Please, please help me pick courses fast!!!

[mednow123]

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Ok so I just finished my freshman year at college, classes are filling up so quickly! I have completed: Keep in mind I'm transferring after soph year, so there isn't a "you can take it in your junior year, etc." situation.

*I do know about the pre-med reqs and the courses (chem, orgo, etc.), this is just in general lol 😛 I will fulfill the other required courses also...

1st semester:
-Biological Principles I (Majors course, different than Intro Bio)
-Biological Principles I lab
-Statistics
-English 101
-Elective
-Elective

2nd semester:
-Biological Principles II
-Biological Principles II lab(Majors course, different than Intro Bio)
-Biological/Human Diseases
-Biological/Human Diseases Lab
-Calculus I
-English 102
-Psychology
-Elective



- Do most pre-med students take an A+P course, and is it a 2 semester course or a 1 semester course?

Basically these are my choices. Keep in mind I will be transferring after this year, so there isn't a "Oh you can take that in your junior year" situation, I will be transferring definitely. If I choose the two semester sequence, then I won't be taking any of the other choices. If I don't choose the 2 semester sequence, then I can take 2 of the courses listed:

- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (2 SEMESTER SEQUENCE)
- Principles of Human Anatomy (ONE SEMESTER COURSE- LOWER LEVEL THAN ABOVE)
- Microbiology WITH lab (ONE SEMESTER COURSE)
- Bioethics (ONE SEMESTER COURSE)
- Principles of Genetics (ONE SEMESTER COURSE)
- Principles of cell biology (ONE SEMESTER COURSE)



Remember here is the main rule of my entire post in case I wasn't clear enough, sorry: If I choose the two semester sequence, then I won't be taking any of the other choices. If I don't choose the 2 semester sequence, then I can take 2 of the choices listed.

If you could please offer any/all advice it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

 

[witness23]

i am very confused and not sure what to make of this. however, make sure that you take gen chem I/II w/ lab next year.

 

[mednow123]

Oh yeah sorry about that, I know about those reqs, this is just in general asking about courses other than the required ones

 

[witness23]

i'm not a bio major and your school is actually unique with the sequential course thingy. however, i would take cell bio and genetics (some schools recommend/some require).

 

[SB25]

I didn't take A+P. I don't think it's necessary. I'd suggest either microbiology, cell bio, or genetics...take your pick.

 

[Mattabet]

As electives (or, not strictly required, anyway), all these courses sound like they would do fine. I'd check out the course evaluations and go with whatever looks most interesting to you. It's probably also worth considering what will be easier, as gen. chem is likely to be a bit of a drain.

On anatomy and physiology, I took two 'quarters' undergrad, the conversion to semesters gets a little bit sticky. I feel like a fair number of pre-meds do take classes like this, as it is interesting and much easier to relate to medicine (than gen. chem., eg). But you can be sure that your medical school is going to teach you A&P once you get admitted, and whatever you learn undergrad will just be a primer.

If you find it interesting go for it. If something else is more interesting, do that instead.

 

[mvenus929]

A&P at my school is designed for the nurses and our semi-official pre-med adviser (it's a bit of a joke calling him the adviser, because he doesn't teach any classes that most of us take) highly advises against taking it. It's pretty pointless. I, personally, took the upper division physiology offered at my school, and I loved it (largely due to the professor, he's definitely one of my favorite).

I'd suggest Micro and bioethics. Cell bio and genetics are good too, though.

 

[TehDoc]

Take the rest when you transer, and no need for anatomy + physiology unless you're interested.

 

[Bacchus]

You are not prepared for genetics or cell biology. Most of these types of courses are at least 300 level. As a freshman you need to get more courses under your belt. Do not take them as a second year is my advice.

 

[Bacchus]

Additionally, check the prerequisites on these courses. Cell biology might require microbiology and/or biochemistry.

