The Official "How Does This Schedule Look" Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
Future MD DDubs said:
I'll bite,
Biochemistry Major;

Organic 1 with lab (5 credits total)

College algebra (3 credits, Online course)

Russian Language 1 (4 credits, Foreign language requirement for my school)

Bioethics (3 credits)

Debating adding an upper div writing requirement to the list, class is based around writing a grant proposal for research funding.

Anyone think that the addition of the writing class will be too much?
Click to expand...

I think you'll be able to manage. O-chem and lab will (obviously) take up a LOT of your time, but the rest of your schedule isn't too bad.
 
Spring 2013 schedule

Double major in Microbiology and Philosophy

1. Organic Chem II (lecture only) [4]
2. Organic Chem I lab [2]
3. Introductory Microbiology + Lab [5]
4. Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunobiology [3]
5. Philosophy of Religion [3] *grad level course*
6. P/F course about proteomics, genomics and bioethics research [1]
7. Thesis research for both majors (about 2 credits for each, maybe)

Should I drop pathogenesis/immunobiology and add biochemistry instead? biochemistry is offered every semester (including summer) but I don't know if I should take it now or wait until summer.
 
chickenonrice said:
@rcheech7:I can't drop neither math c or writing! math c is the third part of our calc sequence. most people just have 2 parts which are like calc 1 and 2. we have mat a/b/c. it sucks but whatever...

Writing is necessary as a freshmen. I wasn't able to take it in the fall but i can take it now. the professor isn't half bad either... (she has a 4.2 on ratemyprof).
Click to expand...

Then since you're a freshman, I say hold off on physics until next spring. Don't kill yourself with a rough schedule when you don't need to.
 
plumhill said:
Spring 2013 schedule

Double major in Microbiology and Philosophy

1. Organic Chem II (lecture only) [4]
2. Organic Chem I lab [2]
3. Introductory Microbiology + Lab [5]
4. Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunobiology [3]
5. Philosophy of Religion [3] *grad level course*
6. P/F course about proteomics, genomics and bioethics research [1]
7. Thesis research for both majors (about 2 credits for each, maybe)

Should I drop pathogenesis/immunobiology and add biochemistry instead? biochemistry is offered every semester (including summer) but I don't know if I should take it now or wait until summer.
Click to expand...

If the biochemistry is the mechanistic one (generally the one for biochemistry majors) then I would wait until after you are done with Orgo II. If you are taking one that is not mechanistic (chem majors, nutrition majors, etc...) then you could do the swap if you desired to.

I would wait to take biochemistry if I were you,
 
Physical chem (4)
Genetics (4)
GEs (6)
Research (5 - 10)
MCAT Review (8 - Sat&Sun)
Tutor (4)
----------------
31 - 36 hrs per week
 
rcheech7 said:
If the biochemistry is the mechanistic one (generally the one for biochemistry majors) then I would wait until after you are done with Orgo II. If you are taking one that is not mechanistic (chem majors, nutrition majors, etc...) then you could do the swap if you desired to.

I would wait to take biochemistry if I were you,
Click to expand...

The only pre-requisite for biochemistry at my school is one semester of organic chemistry (which I am about to finish). It is designed for other science majors and pre-meds, not for biochemistry majors (that is a separate, higher-level course).
 
plumhill said:
The only pre-requisite for biochemistry at my school is one semester of organic chemistry (which I am about to finish). It is designed for other science majors and pre-meds, not for biochemistry majors (that is a separate, higher-level course).
Click to expand...

I wouldn't take it still. Why swap a potentially medically relevant and interesting class (I was a micro major too!) for boring biochemistry. I would take it another semester.
 
OK that makes sense. Both classes are offered every semester so they're pretty interchangeable. Thanks!
 
rcheech7 said:
I wouldn't take it still. Why swap a potentially medically relevant and interesting class (I was a micro major too!) for boring biochemistry. I would take it another semester.
Click to expand...

😕 probably because med schools often view biochemistry as a requirement? He could take it later, but I usually try to finish prereqs ASAP.
 
