UMDNJ-GSBS MBS Fall 2009

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Yeah can we actually register for classes right now..cause I think I tried but was seriously confused lol..
 
haha nah u cant register online yet. you pick them at orientation
I was just discussing what classes I would like to take in addition the fundamentals or dent physio..

userah...dental physio is a pain in the @$$ , hard as hell from what i hear...what can we do.
 
Albuterol said:
haha nah u cant register online yet. you pick them at orientation
I was just discussing what classes I would like to take in addition the fundamentals or dent physio..

userah...dental physio is a pain in the @$$ , hard as hell from what i hear...what can we do.
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For some reason Anatomy is not offered
 
How do you know anatomy isn't offered? when I went to try and see the course schedule it wouldn't let me access it
 
w00. Just got finished setting up my web credentials. I also just received a letter regarding immunizations. I hate dealing with immunizations haha. Such a pain in the @$$. Hopefully I can get started on that this week and also get in the financial aid app in at some point.

As to why anatomy is not offered, my best guess is that it's reserved only for dental students cuz they only have so many cadavers and they can't/won't waste it on grad students who have no guarantee of goin past to dental. Physio and Biochem are just lecture based so another 5-10 students is whatever. That's my best guess anyway.
 
Awesome thanks for the link. We just have to assume similar class listings.

Also, anyone seen a sample schedule floating around? I know we have to take a few required classes - just dont think ive seen a formal sample schedule around
 
I don't think there is a formal sample schedule b/c outside of the required course everything else is an elective so you pretty much make up your own schedule.
 
Albuterol said:
I don't think there is a formal sample schedule b/c outside of the required course everything else is an elective so you pretty much make up your own schedule.
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Albuterol, what is a good amount of courses in terms of Credit number to take in first semester, especially for someone that wants to finish in 1 year. (including the extension to May-July)
 
robflanker said:
You have to do 30 credits to graduate. So 15...
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Ya, but spring term is somewhat Extended from Jan to August (so no summer term). From people I spoke to thus far, they told me that its not unusual to finish off Lab rotations (2 credits) and do 1 or 2 courses. But also, the people I spoke to are all not finishing in one year, so I dunno.
 
just what Rob said 30 credits are needed to graduate/15 semester Also full time at the graduate level is 12 credits (I think probably compared to 16ug credits)...I'm not to sure on how the semesters work but we will find this out when we register for classes. From what I hear UMDNJ likes to make students stay 1.5 years so when they apply they have a whole years worth of grades to show. Makes sense to me, but that's not how I plan to roll.
 
Albuterol said:
just what Rob said 30 credits are needed to graduate/15 semester Also full time at the graduate level is 12 credits (I think probably compared to 16ug credits)...I'm not to sure on how the semesters work but we will find this out when we register for classes. From what I hear UMDNJ likes to make students stay 1.5 years so when they apply they have a whole years worth of grades to show. Makes sense to me, but that's not how I plan to roll.
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Lol well sounds good to me. Now we have to figure out the weird breakdowns of courses and how they fit in our timetable, i.e. the fact that some courses are 5 credits over 2 semesters. I kinda don't like the idea of night classes, I'd rather do school during day study at night lol.
 
i say we all agree on a list of classes to take since we're all pre-dents and all hoping to finish in one year. solidarity! lol
 
I'm pre-med, didnt think I was the lone-duck here. I think DrChuck is pre-med too
 
robflanker said:
I'm pre-med, didnt think I was the lone-duck here. I think DrChuck is pre-med too
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yeah, pre-med here...dang you guys are all ready to go with the 1 year plan lol... I am not sure if I can finish the program in a year..I was thinking about whether that will affect my application to medical school...Does anyone know how NJMS views that..if they want you to do the full 30 credits in 2 semesters before you apply??
 
ah. my apologies. either way, we all have the same goal. One year of masters and then move on to dental/med.
 
userah said:
i say we all agree on a list of classes to take since we're all pre-dents and all hoping to finish in one year. solidarity! lol
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This is what I got planned so far for fall term.

This is also assuming I do not qualify for Dental Physio and Dental Biochem.

Fundamental 1, Oral Microbiology, Basic Histology OR Principles of Toxicology, (one more course), Dental Seminar
 
DrChuck24 said:
yeah, pre-med here...dang you guys are all ready to go with the 1 year plan lol... I am not sure if I can finish the program in a year..I was thinking about whether that will affect my application to medical school...Does anyone know how NJMS views that..if they want you to do the full 30 credits in 2 semesters before you apply??
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the only reason I want to go with the 1 year plan is that I don't want my DAT scores to expire and have to retake them again. If I don't get in next year then I can reapply in 2010 for Fall 2011 with the same scores. With NJMS being right next door I'm sure you could drop by and keep them posted on how you are doing throughout the year. I plan on doing this with NJDS and hopefully I will get an acceptance there!
 
Albuterol said:
the only reason I want to go with the 1 year plan is that I don't want my DAT scores to expire and have to retake them again. If I don't get in next year then I can reapply in 2010 for Fall 2011 with the same scores. With NJMS being right next door I'm sure you could drop by and keep them posted on how you are doing throughout the year. I plan on doing this with NJDS and hopefully I will get an acceptance there!
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Albuterol,

to bug you agian. Do you think its uneconomical to commute from Jersey city to Newark and if not a possible suggestion where I should look for housing? My brother lived there on project a few months and paid like 6-700 sharing with another roomate, but commuted to NYC. He wasn't really familiar with Newark just about its location and reputation 😉. I see living on student housing is like 12 G's... thats pretty exps considering I'm getting zero financial aid. Lemme know.
 
