Question on "suggested" classes

[IcemanDDS]

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I'm going back to school this semester to bring up the GPA and take some of the suggested classes that just about all schools mention. One class mentioned by almost all schools is microbiology. At my undergrad school, they offer Fundamental Microbiology and Microbiology. The Microbiology class is filled, but there are openings in the Fundamental Microbiology. I'm thinking they are talking about the upper level Microbiology they suggest taking, but its filled. What do you guys think? Sign up for Fundamental Microbiology class or no?

 

[wimmcs]

I'm going back to school this semester to bring up the GPA and take some of the suggested classes that just about all schools mention. One class mentioned by almost all schools is microbiology. At my undergrad school, they offer Fundamental Microbiology and Microbiology. The Microbiology class is filled, but there are openings in the Fundamental Microbiology. I'm thinking they are talking about the upper level Microbiology they suggest taking, but its filled. What do you guys think? Sign up for Fundamental Microbiology class or no?

If you are done with your pre-reqs, I would concentrate on taking upper level science courses only. If the micro is filled and is upper division, I would show up for class and see if anyone drops, or see if the professor will give you an override to join the class. I'm taking micro, cell bio and biochem all upper division... I personally won't take lower division classes anymore. Did you already take physio or biochem? If not, those are even better choices than to take micro... just a thought. Good luck!

 

[sdnmember]

Are taking these 'suggested' classes really worth it? I think i would rather take a 3 credit easy class than slave over 3 credits for the same grade taking biochemistry.

 

[BiOGoly]

The lower division micro classes tend to be more pathology based, which might actually be more helpful as any micro you have in d-school will be associated with pathology. However, 400 level micro unifies many biochemical and cellular concepts and should be a necessary part (imo) of a solid scientific foundation.

As for Biochem, everyone i've talked to highly suggested at least taking an intro course...

 

[IcemanDDS]

Did you already take physio or biochem? If not, those are even better choices than to take micro... just a thought. Good luck!

Yea Im planning on taking biochem next spring def. I just wasn't sure if adcoms would look down upon an "intro" class vs a major level or upper level version of the same class. I'm mainly gonna take classes that I've seen most schools post as "suggested" which are micro, A&P, biochem, etc etc. Many schools also suggest taking some business management, marketing, and other business classes, which I've already taken care of via my business minor 😀

 

[Sprgrover]

Histology would be a good one, as well as embryology. I think that you should take micro, especially from a clinical standpoint (you'll appreciate sanitation/sterilization procedures more, role of oral fauna, etc.).

 

[IcemanDDS]

Ok guys, the only classes of the ones I planned on taking that are open are Gen Chem II and Physics II. The Fundamental Micro class has openings. I looked at my course catalogue and the Fundamental class is mainly for nursing majors and does not count towards a bio degree. So this tells me that it might be too simplistic. Should I still take it? What will adcoms think about a nursing micro class vs a bio major micro class? Also what do you guys think about other classes to take? A lot of schools strongly suggest psychology and anthropology classes also. What do you think about these? Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[critterbug]

Take any anatomy class you can get your hands on. The more difficult, the better!! I am DROWNING in gross anatomy right now. It is UNBELIEVABLE how much sh$t they throw at you. ANY intro you have coming into it will do nothing but help. I am struggling, and I took a pretty rigorous A&P in undergrad. It's just, when ya gotta identify stuff on the cadavers...its a whole 'nother ballgame.

By the way, its not as bad as I make it sound. I am just studying right now, and lost, so I'm venting on SDN. It's really not that bad, but it wouldn't hurt to take an Anatomy class before starting D-school.

Also, like someone suggested above, if your college offers histology. Take it. also Biochem, micro, etc....like everyone mentioned.

 

[DDSSlave]

Ok guys, the only classes of the ones I planned on taking that are open are Gen Chem II and Physics II. The Fundamental Micro class has openings. I looked at my course catalogue and the Fundamental class is mainly for nursing majors and does not count towards a bio degree. So this tells me that it might be too simplistic. Should I still take it? What will adcoms think about a nursing micro class vs a bio major micro class? Also what do you guys think about other classes to take? A lot of schools strongly suggest psychology and anthropology classes also. What do you think about these? Suggestions?

Thanks

Gen Chem II and Physics II are prereqs so you should take them anyway. As far as the fundamentals of micro, it's difficult to say. My gut feeling is that if all adcoms see is "Fund Microbio" on your transcript, they'll prob think nothing of it. However, I can tell you that micro in dent school and on the boards is hard and a micro class for non-majors won't help much. It depends on your priorities. If you want the 'A' take it, if you want to prepare yourself as best you can for micro in dental school, take the 'real' micro course.

A lot of schools suggest anthropology? I took honors anthro and it has almost nothing to do with anything in dental school. Take classes you're interested in. You'll enjoy them better and are more likely to get an 'A' in them. Having said that, general anthro and psych are typically easy classes to boost your gpa.

My theory (if I was on an adcom) is take upper level classes and do well on them. Upper level science classes prepare you more for dental school. Upper level humanities classes shows you're more well rounded than the next applicant. Too many lower level classes are there to pad gpa's.

If I were in your shoes, I'd take chem II and physics II and if there are no other advanced bio courses, take a couple of humanities courses. And try to get A's in all of them. Study as much as a dental student studies and you will. Good luck.

 

[IcemanDDS]

Thanks for all the info guys. Here is a list of classes that I am going to take over the next year:

Gen Chem II
Orgo II
Physics II
Biochem
A&P II
Microbiology (or Fundamentals of Micro?)
Histology

Please continue the list of suggested other classes that would make me "more well rounded" or that adcoms typically smile on. I need EVERYTHING that can help this extremely weak applicant! 😀

 

[DDSSlave]

If you can do well in all of those, that would really show the adcoms how dedicated you are. Remember to study study study! Treat it like your first yr in dental school.