El Nino said:
Physical chem (4)
Genetics (4)
GEs (6)
Research (5 - 10)
MCAT Review (8 - Sat&Sun)
Tutor (4)
----------------
31 - 36 hrs per week
Click to expand...

Looks solid, you're not over-stretching yourself in terms of class work. When do you plan on taking your MCAT? You may want to try to find some spots in your schedule during the week for MCAT review (I spent 2 hours before classes twice a week doing content review and such when I was studying). It's good to keep the material and the test fresh in your mind across the week instead of starting fresh each week then forgetting and becoming disenfranchised.
 
plumhill said:
Spring 2013 schedule

Double major in Microbiology and Philosophy

1. Organic Chem II (lecture only) [4]
2. Organic Chem I lab [2]
3. Introductory Microbiology + Lab [5]
4. Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunobiology [3]
5. Philosophy of Religion [3] *grad level course*
6. P/F course about proteomics, genomics and bioethics research [1]
7. Thesis research for both majors (about 2 credits for each, maybe)

Should I drop pathogenesis/immunobiology and add biochemistry instead? biochemistry is offered every semester (including summer) but I don't know if I should take it now or wait until summer.
Click to expand...

This is a lot of work (in both terms of time commitment in the classroom and the work needed outside). Switching out for Biochemistry will not make it an easier schedule. I recommend that if you are going to be doing 2 credits of thesis work for both your majors then you need to consider possibly dropping one class if you do not need it.
 
Future MD DDubs said:
I'll bite,
Biochemistry Major;

Organic 1 with lab (5 credits total)

College algebra (3 credits, Online course)

Russian Language 1 (4 credits, Foreign language requirement for my school)

Bioethics (3 credits)

Debating adding an upper div writing requirement to the list, class is based around writing a grant proposal for research funding.

Anyone think that the addition of the writing class will be too much?
Click to expand...

How many credits is it worth?
 
Hey guys, how does this look? (Second semester freshman)

H. Organic Chemistry II + Lab -5 credits
Biology 1 -4 credits
Writing requirement -4 credits
Spanish 2 -4 credits

Total -17 credits

EC's
Gym
Clubs
Volunteering
etc.
 
Agent B said:
😕 probably because med schools often view biochemistry as a requirement? He could take it later, but I usually try to finish prereqs ASAP.
Click to expand...

If you look at the rest of his schedule, I would say adding biochemistry to that would be crazy. Biochem was one of the most time consuming classes I have ever had and taking with Orgo 2 is just a terrible idea IMO.
 
I'm No Superman said:
Hey guys, how does this look? (Second semester freshman)

H. Organic Chemistry II + Lab -5 credits
Biology 1 -4 credits
Writing requirement -4 credits
Spanish 2 -4 credits

Total -17 credits

EC's
Gym
Clubs
Volunteering
etc.
Click to expand...

This is fine. This is what your second semester of freshman year should look like. Kudos to you for already being done with Gen Chem coming into college.
 
General bio I w. lab (retake) 4cr
Orgo I w. lab 5 cr
Calc I 4cr

Volunteering about 4 hours a week

Mom of a 2.5 yr old and (by next sem.) also mom of a newborn.

Im a little concerned with taking orgo I with these other two courses. What do u guys think?
 
Anatomy
Physical Chemistry
Microbiology
Biochemistry II
Some political science course
Research
Volunteering
 
Dportorreal said:
General bio I w. lab (retake) 4cr
Orgo I w. lab 5 cr
Calc I 4cr

Volunteering about 4 hours a week

Mom of a 2.5 yr old and (by next sem.) also mom of a newborn.

Im a little concerned with taking orgo I with these other two courses. What do u guys think?
Click to expand...

Nope. It isn't a tough courseload. You can handle it. Good luck.

Permavirgin said:
Anatomy
Physical Chemistry
Microbiology
Biochemistry II
Some political science course
Research
Volunteering
Click to expand...

Ouch. Good luck man. Combining p-chem with anatomy (and two other bio courses) isn't a good idea, but if you can handle it, you're good to go.
 
I never took Chemistry in High school, Should I take Gen Chem 1 or take Intro to Chem?

