The Official "How Does This Schedule Look" Thread

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i want to play 🙂

i THINK this is my schedule:
organic chemistry I
positive psychology
educational psychology OR some other class for my major
applied and food microbiology
medical parasitology

i'm really excited about all of them except orgo lol
 
Fall 2011 (16 units):

Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics
Biochemistry: Structure, Enzymes, and Metabolism
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

Am i doin it rite ? :scared::scared::scared:
 
Genetics
-- Genetics Lab

Physiology I
-- Physiology I Lab

Cell Biology
-- Cell Biology Lab

English
 
Hello everyone, I have a general schedule already down packed, but I'm stressing quite a lot over a small detail (bad, I know). I'm an incoming freshman, and my schedule as of right now is:

Chemistry (basic, AP level-ish) + lab: 4 credits, 2 semesters
Integration of science, technology, and philosophy course: 3 credits (looked interesting but I've heard it's a lot of reading), 1 semester
Anthropology and biology: 3 credits, 1 semester
Modern physics: 3 credits (AFAIK, easy and interesting course), 1 semester

Total: 13 credits

I'm thinking of dropping the anthro+bio course, which is basically looking at why humans vary in skin color, height, etc., and adding the introductory biology sequence (1 yr), which includes a lab component. This is 5 credits total. This would put me at 15 credits.

Here are my options for when to enroll in biology (among the other prerequisites for medical school):

#1:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab
Sophmore: Biology + Lab, Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

#2:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab, Biology + Lab
Sophmore: Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

#3:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab, 1 semester Biology + Lab
Sophmore: 1 semester Biology + Lab, Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

Some clarifications: For option #3, the first sequence of biology is completed spring semester of freshman year, and the second is completed fall of sophmore year.

To me the question of when to take biology is especially confusing because I've been asking advisors, senior pre-meds, and searched all over the internet (including SDN) and they've all given me different suggestions. Now obviously this reflects the fact that everyone learns at a different pace, adjusts differently, etc., but I'd like any thoughts on the three options posted above. Personally, I think option #1 (apparently the most common option of the three) will be killer due to orgo. But I'm not sure if I'm "mature" enough to take option #2 or #3. I have taken AP Chemistry in high school but not AP Biology. I do have about 30 credits coming into college though, if that makes a difference at all.

For anyone that's taken the option similar to what I have listed, can you guys give any input on difficulties? Did you remember biology come time for the MCAT if you did option #2? There just seems to be so many options and so many things to consider, I know I shouldn't stress BEFORE going to college but.. bleh.

Well, thanks in advance for any input guys. It'd be greatly appreciated. 🙂
 
prodi said:
Hello everyone, I have a general schedule already down packed, but I'm stressing quite a lot over a small detail (bad, I know). I'm an incoming freshman, and my schedule as of right now is:

Chemistry (basic, AP level-ish) + lab: 4 credits, 2 semesters
Integration of science, technology, and philosophy course: 3 credits (looked interesting but I've heard it's a lot of reading), 1 semester
Anthropology and biology: 3 credits, 1 semester
Modern physics: 3 credits (AFAIK, easy and interesting course), 1 semester

Total: 13 credits

I'm thinking of dropping the anthro+bio course, which is basically looking at why humans vary in skin color, height, etc., and adding the introductory biology sequence (1 yr), which includes a lab component. This is 5 credits total. This would put me at 15 credits.

Here are my options for when to enroll in biology (among the other prerequisites for medical school):

#1:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab
Sophmore: Biology + Lab, Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

#2:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab, Biology + Lab
Sophmore: Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

#3:
Freshman: Chemistry + Lab, 1 semester Biology + Lab
Sophmore: 1 semester Biology + Lab, Orgo + (1 semester) Lab
Junior: Physics

Some clarifications: For option #3, the first sequence of biology is completed spring semester of freshman year, and the second is completed fall of sophmore year.

To me the question of when to take biology is especially confusing because I've been asking advisors, senior pre-meds, and searched all over the internet (including SDN) and they've all given me different suggestions. Now obviously this reflects the fact that everyone learns at a different pace, adjusts differently, etc., but I'd like any thoughts on the three options posted above. Personally, I think option #1 (apparently the most common option of the three) will be killer due to orgo. But I'm not sure if I'm "mature" enough to take option #2 or #3. I have taken AP Chemistry in high school but not AP Biology. I do have about 30 credits coming into college though, if that makes a difference at all.

