Pre-req guidance: Genetics

[yellowtrout]

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I’m a non-traditional student looking for advice. I did undergrad at the University of Florida in wildlife, and I’m currently doing my PhD at the University of Washington in wildlife. I’m applying to vet schools this cycle and defending my PhD next spring.

As I decided later on to pursue vet med, I’ve had to take the pre-reqs at UW that I didn’t do in undergrad- ochem, biochem, physics, fundamental genetics. I’m almost done, and proud of myself for getting this far.

Now, I’m in a bit of a pickle with regards to picking my genetics course and would love some advice. UW is no longer offering their main intro genetics/genomics course for pre-health students. This was a five-quarter class (= 1 semester), and the next best option is a 3-quarter intro class. However, the 3-quarter class won’t count for two schools I’m applying to, WSU and UF, as both require 5 quarter/3 semester hours of genetics.

I’ve been looking into online genetics courses, with the caveat that UF requires their upper-division requirements to be completed at a 4-year degree-granting institution. Because of that, I didn’t think options like UCSD Extension would be allowed. Are there any online genetics courses offered directly through a 4-year degree-granting institution that could satisfy this requirement?

Alternatively, I wasn’t sure if it’s possible to piece together the genetics req. At UF, I took Conservation Genetics (WIS 3553C, 4 semester hours). I don't know if taking the 3-quarter-credit UW fundamental genetics course, together with the 4-semester-credit UF conservation genetics course, could satisfy the requirement. Has anyone done this before? I wasn’t sure if, for example, the prerequisite matching in VMCAS would automatically reject this since genetics is usually matched to a single course. The VMCAS matching hasn’t opened yet (I think) so I haven’t been able to test this.

I’ve been in touch with WSU and UF admissions, but I know they have so many applicants and aren’t able to give individual attention to each email. I’ve reviewed the guidance on their websites, but I’m still uncertain, and I want to make sure I don’t take an approach that could negatively affect my application.

Thanks so much to anyone with suggestions or advice! I really appreciate it.

 

[ESD_2029]

I took my genetics at UCSD extension and also microbio in case I did apply to UF and i believe they accept it. To be sure, get a syllabus for the genetics course you want and email for a course evaluation to the DVM programs you're interested in. I did this a lot when I was applying but things change with each cycle.

 

[mr.meowboy]

NC State University offers an online genetics course that you can take as a non-degree-seeking student. It's a 300-level course, so it would be upper-division. Kansas State also offers many online courses. I think these online classes usually run about $1000 each.

 

[Punkin33]

I believe CSU also has an online, upper level genetics course

 

[yellowtrout]

I took my genetics at UCSD extension and also microbio in case I did apply to UF and i believe they accept it. To be sure, get a syllabus for the genetics course you want and email for a course evaluation to the DVM programs you're interested in. I did this a lot when I was applying but things change with each cycle.

Thank you! If you don't mind me asking, what cycle did you apply?

Also, I've been running into a (probably common) situation where I'll ask schools' Admissions whether a course would satisfy a requisite, and they often refer me to their website. Perhaps I'm not asking in the correct way - should I be specifically asking for a course eval/self-audit?

 

[ESD_2029]

Thank you! If you don't mind me asking, what cycle did you apply?

Also, I've been running into a (probably common) situation where I'll ask schools' Admissions whether a course would satisfy a requisite, and they often refer me to their website. Perhaps I'm not asking in the correct way - should I be specifically asking for a course eval/self-audit?

2024 for 2025 matriculation, but i did not apply that cycle to UF (i planned on a wider net for the second cycle of applications that never came bc i got in first try lol)

Yes it is pretty standard, I would request a syllabus/course evaluation to ensure the class you want meets their requirements.

 

[yellowtrout]

2024 for 2025 matriculation, but i did not apply that cycle to UF (i planned on a wider net for the second cycle of applications that never came bc i got in first try lol)

TYSM- and congratulations!

 

[Punkin33]

Thank you! If you don't mind me asking, what cycle did you apply?

Also, I've been running into a (probably common) situation where I'll ask schools' Admissions whether a course would satisfy a requisite, and they often refer me to their website. Perhaps I'm not asking in the correct way - should I be specifically asking for a course eval/self-audit?

Some universities have a specific class audit request form/link on their website. It’ll ask for the class description and what prereq you’re wondering it will fill. It’s usually on the same page that goes over prereq info

 

[cardamom23]

Arizona State University Online BIO 340 is a great Genetics Course. I’ve completed all my prerequisites online thru ASU. 🙌🏼

 

[vampyrica]

i did mine through university of phoenix!