Also would Intro to Chem be considered a prereq?
 
acslater99 said:
I never took Chemistry in High school, Should I take Gen Chem 1 or take Intro to Chem?

Also would Intro to Chem be considered a prereq?
Click to expand...

Intro chem will not count towards your general chemistry pre-req. It will however still count for science GPA so it can still definitely help you out by giving you an extra A and getting you more prepared for gen. chem.

I have seen a lot of people struggle with gen chem 1 without high school chemistry. I think that taking intro chem may not be a bad idea to ensure that you will be on good footing going into gen chem.

However intro chem IMO is not required to to well in gen chem and you could go without it.
 
I'm taking:
1. Cal 2 (4 hrs)
2. Honors Gen Chem 2 (4 hrs)
3. Chemical Engineering Calculations (4hrs)
4. Class for my honors program (4 hrs)
5. Psych 101 (3hrs)

For a total of 19 hours. I'm trying to decide whether or not to drop psych. I originally signed up for it because I thought I would need it for the 2015 MCAT, but it turns out I'll be able to take the MCAT next summer, so I don't have to worry about that. It also wouldn't count for any core requirements at my school, so I would just be taking it "for fun". What would y'all do?
 
acslater99 said:
I never took Chemistry in High school, Should I take Gen Chem 1 or take Intro to Chem?

Also would Intro to Chem be considered a prereq?
Click to expand...

Take if from me (just finished my gen chem sequence), knock out the intro course before jumping into gen chem. It may seem like stuff is getting spoon fed to you a lot of the times, but take it seriously, as the basics will be gone into more in depth when taking gen chem 1 & 2. If you had say a good amount of free time before the semester starts I would suggest you just self-teach most of the high school level chem, but if that is not an option a nice refresher course would mean less of a headache going into gen chem 1. I barely clipped an A in Gen chem 1 and this was because I had a small base built up from the intro course. It especially helps when you have a great professor teaching you the basic stuff.

Depends on the school, but some schools have it where you either take a placement exam to get into gen chem 1 or you pass the intro course with a "C" or better( so sort of like a prereq to college level gen chem)
 
Drogo said:
Take if from me (just finished my gen chem sequence), knock out the intro course before jumping into gen chem. It may seem like stuff is getting spoon fed to you a lot of the times, but take it seriously, as the basics will be gone into more in depth when taking gen chem 1 & 2. If you had say a good amount of free time before the semester starts I would suggest you just self-teach most of the high school level chem, but if that is not an option a nice refresher course would mean less of a headache going into gen chem 1. I barely clipped an A in Gen chem 1 and this was because I had a small base built up from the intro course. It especially helps when you have a great professor teaching you the basic stuff.

Depends on the school, but some schools have it where you either take a placement exam to get into gen chem 1 or you pass the intro course with a "C" or better( so sort of like a prereq to college level gen chem)
Click to expand...

Yeah I was considering taking intro chem for my fall semester then hopefully take gen chem the next semester.

I had to choose between A&P and Chemistry, I took A&P. Don't know why but did, Hopefully It will come In use for the future.
 
TXTide said:
I'm taking:
1. Cal 2 (4 hrs)
2. Honors Gen Chem 2 (4 hrs)
3. Chemical Engineering Calculations (4hrs)
4. Class for my honors program (4 hrs)
5. Psych 101 (3hrs)

For a total of 19 hours. I'm trying to decide whether or not to drop psych. I originally signed up for it because I thought I would need it for the 2015 MCAT, but it turns out I'll be able to take the MCAT next summer, so I don't have to worry about that. It also wouldn't count for any core requirements at my school, so I would just be taking it "for fun". What would y'all do?
Click to expand...

If you dont need Psych 101 dont take it. 16 credits is more than enough (IMO). If i remember correctly Psych is a lot of material although very doable.
 
Bio 2 (4 hrs)
Physics 1 (4 hrs) (Algebra based)
Calc 1 (5 hrs)
Spanish 2 (4 hrs)

Total: 17 credit hours.