For anyone that's taken the option similar to what I have listed, can you guys give any input on difficulties? Did you remember biology come time for the MCAT if you did option #2? There just seems to be so many options and so many things to consider, I know I shouldn't stress BEFORE going to college but.. bleh.

Well, thanks in advance for any input guys. It'd be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Click to expand...

tl;dr but go with option #2 for sure, I had no problem dealing with Chem and Bio freshman year.
 
OrdinaryMD said:
Fall 2011
Nutrition - 3cr
Physics 1 - 3cr
Physics 1 Lab - 1cr
Microbio. - 3cr
Micro. Lab - 1cr
Gen. Chemistry 1 - 4cr
Gen .Chemistry 1 Lab - 1cr

Total Credits: 16
Click to expand...

General Chemistry isn't a pre req for Microbiology? Seems weird.
 
i changed my schedule so many times...


behavioral NSC
integrative NSC
physics w/lab
org chem lecture
bio 2 w/lab
 
torshi said:
thats very odd that chem is a pre-req to a biology clas. actually doesn't make sense
Click to expand...

Yep. Pre-requisites are Biology I (basically cell biology) and General Chemistry II.
 
Charles Darwin said:
I understand why cell bio would be helpful for micro, but gen. chem...?
Click to expand...

Gen chem 1 maybe, certain topics in micro are heavily chemistry based so I suppose an introductory knowledge would make it more understandable. Though it could also be because gen chem builds a lot of lab skills, and microbiology is a slide making lab in which you need to be good with your hands.
Though, either way Micro was one of the best laboratory classes I've ever taken. It's extremely chill and really fun, it also helps if you've got a good group of people in your lab as you're going to spend 50% of the lab stand around waiting for dyes to dry or biochemical tests to finish.
 
Ok so I found the correct thread 🙂

Seriously though I had a question. I am starting my junior year and I have finished all of my prereqs and I took some easy classes mixed in here. Does it look really shady to have 100 level courses even though they are mixed in with upper level things?

Biochemistry C484
Evolution and Diversity L111
Chemical Research C409
Plant Physiology L371
Hinduism B220
Honors Intro. Psychology P106
 
ChristianTroy1 said:
Fall 2011 (16 units):

Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics
Biochemistry: Structure, Enzymes, and Metabolism
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

Am i doin it rite ? :scared::scared::scared:
Click to expand...

You're taking both semesters of pchem in one semester 😱😱😱
Nice knowing you... 😛
 
Entering freshman with a Biology/Biostatistics double major.

Intro. to Biostat. (3 credits)
Chem. 101 + Lab (4)
Bio. 101 + Lab (3) ?
A foreign language (4)
A seminar (3)
An exercise class (1)

I have AP credit for Bio. 101 + Lab but I took the class four years ago, so I may have to review if I take higher-level biology (and for the MCAT, possibly). Should I retake Biology 101? Students at my school recommend using the AP credit.

If I use AP credit for Bio. 101 + Lab then I'd like to replace it with another class. I think I'm deciding between either Multi or Anatomy there. Multi is required for the biostat. major, but I won't need it for a while. Anatomy counts towards the biology major and can be taken with my AP credit.

Also, if I drop the exercise class I may be able to take calculus-based physics. That might make for a stressful schedule, though.

Any thoughts? 😛
 
Last edited:
Current Summer: Working full time in my research lab.

Upcoming fall:
Bioscientific Vocab (3 cred)
Biochemisty I (3 cred) - Part I of II
Physics II w/ lab (5 cred) - Heat and Magnestism
Stats for Psych (5 cred) - Since I'm a psych double major ...
O-Chem Lab (3 cred) - Didn't take the lab with the class so taking it now ...

With ~10-15 hours of work in my research lab and ~3-4 hours of volunteer at hospital.

gg. hahaha
 
Last edited:
joonage said:
Current Summer: Working full time in my research lab.

Upcoming fall:
Bioscientific Vocab (3 cred)
Biochemisty I (3 cred) - Part I of II
Physics II w/ lab (5 cred) - Heat and Magnestism
Stats for Psych (5 cred) - Since I'm a psych double major ...
O-Chem Lab (3 cred) - Didn't take the lab with the class so taking it now ...

With ~10-15 hours of work in my research lab and ~3-4 hours of volunteer at hospital.

gg. hahaha
Click to expand...

I have never seen it called that. I always see it as Electricity and Magnetism.
 
msquaredb said:
Ok so I found the correct thread 🙂

Seriously though I had a question. I am starting my junior year and I have finished all of my prereqs and I took some easy classes mixed in here. Does it look really shady to have 100 level courses even though they are mixed in with upper level things?

