Quantum or Intro Biochemistry for spring class?

[BSNtoMD321]

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[puglover94]

I have a choice between an upper-level class called 'Quantum Mechanics & Molecular Structure' that falls within the chemistry department or a lower-level class called 'Introduction to Biochemistry' (the only prerequisite for which is 2 semesters of nursing-level chemistry). Unfortunately the 'regular' biochemistry class is not offered at my school in the spring, or else I would just take that.

My previous chemistry is:
AP Chemistry (5 on exam)
Organic Chemistry 1 (A)
I will be taking Organic 2 over the summer and the MCAT immediately after that to apply for the fall 2018 cycle

My previous physics is:
AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M (5 on exams)
Currently in Physics 3 - 'Waves and Intro Modern Physics'

My previous biology is:
2 semesters general biology (B+)
Genetics (A)
Cell Bio (A)
Anatomy and Physiology (A in both)

Although I am in a BSN program, the pre-requisites I've taken have been for science majors, not for nurses. I am also double majoring in biostatistics, so have several upper-level math courses.

With that information, which of the two courses would you recommend? Obviously biochem is more related to the MCAT, but I worry that an intro class in my senior year will not be looked at very favorably, especially when I'm coming from nursing. I am confident that I can do well in both classes, so it shouldn't make a difference in my GPA.

Thanks!

Biochem

 

[JustAPhD]

To be honest and blunt, an intro to biochem class that only requires two nursing chem classes as pre-reqs seems like it would be a waste of time.

 

[To be MD]

To be honest and blunt, an intro to biochem class that only requires two nursing chem classes as pre-reqs seems like it would be a waste of time.

I have a choice between an upper-level class called 'Quantum Mechanics & Molecular Structure' that falls within the chemistry department or a lower-level class called 'Introduction to Biochemistry' (the only prerequisite for which is 2 semesters of nursing-level chemistry). Unfortunately the 'regular' biochemistry class is not offered at my school in the spring, or else I would just take that.

My previous chemistry is:
AP Chemistry (5 on exam)
Organic Chemistry 1 (A)
I will be taking Organic 2 over the summer and the MCAT immediately after that to apply for the fall 2018 cycle

My previous physics is:
AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M (5 on exams)
Currently in Physics 3 - 'Waves and Intro Modern Physics'

My previous biology is:
2 semesters general biology (B+)
Genetics (A)
Cell Bio (A)
Anatomy and Physiology (A in both)

Although I am in a BSN program, the pre-requisites I've taken have been for science majors, not for nurses. I am also double majoring in biostatistics, so have several upper-level math courses.

With that information, which of the two courses would you recommend? Obviously biochem is more related to the MCAT, but I worry that an intro class in my senior year will not be looked at very favorably, especially when I'm coming from nursing. I am confident that I can do well in both classes, so it shouldn't make a difference in my GPA.

Thanks!

If you have an interest in the higher sciences (i.e., you'd like to get a MS/PhD one day), then go ahead and take the harder/more interesting one.

If you just want another A on your transcript + a little more help on the MCAT, take the easier intro to biochem class.

 

[Lawpy]

The quantum course could be useful (or could be a complete waste of time). I really doubt an intro to biochem course will cover the key metabolic pathways in detail.

I am also double majoring in biostatistics, so have several upper-level math courses.

Like what?

 

[JustAPhD]

So you will be applying directly from BSN, late summer of 2017 for 2018 class, and you may not have a required biochem class before you take the MCAT?

Would someone like to comment on this scenario?

Uh, future is cloudy given that scenario.

I am confused though. You're in a BSN program, taking regular pre-reqs, and intend to go right to medical school? Why did you decide to go BSN over BS? That's generally not a good idea.

Edit:

I am also double majoring in biostatistics

Now I'm super confused.

 

[aldol16]

Can you take the other, more intensive biochem class before the MCAT? If so, then I would just go with the quantum class now since you sound more interested in that.

 

[BSNtoMD321]

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[BSNtoMD321]

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[BSNtoMD321]

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[Dr. Jan Itor]

Quantum is definitely going to be harder than an into biochem but with your physics and math background, you'll be fine.

But... Take some sort of biochem before the MCAT.


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[Lawpy]

You have the following challenges in your application:

1) Direct Nursing Degree to MD/DO with intervening nursing work experience
2) No rigorous Biochem prior to MCAT
3) Late summer MCAT
4) Late Application

Your age is only issue if you make it one, so you and your Mom can put it aside. If your Mom wants to argue about it, tell her a recent former past chair of the AMA board of directors was a nurse for a decade prior to starting medical school at 35.

Your direct nursing degree to MD, compounded with a late MCAT and late application is far from optimal path. I strongly suggest you reconsider your timing

Why is #1 a challenge?