I started spring 2012, have taken 37 cr hrs and a 3.676 cGPA. I got a B in gen Chem 1, 2 and precalc 1 (took gen chem 1 during semster ; precalc 1 and gen chem 2 during the summer). Everything else has been A's - including this semester, being my first ever 4.0 semester!
 
How does this look:

Freshman (2nd semester) bio major

Plant bio (3)
Plant bio lab (1)
Chem 101 (3)
Chem 101 lab (1)
Calc1 (4)
English (3) required at my uni

Total 15 credits, also 8 hours at work a week + 2-4 volunteer hours at hospital a week. Also considering pledging a frat.
 
Biology 2 w/lab
Chemistry 2 w/lab
A&P w/lab

Research
2 medical volunteering positions
Neighborhood rec center volunteer
Tutor
Clubs on campus
 
Biology 2 w/lab 4 credits
Anatomy and Physiology w/lab 4 credits
Epidemiology&Communty Medicine w/lab 4 credits
Human Behavior & Public Health 4 credits

*Possibly a Phlebotomy class with an Internship 2 credits
 
Last edited:
Daneosaurus said:
Bio 2 (4 hrs)
Physics 1 (4 hrs) (Algebra based)
Calc 1 (5 hrs)
Spanish 2 (4 hrs)

Total: 17 credit hours.
Click to expand...

chaii said:
How does this look:

Freshman (2nd semester) bio major

Plant bio (3)
Plant bio lab (1)
Chem 101 (3)
Chem 101 lab (1)
Calc1 (4)
English (3) required at my uni

Total 15 credits, also 8 hours at work a week + 2-4 volunteer hours at hospital a week. Also considering pledging a frat.
Click to expand...

altamont850 said:
Biology 2 w/lab
Chemistry 2 w/lab
A&P w/lab

Research
2 medical volunteering positions
Neighborhood rec center volunteer
Tutor
Clubs on campus
Click to expand...

Dignitary said:
Biology 2 w/lab 4 credits
Anatomy and Physiology w/lab 4 credits
Epidemiology&Communty Medicine w/lab 4 credits
Human Behavior & Public Health 4 credits

*Possibly a Phlebotomy class with an Internship 2 credits
Click to expand...

All are fine.

@Dignitary I would be a little cautious about, well basically, another lab class. You do have 3 labs already, but if you think you will have the time than go for the phlebotomy class.
 
I really can use some help/opinions on my upcoming semester. Frankly, I've struggled with work ethic in the academic setting but I want to challenge myself and I believe that I'm intellectually capable. I plan on taking 3 sciences. Does this seem like suicide, considering that I am not a 4.0 student?

Ogro II w/ Lab (5 hours)
Bio II w/ lab (4 hours)
Physics 1 w/ lab (5 hours)
300 - level Psych class (3 hours)

17 hours total. Any input???
 
OREdwardsJR said:
I really can use some help/opinions on my upcoming semester. Frankly, I've struggled with work ethic in the academic setting but I want to challenge myself and I believe that I'm intellectually capable. I plan on taking 3 sciences. Does this seem like suicide, considering that I am not a 4.0 student?

Ogro II w/ Lab (5 hours)
Bio II w/ lab (4 hours)
Physics 1 w/ lab (5 hours)
300 - level Psych class (3 hours)

17 hours total. Any input???
Click to expand...

I know this is "necro" but those classes seem doable, especially if you disregard your social life.

My schedule doesn't look as impressive though.
 
1 (16)
Calculus I Math 1241
Intro to computer science I ITCS 1212 / L
Computing professionals ITCS 1600
Intro to geography ESCI 1101
American politics POLS 1110
English I English 1101

2 (12)
Calculus II Math 1242
Intro to computer science II (W) ITCS 1213
Logic and algorithms ITCS 2175
English II ENGL 1102
Arts and society: Music LBST 1103

Summer 1 (6)
General Biology BIOL 2120
Principles of Chemistryl Chem 1251

Summer 1.5 (5)
General Biology II w/ lab Biol 2130 /L

3 (14)
Cell Biology w/ lab BIOL 3111/L3.
Principles of Chemistry lab Chem 1251 L
Psychology PSYC 1101
Introduction to Statistics I Stat 1222
Principles of Chemistry II Chem 1252