Biochemistry C484
Evolution and Diversity L111
Chemical Research C409
Plant Physiology L371
Hinduism B220
Honors Intro. Psychology P106
Click to expand...

I didn't even notice the 100 level courses when I saw the courses. Hinduism was the only thing I really noticed because that sounds like fun. I think you fine especially since your taking two hard biology classes with it.
 
rcheech7 said:
I didn't even notice the 100 level courses when I saw the courses. Hinduism was the only thing I really noticed because that sounds like fun. I think you fine especially since your taking two hard biology classes with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I may actually drop the hinduism because I already took an overview of Eastern Religions. If I really have to I can explain the 100 level classes away.

L111. Needed it to complete a bio minor which I didn't think I wanted till now.
P106. Needed a behavioral science and it open the doors to neuroscience courses.
 
Fall Schedule:
Physics (trig based)
O-Chem w/ lab
Gen chem (ll) w/lab
Calc (l)
 
serenade said:
You're going to die.




Don't take gen chem 2 with orgo 1.
Click to expand...

srsly...you will.

Especially if any of those courses have lab components/is 5 credit hours. Plus then if you do badly in the 5 credit hours classes it is a GPA atomic bomb. :boom:
 
Fall
Gen chem 1
Calc 1
Some required computer class
Gen bio 2
 
GooseWing said:
You're taking both semesters of pchem in one semester 😱😱😱
Nice knowing you... 😛
Click to expand...

Haha, is it going to be bad? Have you done it? How is it !? Looking forward to getting powned every day and having no life, but you gotta do what you gotta do
 
Finally, an "easy" semester after having completed my major/minor courses...

Yoga 🙂
Cultural Anthro
Philisophical Lit
Applied Calc
Senior Seminar
Italian 101 🙂
 
I think I have my schedule finalized now..

Freshman fall schedule:

Introductory Chem + Lab (4 credits)
Introductory Bio + Lab (5 credits)
History of Science in the 20th Century (3 credits)

I will probably be adding a "research seminar" type course, it is 2 - 3 credits and meets an hour a week.

Total: 14 - 15 credits

Comments? 🙂
 
I just realized that I never posted my schedule in here. Oh wise ones of SDN, lend me your ears and advise me on what I think will be my hardest course load yet.

Biochemistry w/ lab
Genetics w/ "lab" (more like a math problem solving type deal, less like a traditional lab)
Physics I (algebra based) w/ lab
Abnormal Psychology

Total: 16 credits

Not sure what type of EC's I'll be doing just yet. I hope to be volunteering at a local hospital at least one day a week.
 
I've heard abnormal psych is fun, though filled with lots of info.
 
What do you all think of my course load?

Genetics
-- Genetics Lab

Physiology I
-- Physiology I Lab

Cell Biology
-- Cell Biology Lab

Academic Writing

Total: 15 credits.
 
Posted here earlier but didn't get a reply...guess I'm doing it right :laugh:

I still want a question answered though: at my school there are two versions of many classes (ie chem, ochem, physical chem, physics). The first versions are usually given modifiers like 'for students who need an understanding of x for their major', 'basic techniques', etc. and the others are 'fundamental', 'for individuals hoping to work in a lab' etc. (All of the classes have the same credit hours relative to their counterparts)

In a nutshell, which courses should I take? The basic overviews or the in-depth courses? Would adcoms be able to tell the difference? Or would I just be shooting myself in the foot by taking a harder class when there are easier options?
 
Hows my schedule look like? Entering my junior year...

Genetics w/ lab
Physics I w/ lab
Histology w/ lab

CREDITS : 12

I'll also be TA for anatomy & physiology lab and will be doing volunteering (at least 4 hours a week).

I was hoping to sneak another class in there (maybe a psychology class) but not sure if it'll be too much. Any suggestions?
 
lolcat said:
Hows my schedule look like? Entering my junior year...

Genetics w/ lab
Physics I w/ lab
Histology w/ lab

CREDITS : 12

I'll also be TA for anatomy & physiology lab and will be doing volunteering (at least 4 hours a week).

I was hoping to sneak another class in there (maybe a psychology class) but not sure if it'll be too much. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

The TAing doesn't count because it's not "I gotta study" work -- you should've known the material anyway: just 1-3 hours of review before each time you teach, and the proctoring / grading duties are autopilot.

You should sneak another class into there... or you could be studying for your MCAT.