 

[mednow123]

Wow, seems like a lot of people haven't taken A+P... Just out of curiosity, if we do happen to take it, would it look favorable in some form of way to med school admissions? I know we should be taking classes of interest and not just for the grading factor, but if you put that all aside, would it come across as one of the more "challenging" courses an applicant took?

I have checked the pre-reqs, and most of them are pretty basic: "1 year of college bio" or "1 semester of bio principles". I meet the reqs for most of the courses. Genetics and Bioethics have the lowest pre-reqs, just a year or so of bio which I have.

That was one of my main questions though, I'm pretty sure a sophomore with only 2 semesters of basic biology wouldn't just go on and jump to taking a course like microbiology or cell biology during sophomore year...the same goes for the other courses.

What courses DO we need to take for prepare for these courses then?

 

[Bacchus]

I took genetics my junior year, semester two. I took cell biology my senior year, semester one. My concern isn't content, its the courses you're getting yourself into. Upperlevels are a much different ball game than first year biology.

 

[SB25]

Wow, seems like a lot of people haven't taken A+P... Just out of curiosity, if we do happen to take it, would it look favorable in some form of way to med school admissions? I know we should be taking classes of interest and not just for the grading factor, but if you put that all aside, would it come across as one of the more "challenging" courses an applicant took? QUOTE]

A+P at my school is also pretty much reserved for the nursing majors. We're not recommended to take it...the bio majors at my school kind of consider it a "fake biology" class. Personally, I don't think it would look special to an adcom if you take A+P. I think it's pretty much expected that if your interested in medicine, you have some interest in A+P. Plus, they want to teach you A+P the "right way" in med school. If it were really important for you to have it, it would be mentioned in their pre-reqs. I think they would rather see you taking challenging bio courses like micro, cell, and genetics.

Having said that, I do agree with Baccus in saying make sure you are thoroughly prepared for these classes and aware of what you're getting yourself into. I took advanced cell bio as a second semester Junior and micro and genetics as a first semester senior.

 

[mvenus929]

Wow, seems like a lot of people haven't taken A+P... Just out of curiosity, if we do happen to take it, would it look favorable in some form of way to med school admissions? I know we should be taking classes of interest and not just for the grading factor, but if you put that all aside, would it come across as one of the more "challenging" courses an applicant took?

I have checked the pre-reqs, and most of them are pretty basic: "1 year of college bio" or "1 semester of bio principles". I meet the reqs for most of the courses. Genetics and Bioethics have the lowest pre-reqs, just a year or so of bio which I have.

That was one of my main questions though, I'm pretty sure a sophomore with only 2 semesters of basic biology wouldn't just go on and jump to taking a course like microbiology or cell biology during sophomore year...the same goes for the other courses.

What courses DO we need to take for prepare for these courses then?

A&P at my school is a 200-level course, sophomore level. Micro is also a 200-level course, and about 50% of the class is nursing majors. Since it's a required class for them, and an elective for bio majors, the class is a complete joke. I could have slept through the class and done fine.

Cell bio was more difficult, because it was geared at bio majors. Our tests were based completely on material covered in class; I didn't even have to use my book because I was so focused on studying the notes I took in class. It was a 300 level class. Genetics was also a 300 level class, but I knew most of the information from my high school biology class. Again, I could have slept through it.

Talk to people at your school who have taken these classes, and use their responses to gauge the level of the class. You don't want to take something you won't do well in, and you don't want to take something just because you think it might impress med schools. You need to know the basics for med school, and that's it. They'll teach you everything else they want you to know.

 

[mednow123]

Alright so since a lot of people have suggested that I wait a little longer, and that was what I was also thinking since I am still only finishing freshman year...

What exactly should I be taking then to be prepared for classes like those? Basically since I am "not ready and prepared yet", what courses do I take to be "ready and prepared"? Is it that or I just need to be exposed to more bio for another semester or 2 to be "ready" for those courses.

