on that plan? Or should I just take the hit with the C, and learn it for the MCAT?

Thanks for any advice!

I would take microbio because it's generally easier than genetics. at my school microbio was known as a very manageable upper level bio course (not saying it's easy, just relatively speaking it's easier), whereas genetics was known to be one of the toughest ones up there with cell bio. it's smart that you will be taking biochem as more and more schools are requiring it

I wouldn't retake physics 1. you're getting an A in physics 2, that's showing you can master the material and you learned from your mistakes with physics 1. my advisor always said as long as you got at least a C, you don't need to re-take a course, it's better to just take upper levels in the same subject and do well in those than re-take a class you got a C in

 

[occams_razor]

also, if you take orgo 1 and microbio are those the only classes you will be taking that semester? if so that is definitely manageable (even if you are working full-time)

 

[skeletor06]

I don't need to take both Micro and Genetics in the Fall; I only need one or the other. Would you recommend taking both? It seems from rating websites, and the course description, that Micro is with a better professor at my school, and I'd probably be more interested in the material.

I am working part-time (15-20 hours a week or so, but I could cut it down if I need to), and I'll be volunteering and trying to beef up ECs next fall as well. So, maybe Micro, Orgo 1 and lab, and the retake of Physics 1? Then again, I could always just skip the retake and study my butt off to learn the Physics 1 stuff I'll need for the MCAT...thoughts?

And yes, the only classes I need in the Fall are Orgo 1 and Lab, and Micro or Genetics. I don't need any other classes, since I'm a post-bacc. Unless I decide to retake Physics 1, if that's really necessary.

Thanks for your reply!