Psychology classes are generally easy and I did about 0 work for my A in psychology, but your school could be different.
 
Lunasly said:
What do you all think of my course load?

Genetics
-- Genetics Lab

Physiology I
-- Physiology I Lab

Cell Biology
-- Cell Biology Lab

Academic Writing

Total: 15 credits.
Click to expand...

This will keep you busy. Cell Bio is pretty much straight memorization, but Genetics will take some people a while to "get it". Physiology is in the middle, and will generally involve a lab later. It is also VERY interesting and VERY relevant to medical school, so do well in it. (Cell Bio and Genetics are in med school too, but generally nobody remembers anything from these classes).

Academic Writing : If you spend so much time studying for the hard sciences, you might neglect this one, especially if it comes with 15-page essays. Don't make the mistake of slacking off: Every single credit counts for your cumulative GPA.
 
Morsetlis said:
This will keep you busy. Cell Bio is pretty much straight memorization, but Genetics will take some people a while to "get it". Physiology is in the middle, and will generally involve a lab later. It is also VERY interesting and VERY relevant to medical school, so do well in it. (Cell Bio and Genetics are in med school too, but generally nobody remembers anything from these classes).

Academic Writing : If you spend so much time studying for the hard sciences, you might neglect this one, especially if it comes with 15-page essays. Don't make the mistake of slacking off: Every single credit counts for your cumulative GPA.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the wise words. 🙂
 
I shall join the brag-plaining. 🙂

Senior Fall Schedule -

*Biochem 1 - 3 credits
*PChem 1 (Quantum) - 3 credits
Advanced Inorganic - 3 credits
Instrumental Lab and Lecture - 4 credits
Computer Applications (Chem and Excel/Spartan/Mathcad) - 2 credits
Descriptive Chem (research/paper seminar) - 1 credit

Ancient Greek (Euripides! so excited) - 3 credits
Music Lesson - 1 credit

Plus medical interviews, working 12 works a week, pep band, and Quidditch.

*Have already taken the 2nd semesters of both courses for A's.

For those of you counting at home, that is indeed 20 credits.
 
Experimental Design & Biological Statistics (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr)
Ecology, Biodiversity and Taxonomy (3 cr)
Lab Practical (2 cr)
Victorian England History (3 cr)
Physics I (3 cr)
Physics Lab (1 cr)

Too much?
 
EphemeralRose3 said:
Experimental Design & Biological Statistics (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr)
Ecology, Biodiversity and Taxonomy (3 cr)
Lab Practical (2 cr)
Victorian England History (3 cr)
Physics I (3 cr)
Physics Lab (1 cr)

Too much?
Click to expand...

I'm uber-jealous.
 
EphemeralRose3 said:
Experimental Design & Biological Statistics (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr)
Ecology, Biodiversity and Taxonomy (3 cr)
Lab Practical (2 cr)
Victorian England History (3 cr)
Physics I (3 cr)
Physics Lab (1 cr)

Too much?
Click to expand...

Dang, between you and Snuke, you make me want to go add more classes. I was worrying about my 17 credits :laugh:

Let me know how your GPA holds up with that many credits, ochem, and physics. I hope you don't have to work. Statistics is an easy class.
 
Hi, I'm a freshman, first semester of college!

Biology I: A Perspective from the Genome
Intro to Bioinformatics
Calculus with Theory I
Formal Logic
Chemistry I

I took AP Calc [self studied for BC test] and AP Bio in high school and got good/passing marks on each, but my academic adviser advised that I take Calc with Theory I due to the 'theory' part probably far exceeding what was covered in HS, and it will be important later in my major: Neurobiology & Computer Science.

Each class is worth 4 credits, and at my school the month of January is devoted to independent research (not willynilly, must get faculty sponsor and have clearly defined goals/criteria for accomplishment), which they value as an additional 4 credits.
 
AymAyzing said:
Dang, between you and Snuke, you make me want to go add more classes. I was worrying about my 17 credits :laugh:

Let me know how your GPA holds up with that many credits, ochem, and physics. I hope you don't have to work. Statistics is an easy class.
Click to expand...

LOL. It's just that I'm planning to take the MCAT the end of my sophomore year and with physics I and II, I can. But, if I take Physics I and II, I have virtually no time for my ECs (Research assistant, hospital volunteering, being a club president and shadowing). That's because I literally have class from 10 - 7 everyday and I don't have a car. But, I really want to take the MCAT soon. So, should I take Physics or not?
 
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