4 (14)
Principles of Chemistry II lab Chem 1252L
Organic chemistry I Chem 2131
Issues of Health and Quality of Life LBST 2214
Physics for science and enginneering w/ lab PHYS 2101/L
Genetics BIOL 3166

 

5 (14)
Organic chemistry I lab Chem 2131 L
Introduction of Sociology I SOCY 1101
Global and intercultural connections Lbst 2102
Physics science and engineering II w/ lab PHYS 2102/L
Organic chemistry II Chem 2132


6 (14)
Global Understanding Lbst 2102
Organic chemistry II lab Chem 2132L
Principles of Biochemistry I CHEM 4165
Introduction of Sociology I SOCY 1101
animal physiology w/ lab BIOL 3273/L

7 (14)
Ecology w/ lab BIOL 3144/L
Elementary French I FREN 1201
Microbiology w/lab BIOL 4250/L
Introduction to Creative Writing ENGL 2126


8 (14)
Elementary French II FREN 1202
Senior Seminar BIOL 4600
population genetics BIOL 4260
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy w/ lab BIOL 4293
Western culture and historical awareness lBST 2101



I am currently in my second semester and i switched majors from computer science to biology.

My schools premed committee will write a letter to explain how the summer courses at my school are actually more rigorous than the fall/spring courses.

So does my schedule look too easy? I know semester 7 is pretty light but that is mostly because I am anticipating that being interview time.
 
So this is my proposed schedule for my junior year:

FIRST SEMESTER
Physics 141 w/ lab
Biochemistry
English (CPLT)
Statistics

SECOND SEMESTER:
Physics 142
NBB302 (Behaviorial Neuroscience) (core req. for major)
NBB ELECTIVE* (maybe Drugs and Behavior?!)
Human Phy (which would double as an elective for my major) or diff. NBB elective or English

(NBB=Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology; my major requires 5 nbb electives (Human Phy. counts as 1/5); 2/4 core requirements completed)

I was planning on human p. and biochem together, but there are time conflicts with physics lab.

I've taken Bio and Chem 1 and 2, I sem. Calculus, and currently taking Orgo
Other "Science" (Bio) classes I've taken is intro to Neurobiology (301/Bio360). (some similar aspects with Human phys.)
 
Last edited:
This would be for my first semester sophomore year:

Current GPA:expecting about a 3.9 (if i can pull my Psych 100 grade to a B+.. stupid grading scale makes a B+ 92 percent)

CHEM 232 - Elementary Organic Chemistry I (4 hours)
CHEM 233- Elementary Organic Chemistry I Lab (2 hours)
MCB 250 - Molecular Genetics (3 hours)
MCB 251- Exp. Techniques in Molecular Biology (lab) - (2 hours)
ITAL 101 - Italian I (4 hours)
STAT 100 - Statistics (3 hours)

This would put me at 18 credit hours, if i get a research position and try to get credit with it.. I could go up to a max of 21 hours
 
funtertaining15 said:
So this is my proposed schedule for my junior year:

FIRST SEMESTER
Physics 141 w/ lab
Biochemistry
English (CPLT)
Statistics

SECOND SEMESTER:
Physics 142
NBB302 (Behaviorial Neuroscience) (core req. for major)
NBB ELECTIVE* (maybe Drugs and Behavior?!)
Human Phy (which would double as an elective for my major) or diff. NBB elective or English

(NBB=Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology; my major requires 5 nbb electives (Human Phy. counts as 1/5); 2/4 core requirements completed)

I was planning on human p. and biochem together, but there are time conflicts with physics lab.

I've taken Bio and Chem 1 and 2, I sem. Calculus, and currently taking Orgo
Other "Science" (Bio) classes I've taken is intro to Neurobiology (301/Bio360). (some similar aspects with Human phys.)
Click to expand...

Definitely doable. Good luck.

