Other science classes to take besides pre-reqs?

[augeremt]

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I've searched through some forums on here but haven't found many specific answers, so here it goes...

What are some good upper-division classes to take besides the standard gen bio/chem, ochem, etc?

I'm definitely going to take microbio and biochem, although the level and length of biochem is still up in the air (with or without lab, one semester course or split into two, those kinds of decisions), but other than that, I got nothing.

Pchem perhaps? It's really interesting to me, but is that even a good choice for med school? Or should I stick to bio classes? Anatomy is nearly impossible to get into, otherwise that would be the logical course. I'm going to try, but I'm also looking for alternatives.

Also, I would be taking these other classes at the same time as orgo, or possibly in the summer, if that makes any difference.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

i am taking cell biology right now it is fascinating. i would definitely recommend this. and from what i understand pchem is ridiculously hard, very math intensive, and can rape a sGPA. not worth it to me.

 

[TFS]

.

 

[ChE04]

Pchem, while conceptually interesting, is quite abstract and pretty tedious. Just look up Schrodinger equation on wikipedia and you'll get an idea. I took it in undergrad and hated it.

For post bacc, beyond the pre-reqs I've taken anatomy, physiology, biochem, microbio, genetics, and cell bio in the sciences.

 

[sharmi]

I have taken Genetics, Physiology, Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, Immunology and Empbryology. Also took Statistics and Calculus, but well that is a requirement in several of the schools I am applying to.

I took Animal Bio and Cell Bio (both with lab) as my 2 core bio courses.

 

[spiderpete]

Biochem. Lots of schools require it anyway and useful for MCAT.

Many med students claim ug Anatomy/Physiology doesn't necessarily help when it comes to the med school 'real thing'. I don't know. Seems like it would help.

 

[AGLAIA]

Agreed on cell bio, also molecular. They may have been two of the top classes to prep me for the bio section on the MCAT (aside from ochem).

Check the prereqs for your top schools and see what they are going to want from you. My state school is requiring genetics and biochem for instance.

 

[n3xa]

Check the prereqs for your top schools and see what they are going to want from you. My state school is requiring genetics and biochem for instance.

Yeah Hopkins added biochemistry lab as a requirement for those looking to matriculate in 2012.

 

[augeremt]

Biochem. Lots of schools require it anyway and useful for MCAT.

Many med students claim ug Anatomy/Physiology doesn't necessarily help when it comes to the med school 'real thing'. I don't know. Seems like it would help.

I got this same advice from a pre-med advisor at the school I'm taking post-bacc classes. She said students have told her that anatomy/physiology help out for the first three weeks of med school. So I'm not too worried about not being able to get into it. I'd prefer to take more conceptual courses for now at least, since I'll have plenty of memorization to do in the near future.

So it looks like my "electives" will be biochem (probably the one semester comprehensive course), cell bio, genetics, and microbio. Ay ay ay...so many classes!