Quick Question on Pre-reqs: "Upper Division"

[bluesails]

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Sorry if this is something that seems obvious, but I wanted to clarify what exactly an "upper division" course was when mentioned in prerequisites...

For example, if an 'upper division' genetics course was needed then I wouldn't be sure about what to take at my school - I'm enrolled at Dartmouth and in their bio major they have the prerequisite general biology course without lab followed by three "foundation courses" with lab. One of these is Cell stuff, one is Gene Expression and Inheritance, and one is Physiology, among other things. Would taking the Gene Expression and Inheritance course satisfy an 'upper division' genetics prereq requirement? Otherwise I would have to take an Advanced Genetics course later on.

Thanks!

 

[BHantler]

Sorry if this is something that seems obvious, but I wanted to clarify what exactly an "upper division" course was when mentioned in prerequisites...

For example, if an 'upper division' genetics course was needed then I wouldn't be sure about what to take at my school - I'm enrolled at Dartmouth and in their bio major they have the prerequisite general biology course without lab followed by three "foundation courses" with lab. One of these is Cell stuff, one is Gene Expression and Inheritance, and one is Physiology, among other things. Would taking the Gene Expression and Inheritance course satisfy an 'upper division' genetics prereq requirement? Otherwise I would have to take an Advanced Genetics course later on.

Thanks!

It all depends on the schools you're applying to. Some of them are pickier than others. You'll probably have to contact them and ask about the specific courses unless there is some "upper-level" designation in the course description.

 

[luvgoldens482]

Yes, just email/call each school. You really don't want to go through the application process only to find out that you don't have all of the pre-requisites. We don't really know much about your classes or what is required of you for each school.

 

[moosenanny]

In my experience, "upper division" to vet schools means the course is 300-level or above, and taken at a four-year college or university. However, I agree that the safest policy is to always email schools and ask. I'd attach a syllabus, course description, and the full name and number of the class, and say specifically which pre-requisit you're hoping your class fulfills.

 

[ReadyBeVet]

I would consider upper division anything about general intro biology. By all means, don't take our word for it- call and ask! Kansas (I think) will accept it, probably one of the few!

 

[ORvetgirl]

Definitely ask the schools you're applying at!!! I was in this exact position...at my undergrad institution, 400-level sciences were just the coding for honors theses, and there weren't that many 300 level bio courses. 200 levels, according to our transcripts, were "intermediate" level. My prehealth advisor told me that my schools would likely consider my 200-levels upper division. While WSU did, Oregon did not, and unfortunately I didn't find this out until I had been accepted off the waitlist and was told I would need to take an upper division bio course before I could matriculate. So, I spent 2 days frantically looking for a course at one of the local universities that would meet Oregon's requirements and also finish by their deadline. Luckily, I was able to find one course that matched their requirements and my boss let me take time off to take the course. Believe me, the stress is not worth it--find out now, and get it in writing!

 

[quantized]

I think I said in my explanation statement that my dartmouth courses 10 and above were upper division. No one complained about it in any case, and I think there was even some blurb to that effect on the back of the transcripts. Let me go open one...they're free and I guess I shouldn't need them anymore!

It's probably smart to ask though just so you're safe. Dartmouth has a very good career center. I'm sure you could ask them.