Kishan93 said:
This would be for my first semester sophomore year:

Current GPA:expecting about a 3.9 (if i can pull my Psych 100 grade to a B+.. stupid grading scale makes a B+ 92 percent)

CHEM 232 - Elementary Organic Chemistry I (4 hours)
CHEM 233- Elementary Organic Chemistry I Lab (2 hours)
MCB 250 - Molecular Genetics (3 hours)
MCB 251- Exp. Techniques in Molecular Biology (lab) - (2 hours)
ITAL 101 - Italian I (4 hours)
STAT 100 - Statistics (3 hours)

This would put me at 18 credit hours, if i get a research position and try to get credit with it.. I could go up to a max of 21 hours
Click to expand...

If a B+ = 92%, what's the grade to get an A? 97%? It's ironic that your professor who uses this grading system teaches psychology. He/she should practice before preaching.

Back to the main point, your schedule looks manageable. Good luck.
 
Its a course taught by TA's at ours school and the course follows a standard grading system where the grade cutoff (raw total point total is 350) is based on the average of the top 10 % of your section. 97 percent of that top 10 percent total will be an A. Lucky me got all the AP Psychology kids in my section.
 
Kishan93 said:
Its a course taught by TA's at ours school and the course follows a standard grading system where the grade cutoff (raw total point total is 350) is based on the average of the top 10 % of your section. 97 percent of that top 10 percent total will be an A. Lucky me got all the AP Psychology kids in my section.
Click to expand...

That's why intro level courses are terrible and pointless. Upper-level courses show you a much better insight into the material. Anyways, I think you're fine.
 
Do you think biochem or human physiology would be better to take first semester if I plan to take the MCAT in April?
 
Freshman, large state school, scared as heck. My HS had a weak science program.

BIO200 - Evolutionary Biology - 5 credits + lab
Chem 101 - General Chemistry - 5 credits + lab
Math 141 - Calculus - 4 credits
UGC 111 - World Civilizations - 3 credits
UB 101 - University Experience - 1 credit

I don't know if this is too much. I want to get well acquainted to college and start with a good GPA. Any recommendations?
 
funtertaining15 said:
Do you think biochem or human physiology would be better to take first semester if I plan to take the MCAT in April?
Click to expand...

Human physiology; biochem's only "optional"

x1240tony said:
Freshman, large state school, scared as heck. My HS had a weak science program.

BIO200 - Evolutionary Biology - 5 credits + lab
Chem 101 - General Chemistry - 5 credits + lab
Math 141 - Calculus - 4 credits
UGC 111 - World Civilizations - 3 credits
UB 101 - University Experience - 1 credit

I don't know if this is too much. I want to get well acquainted to college and start with a good GPA. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

That's definitely doable. But use this time to learn how to manage efficiently.
 
Agent B said:
Human physiology; biochem's only "optional"



That's definitely doable. But use this time to learn how to manage efficiently.
Click to expand...


If I get my uni's one calculus professor that is amazing, then I'll take calculus in the fall. If not then I'll just take it over the summer or sophomore year.
 
How does this look, 1st sem sophmore

Ochem 1 with lab (4)
Physics with lab (4)
Anatomy 2 with lab (4)
Maybe sports psych (3)
perhaps a gym type class (1)

total 16. i know three labs, but I'm trying to avoid the 2015 mcat.GPA about 3.8 right now.
 
Eaglefan said:
How does this look, 1st sem sophmore

Ochem 1 with lab (4)
Physics with lab (4)
Anatomy 2 with lab (4)
Maybe sports psych (3)
perhaps a gym type class (1)

total 16. i know three labs, but I'm trying to avoid the 2015 mcat.GPA about 3.8 right now.
Click to expand...

Is anatomy necessary? If not, drop it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

wysdoc
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*
2 3 4
Replies
176
Views
13K
TMDSASSY
T
I
"Commit to enroll" and then withdrawing - how badly does this look?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Basalganglia4life
B
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*
2
Replies
86
Views
11K
chilly_md
chilly_md
C
When does the CYMS tool officially open?
Replies
6
Views
527
coffeelover347
C
A
Does this count as clinical?
Replies
4
Views
643
asterok
A
Top