All of the professors that teach the 2 semester A+P course are not really good and have bad reviews...the one that teaches the 1 semester A+P is a really good one. If I take the 1 semester A+P, then I need to pick another choice for my 2nd semester since the A+P course is 1 semester only...Should I just go for the 1 semester A+P? What other Bio class should I take after the 1 semester A+P?

Thanks a lot again guys

 

[dmblue]

I took genetics my junior year, semester two. I took cell biology my senior year, semester one. My concern isn't content, its the courses you're getting yourself into. Upperlevels are a much different ball game than first year biology.

I took biochem as a freshman. There were 2 of us in the entire class who werent junior/senior (out of 4-600). They asked how many people are taking the MCAT this summer. Nearly everyone raised their hand.

I took genetics as a sophomore, and I was the only nonsenior that I knew of in the class.

I got A's in both, so I wouldn't necessarily say this person can't handle it.

 

[Bacchus]

Alright so since a lot of people have suggested that I wait a little longer, and that was what I was also thinking since I am still only finishing freshman year...

What exactly should I be taking then to be prepared for classes like those? Basically since I am "not ready and prepared yet", what courses do I take to be "ready and prepared"? Is it that or I just need to be exposed to more bio for another semester or 2 to be "ready" for those courses.

All of the professors that teach the 2 semester A+P course are not really good and have bad reviews...the one that teaches the 1 semester A+P is a really good one. If I take the 1 semester A+P, then I need to pick another choice for my 2nd semester since the A+P course is 1 semester only...Should I just go for the 1 semester A+P? What other Bio class should I take after the 1 semester A+P?

Thanks a lot again guys

A standard course of any degree will prepare you. Any 300+ level course is tough. That's why you take courses in the 100-200 range before moving on. You can try taking one of them, but I can't predict if you'll be prepared or not.

 

[mednow123]

I have searched online and found that a lot of websites suggest microbiology and biochemistry (take them whenever).

Is there any credible website with info on suggested bio courses, or any forums (within this board or any other board) where applicants post about the classes they took?

Sort of like a chance thread but with the science-related courses (required/non-required) they took, so I can look to see the most common courses applicants are taking?

Thanks again

 

[witness23]

MSAR (medical school admission requirements)


your college library should have one



please do not take your undergraduate academic life for granted though. after your 4 years, you will lose almost all independence and the free-thinking environment of college.

 

[mvenus929]

I have searched online and found that a lot of websites suggest microbiology and biochemistry (take them whenever).

Is there any credible website with info on suggested bio courses, or any forums (within this board or any other board) where applicants post about the classes they took?

Sort of like a chance thread but with the science-related courses (required/non-required) they took, so I can look to see the most common courses applicants are taking?

Thanks again

Everyone takes the pre-reqs. Beyond that, a lot of people take biochem, because it's recommended at a number of schools. English (writing or literature) is usually taken as well, since some schools require/recommend those.

Most people who apply have science majors, so they take some mix of science classes. But there are also a lot of English, philosophy, religion, foreign language, history, etc majors, who will obviously take a different mix of classes.

Personally, I liked history a lot, so I took 4 history classes, 3 of which were 'special topics' only offered during certain semesters. I also took ASL and a couple of geography classes.

Seriously, don't focus on what other people take. Take classes that will help you pass the MCAT (for most people, that's just the basic prereqs), and classes that you're interested in. You're not going to have much other opportunity to take classes outside the realm of medicine. So seriously, if you have any interest in other classes, take them.

 

[mednow123]

Yeah I was wondering about all of that for the other people who have completely different interests (whether it's music, philosophy, or anything else) . I've just read from a lot of places that certain bio courses like the ones mentioned help show that you can handle the coursework and you "challenged yourself". Then I started thinking about those interests in music or theater, and I guess I just stopped right there. I guess they really shine through on their interests in medicine, and along with their unique interests (music, etc.), it makes them that more unique?

