Most Useful/Interesting Science Class?

[aesculapian]

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What are your opinions? I just graduated and am probably going to take another science class before applying, but I'm curious as to what you all think would be a good option-- interesting to learn about, applicable in med school, useful as a doctor, etc. (For the record: I majored in Neuroscience and have taken general bio, immunology, and physiology.)

I think genetics could be cool maybe, or cell/molecular biology or pathophysiology? The problem is that with the really cool-sounding classes (Genetics of Human Disease, The Biology of Cancer, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Neurobiology of Emotion and Psychiatric Illnesses) most of them require the exact pre-requisites I don't have.

 

[Spinach Dip]

Human Genetics was one of my all-time favorites.

 

[loltopsy]

The best ones are those that are small classes in very specialized topics with passionately awesome professors. For example, Microbial Physiology was taught at my college, and it taught me biochemical pathways incredibly well. Not just x turns into y, but why it does, how it does, and why it matters. It makes med school biochem much easier because I'm more used to thinking about pathways, and how they adapt in certain situations.

 

[AlteredScale]

I wouldn't suggest anatomy because you don't want to burn yourself out and anato is a rough course.

Endocrinology, taught by a retired MD PhD who did his time at ObGyn. Also teaches at the med school as well so gives a very close class to the undergrads. We learned pathophys, histo, anatomy, pharm, differential diagnoses, lab result screening all in the field of endocrine.

Pharmacology (which is taught by an associate prof at the school of pharm), this was an intense course but you learn pharmacokinetics and MoA for probably 1200 drugs. (med school you get twice as much).

idk if molecular or cellular classes will relate to well to prepare you for med, too much detail that is focused more on research then medicine. depends on the teacher too

 

[Doctor Strange]

Pharmacology in undergrad was a pain, but it was also very useful. It's nice to actually be able to talk to docs about drugs when shadowing and not be completely clueless.

 

[Tots]

My favorite science class in undergrad was a class on the evolution of infectious diseases. That being said, if you are looking to take a class before you head off to medical school, I recommend taking something non-science. It's like your last chance, you will have plenty of time to learn about genetics/neurobio/cancer/etc in med school.

 

[chillaxbro]

In my opinion genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry

 

[deandean25]

Pathophys was by far one of my favorite classes. Also I disagree with previous poster...taking anatomy now is SO beneficial. Anatomy is typically one of the first classes you take in med school and if you already have that base from undergrad, it'll be easier to build on that existing knowledge. Obviously med school gross anatomy is much more indepth and detailed than undergrad anatomy.

 

[Tots]

Pathophys was by far one of my favorite classes. Also I disagree with previous poster...taking anatomy now is SO beneficial. Anatomy is typically one of the first classes you take in med school and if you already have that base from undergrad, it'll be easier to build on that existing knowledge. Obviously med school gross anatomy is much more indepth and detailed than undergrad anatomy.

Eh I never took anatomy in undergrad and am knee deep in medical school anatomy atm. It is fine. Of course it is overwhelming, but I think taking it in undergrad would have just been a waste of time better spent doing something else. It still would have been overwhelming.

 

[milkphlegm]

I think biochemistry and physiology are the most useful, all encompassing classes. I didn't quite appreciate them until grad school, because we learned more about clinical applications than just the abstract stuff, but when done right, those two classes are the jam.

 

[aesculapian]

Thanks for all the responses-- I've also taken biochem already, I forgot to mention it. But I hadn't thought of pharmacology or endocrinology; I'll look into those too!

What have been people's experiences with genetics? It seems tough and a lot of med schools recommend taking it.. is it useful to have that course background before going in, or is it a subject that can be learned first time around in med school without having too much difficulty?

 

[AlteredScale]

Thanks for all the responses-- I've also taken biochem already, I forgot to mention it. But I hadn't thought of pharmacology or endocrinology; I'll look into those too!

What have been people's experiences with genetics? It seems tough and a lot of med schools recommend taking it.. is it useful to have that course background before going in, or is it a subject that can be learned first time around in med school without having too much difficulty?

Is it not required for you major?

I'd suggest taking it, it's only hard because it's a new way of thinking, forces you to critically analyze a question then just spit out an answer you memorized. So it can be beneficial for medical school.

Just take courses that YOU find interesting first before prepping for med school. It's hard to find courses that truly "prepare" you for medical school. More or less because of the sheer intensity and volume you receive compared to undergrad.

 

[Riseupttc]

What are your opinions? I just graduated and am probably going to take another science class before applying, but I'm curious as to what you all think would be a good option-- interesting to learn about, applicable in med school, useful as a doctor, etc. (For the record: I majored in Neuroscience and have taken general bio, immunology, and physiology.)

I think genetics could be cool maybe, or cell/molecular biology or pathophysiology? The problem is that with the really cool-sounding classes (Genetics of Human Disease, The Biology of Cancer, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Neurobiology of Emotion and Psychiatric Illnesses) most of them require the exact pre-requisites I don't have.

Genetics is quite challenging, I am taking it now. I would recommend Cell Biology or Regenerative Biology if you college offers it (mine doesn't 🙁 ) Microbiology can also be interesting!!