Question about Biology pre-requisites for medical schools

[bartimaeus]

Hi,

I am a nurse working full-time while taking pre-requisites for medical school and I was wondering about the requirements for General Biology. Most schools I have looked at (both MD and DO) don't specify that they want General Biology specifically, just Biology coursework + lab. I have already taken General Biology 1+Lab and am registered for General Biology 2+lab. However I have already taken Anatomy&Physiology 1 and 2, both with labs. The lab for General Biology 2 seems to conflict with my class schedule and I was wondering if I would be OK to go ahead and drop the lab portion of General Biology 2. I do also plan to take an advanced biology class such as Physiology or Genetics, with lab if necessary.

Thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Pile O' Nephritis]

Probably depends on the medical school, as they all have their own requirements and nuances. I would e-mail each school you're planning on applying to, send them your list of completed courses, and ask if they satisfy the requirements for the medical school. I did this and found that most (80%) of schools responded in a timely manner.

 

[LizzyM]

I'd strongly suggest looking at the course descriptions for Bio II and determine whether you are well versed on the topics covered. You might find yourself in deep water if you take genetics and that course expects one to have had the groundwork laid in Bio II. Ditto whether you have adequate knowledge of material covered in Bio II to do well on those topic areas on the MCAT.

 

[bartimaeus]

I'd strongly suggest looking at the course descriptions for Bio II and determine whether you are well versed on the topics covered. You might find yourself in deep water if you take genetics and that course expects one to have had the groundwork laid in Bio II. Ditto whether you have adequate knowledge of material covered in Bio II to do well on those topic areas on the MCAT.

I appreciate your help. I do intend to take General Biology 2. What I am considering not taking is the lab portion of the class.

 

[LizzyM]

You can always check with the schools that you plan to apply to and determine if you absolutely have to take Bio Lab II. Some may waive it. You may also be able to take it later, after you apply, if it is going to seem necessary based on where you've interviewed and what the schools absolutely require.

 

[eigen]

I've had students who have had issues in admissions not having a full year of general biology + labs but having had A&P + labs.

Anatomy & Physiology doesn't cover the same content as general biology, and I wouldn't generally consider the two equivalent courses. Many places A&P aren't under the biology department for this reason.