I know that a science major doesn't just give you a free ticket in, and that it might actually be a good thing to simply be unique and well rounded in everything, making yourself stand out among the applicants.

I guess I'm just worried about being the applicant who took fewer bio courses compared to the next applicant, and they'll see me as someone who took easy classes just for the boost up in the normal GPA and the BCPM gpa. With the acceptance rates, you basically do need every edge you could get. Generally speaking though, the 2 main factors will be the MCAT and GPA so just like you said, I should be taking courses that help prepare me most for those.

I guess another question would be just how much the "face" or difficulty of the transcript is factored in (courses taken/level of difficulty). People have just said "you'll re-take it in med school anyways, so forget about it", so I'm guessing there is no need to be in a rush to take as many bio courses as you can?

Thanks again

 

[Raryn]

If you're just interested in med school prereqs, the additional bio classes required by different schools are listed in the pdf below:

 

[mednow123]

Yeah I read a website that was almost the same, Biochem seems to be mentioned by both people and just schools in general, so that is probably going to be a definite class for me

One of the problems is that I'm not sure if the 1 semester course is just a faster version of the 2 semester, or it just covers less material. I'll ask soon though and post, but I still really have no idea which one I'll take

 

[Dannyw]

I took and tutor A&P and it was more difficult than Bio I and II but that's just my opinion. I think it was an awesome class and made upper level physiology less difficult.

 

[mednow123]

Yeah it isn't as general as the starting courses, so I'm guessing it probably is a little more different lol. Also, "upper-level" anatomy/physiology? Haven't seen that anywhere, does it have a different name and course outline, or is it a 2 semester course as opposed to a 1 semester?

 

[Raryn]

Yeah it isn't as general as the starting courses, so I'm guessing it probably is a little more different lol. Also, "upper-level" anatomy/physiology? Haven't seen that anywhere, does it have a different name and course outline, or is it a 2 semester course as opposed to a 1 semester?

At my school, we have several upper division physiology classes (Advanced Human Physiology, Plant physiology, Invertebrate physiology, Comparative Animal Physiology, etc).

Obviously, only advanced human and comparative animal physiology are relevant to medicine.

 

[Van Chowder]

wait I dont understand why are you not taking gen chem? Its not going to look amazing taking upper level classes at a JC, why not just get gen chem out of the way? so maybe
Gen Chem w lab
BIO w Lab
English
Calc
Elective

Heavy cvourse load nbut ,akes way more sense than what your contemplating doing..

 

[mednow123]

I should edit my first post a bit, second time I have confused someone 😛

Those are the courses I will be taking ON TOP/along with other courses. I will be taking General Chem also, but the ones I mentioned are just the BIO courses I would like info on. And I have taken English and Calc already along with bio...The bolded are courses I have just recently FINISHED this month (I just finished freshman year).

Hope it cleared everything up 😛

 

[mednow123]

Oh and I might still have some time left, sometimes seats open up and fill up, and they keep following that pattern so I would still like more opinions and advice on this please

 

[mednow123]

Can anyone else please offer their advice or experience, or just general info would be helpful; thanks!

 

[Double A]

See which classes fit into your schedule around the other courses you will definitely be taking. That should narrow the list.

If you already have a heavy load I would recommend bioethics. I loved it. Wasn't too difficult or time consuming at my school.

Sorry if this is redundant... I didn't read all of the posts.

 

[mednow123]

Yeah I've heard about bioethics being a bit easier too, would you say it's around the level of an Anatomy and Physiology course, or more around those I listed (Cell bio, genetics, microbiology, etc.)? Because it is higher than microbiology, but a lower level course than the others mentioned, I would like some of your opinions on this though because maybe the level coding doesn't reflect everything for this course

Also just more opinions and advice on taking a 1 semester A+P, or a 2 semester would be appreciated. I can fit most of them into my schedule, I just have to take some classes off and put some on, shouldn't be too hard