Take Microbiology Spring Semester?

[a_hildy]

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Hello all, I am contemplating on whether or not to take microbiology in my last semester of undergraduate. I was accepted to my top dental school on December 1st. Microbiology is not a core prerequisite is is just a course that was recommended to be taken at this dental school. I am leaning towards not taking it as I would love to have a very relaxed last semester of my undergraduate degree! I do not need to take Micro in order to graduate with a B.S. in Biology in May 2018. I only have 8 credits to take this spring that I need in order to graduate. The only reason I chose not to graduate this December is that I am a Division II baseball player and the season is in the spring!

Couple questions:

1. Should I take Microbiology this spring semester?
2. Does undergraduate Microbiology even help with dental school Micro? Or should I just cross that bridge when I get there?
3. Would this have any effect on my acceptance?

 

[Dr.Jack]

I am contemplating the same decision. You probably worked hard enough to get to the position you are at today so I think taking a light semester would be a nice reward. Last thing you want is to start dental school already burned out.

 

[MLC45]

I took microbiology this past spring and I’ve been surprised how much I learned in micro is discussed in other classes. So you can look at this two ways. You can take micro and have an easier time in future classes because you have a deeper understanding of the subject or not take micro, because you’ll learn quite a bit else where. As for me I’m glad I took it. Other teachers have done a poor job at explaining it, and I would have been lost without the previous knowledge.

 

[a_hildy]

I took microbiology this past spring and I’ve been surprised how much I learned in micro is discussed in other classes. So you can look at this two ways. You can take micro and have an easier time in future classes because you have a deeper understanding of the subject or not take micro, because you’ll learn quite a bit else where. As for me I’m glad I took it. Other teachers have done a poor job at explaining it, and I would have been lost without the previous knowledge.

Are you currently in dental school? This would be the last science course I would take as an undergraduate student and I feel like everything I have learned will make it easier but I simply would be taking it as an elective.

 

[Life of Pablo]

1. Should I take Microbiology this spring semester?

I think this depends on your motivation. If you have no motivation to study, then don't take it because it can be a pretty involved course and you don't want to get a C or jeopardize not even passing the class. I really enjoyed it though.

2. Does undergraduate Microbiology even help with dental school Micro? Or should I just cross that bridge when I get there?

Yes undergrad micro will help in dental school. Even if you don't remember a lot of the stuff from the class (which you won't), exposing your self to it once before dental school will definitely help you relearn/solidify the information. Essentially you'll be forming a foundation for micro.

3. Would this have any effect on my acceptance?

I doubt dropping it would negatively impact your acceptance. I do think dental schools would prefer you take it though.

 

[MLC45]

Are you currently in dental school? This would be the last science course I would take as an undergraduate student and I feel like everything I have learned will make it easier but I simply would be taking it as an elective.

I am not a current dental student, I just got accepted last week. Right now I’m using it in Biochem and I’ve touched on it Anatomy. I also found it helped with my DAT.

 

[sobertiger]

I wouldn't do it. If you're really interested in studying ahead why not just get a book, watch online lectures or audit a class? Do you really want another high pressure science class right before you start dental school? You will have plenty of time for that later. Just relax and enjoy your free time. You earned it.

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[ssdent18]

Does your school offer the option to take it pass/fail or something along those lines? Then I'd take it. But if not, I don't know if its worth it. You probably have taken cell biology type courses and its a lot of the same thing. If you want to know more specifics you can read about it or watch youtube videos like someone said.

 

[a_hildy]

Does your school offer the option to take it pass/fail or something along those lines? Then I'd take it. But if not, I don't know if its worth it. You probably have taken cell biology type courses and its a lot of the same thing. If you want to know more specifics you can read about it or watch youtube videos like someone said.

I go to a small university where I am actually pretty close with my professors. I am sure the micro professor will let me just sit in for the lectures if I wanted without any implications of grades and tests. Thanks for the advice.

 

[a_hildy]

I wouldn't do it. If you're really interested in studying ahead why not just get a book, watch online lectures or audit a class? Do you really want another high pressure science class right before you start dental school? You will have plenty of time for that later. Just relax and enjoy your free time. You earned it.

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I am kind of leaning your direction here. I might just sit into the Micro lectures at my university and have my professor supplement my education towards dentistry?

 

[sobertiger]

I am kind of leaning your direction here. I might just sit into the Micro lectures at my university and have my professor supplement my education towards dentistry?

Sounds like a plan

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[OrthoHopes66]

The school I got accepted into requires microbio, but I plan to take it spring 2018. I dont need it to graduate, I just need it for dental school and since my school is small they only offer one section in which the lab runs through my lacrosse practice(I am a division III lacrosse player). Does anyone know if schools make exceptions to not take a "required" course such as microbio?

 

[ssdent18]

The school I got accepted into requires microbio, but I plan to take it spring 2018. I dont need it to graduate, I just need it for dental school and since my school is small they only offer one section in which the lab runs through my lacrosse practice(I am a division III lacrosse player). Does anyone know if schools make exceptions to not take a "required" course such as microbio?

I would not risk that...take the class. you dont want admission revoked just bc you didnt do a prereq. Contact the advisors or prof and tell them your acceptance is dependent on it. Take it somewhere else if you have to