Molecular vs. Micro (Bios)

[Shinobiz11]

Hey, I did use the search bar, but I need some more input.

For next fall, I plan to take Orgo 1 + lab, so that will be plenty of work, General Statistics(simple) and I have to take a Spanish class, which will also be a lot of work. My toss up is between Microbio and Molecular-Bio. My brother took Microbio and he said its a lot or work and the lab work keeps you really busy. Its a bio-writing course at my school so you have plenty of papers to write. I am taking the MCAT next spring (pretty much a year from now) and I need to know which will be more beneficial for the test. According to the search bar, Molecular appears to be more prevalent on the MCAT, but then again, people are saying Microbio is important too...😕
If this answers any future questions, these are the only two bio classes offered in the fall which are required for my degree and I would like to get those done early. Also, they are the only high level classes relevant to the MCAT. I plan to take Mammalian Physiology and Orgo II in the winter.

Any help is appreciated.

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[melonpop]

Just my two cents: I'd take molecular bio. Micro is important, but probably not nearly as useful/broad enough for the MCAT.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Molecular Bio would be a better choice to prepare you for the MCAT.

 

[DAPI]

I also agree that Molecular Bio would be more useful

 

[SissyAlice]

Molecular is definitely more relevant for the MCAT. Remember though, it's not necessary at all to score well.

HOWEVER

In my experience microbiology is 'easier' in that it is mostly the bulk of information - not the content that makes the course challenging. If you're good at retaining large amounts of information you will be fine. I took micro while taking Organic 2 and getting an A was not a problem(we had 2 essays & lab).

Currently I am taking molecular, and it's my hardest course. I don't think I would have been able to manage molecular and organic at the same time. This may vary among institutions, but you should definitely consider the hit it may take on your GPA.

 

[Espadaleader]

Second it. Microbiology will have you prepped for the MCAT. Molecular may be a little too intense to take with organic.

 

[WildEMDoc]

I have taken both microbiology and molecular. I'm not entirely sure how or what topics molecular covers at everyone else's schools but the material in my molecular class was not even close to anything that would be on the MCAT.

If you want a broader overview of molecular processes (Replication, Transcript/Lation, etc...) than microbiology would better provide that. I remember thinking while studying for the MCAT how much intro microbiology helped me.

I would say pick micro.

 

[EnergyDrink]

I have a BS in Micro with a minor in Biochem/MolBio, so I've taken a lot of courses.

Molelcular Bio would be more useful for the MCAT. Most Microbiology on the MCAT is molecular/genetic microbiology.

Difficulty is relative.

Ultimately, it depends on the course. I took about a dozen Biochem classes and another dozen Microbiology classes. There is a lot of overlap and they both ranged from the very easy to the very hard.

Ask the department head.

 

[SissyAlice]

I have taken both microbiology and molecular. I'm not entirely sure how or what topics molecular covers at everyone else's schools but the material in my molecular class was not even close to anything that would be on the MCAT.

If you want a broader overview of molecular processes (Replication, Transcript/Lation, etc...) than microbiology would better provide that. I remember thinking while studying for the MCAT how much intro microbiology helped me.

I would say pick micro.

I see where you're coming from, molecular material was definitely far beyond MCAT material. I think the reason people think they need it is because of some of the question set ups the MCAT does make it seem like it's asking for something beyond the scope of gen bio - and hey maybe it will be something molecular related and you'll luck out.

Molecular has helped a lot with my bio related critical thinking skills. On the other hand I agree that Micro was a good review of cellular processes, and with my anal micro teacher I pretty much have them down pact now.

I still stand behind not taking either for the sole purpose of taking the MCAT, but people will do it anyways.

 

[stannislaus]

Though there are mixed opinions in this thread, I'm pretty sure microbiology would be better prep for the MCAT, since, as some other folks have said, microbiology would give you a good general overview of molecular biology topics (which would probably be at the depth you would need to know for the MCAT).

BUT, and maybe this is just me, but I LOVED molecular biology class. It's a fascinating course and it'll expose you to a lot of cool techniques and get you excited about research. Definitely a little detail-heavy, but you'll learn a lot. 🙂

 

[Renaissance Man]

IMO, molecular bio is way more beneficial for the MCAT. I am taking microbiology right now (1 year post MCAT) and besides the shapes of different bacteria and a review of cellular respiration there hasn't been very much high yield MCAT info taught.

I am sure there are differences between undergrads, and I don't think either one will make or break your score.