Artanis,
Its definitly possible to commute from Jersey City to Newark. Are you planning on commuting via car or public transportation? If public trans, look for a place near a NJ PATH station. You could take a train into Newark Penn Station. You can find more info at www.njtransit.com
 
Albuterol said:
Artanis,
Its definitly possible to commute from Jersey City to Newark. Are you planning on commuting via car or public transportation? If public trans, look for a place near a NJ PATH station. You could take a train into Newark Penn Station. You can find more info at www.njtransit.com
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Thanks so much bud. Hopefully I can find a place somewhere that I pay 600-700 with only one roomate. If anyone that is familiar with the area other than Albuterol feel free to comment.
 
artanis said:
Thanks so much bud. Hopefully I can find a place somewhere that I pay 600-700 with only one roomate. If anyone that is familiar with the area other than Albuterol feel free to comment.
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yeah like Albuterol said, you can take the train from Journal Square to Newark Penn Station..and whats cool about it..there is a shuttle from Penn Station that goes straight to UMDNJ and runs all day long..just hop on and show your ID..if you are going by car, the ride is like 15-20 minutes and its a straight shot.
 
DrChuck24 said:
yeah like Albuterol said, you can take the train from Journal Square to Newark Penn Station..and whats cool about it..there is a shuttle from Penn Station that goes straight to UMDNJ and runs all day long..just hop on and show your ID..if you are going by car, the ride is like 15-20 minutes and its a straight shot.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much!
 
This answered a bunch of my questions.

peppy6 said:
Hello everyone!

Since most of you were asking me the same questions, I just thought I would create one long post for all of you to read. If you still have more questions, just message me again. Hopefully I answer most of your questions here.

To start off, my experience with the program has been a very positive one. This program is a true masters program, you take courses from the graduate school with other pre-health students, people from the pharmaceutical industry, students interested in teaching and PhDs, etc…because of this, it is very different from other programs such as the SMP at Georgetown because it is not geared ONLY to pre-meds. Instead of the program telling you which classes to take, you have complete liberty in choosing your classes and your direction. There are a few required classes: Fundamentals I (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Fundamentals II (Cell Biology), a seminar course, and a lab rotation. Other than that, it’s up to you. You can also get a concentration in a certain field and get a certificate in addition to your masters degree. These fields are bioinformatics, stem cell biology, and pharmacology.

In terms of medical school courses, there are a few offered: molecular and genetic medicine (MGM), medical physiology, and medical neuroscience. This past year, MGM was not offered to everyone, and I’m not sure what the requirements were for it. For pre-dental students, I think you are allowed to take Physiology and Biochemistry- but again, I am not sure if everyone is allowed to take them. So you may want to contact Dr. Ingoglia at GSBS or whoever you’re told to contact to find out if these options are available for you. MGM and Dental Physiology are first semester courses, and medical physiology, medical neuroscience, and dental biochemistry are second semester. Someone asked about taking undergraduate courses…to be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve only seen the graduate school side of things and I’m not aware of any undergraduate courses here.

The courses are all different in terms of difficulty level. I have had some very challenging classes and some that were pretty easy. I do feel that I have learned a lot more from all of my classes in general, and that will help you in the future.

You can definitely do this program in one year but make sure you plan accordingly from day one. I did the program in one year. I chose to do the MS program, that is, the masters with thesis option. You can do this, which is 25 course units and 5 thesis units, or the MSBS option which is no thesis, 30 course units.
I know a handful of people that applied during the year but have not really followed up with them to see if they have gotten in. Most people seem to apply after the program but I think it could work either way. Make sure to submit your first semester grades from the program if you’re applying this year and maybe go in and talk to advisors in the medical school/dental school deans’ offices. This can allow you to go over your application w/ them and introduce yourself as you apply.

Since this program is very new, I don’t believe they have tracked graduates to see if they have gone on to medical school and such. In general, however, students who do programs such as these greatly increase their chances of getting into their desired schools. Taking more classes, doing well, and getting more experience can only help, so I think as long as you work hard here, it will only help you get to where you want to be. I have talked a few students who did this program and are now at the medical school so it definitely helps!

One thing that may be considered a weakness of the program by some of you is that there is not yet a lot of guidance in the program. Many of you may have heard of Dr. Ingoglia, the associate dean of the graduate school. He is a GREAT resources and great person in general and I highly recommend talking to him. He is the main go-to person at the moment, but I know they are looking to make changes in UMDNJ in general that will make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. I have not had a big problem with how things are run b/c Dr. Ingoglia is great at pointing you in the right direction to get your questions answered. Get to know him!

Okay, now for living. I am from CA and had never been to NJ before this program. I got lucky and found someone on studentdoctor.net who was from NJ and is now my roommate here. I definitely lucked out in finding a great roommate, especially one who was familiar with the area. So ask around and maybe that will work for you. For those of you who have not been to Newark, it is a typical urban city that’s rough around the edges. It is a city in which you should be careful when walking around. I don’t mean to scare you, because things aren’t that bad walking around campus, but you need to be aware of your surroundings. There is new on-campus housing that is supposed to be very nice and I also know some people who live in a place called Society Hill, which is within walking distance of the university. They all seem to like it okay. I was told by some friends to not live in Newark so I took their advice and live in Jersey City. Personally, I am glad I live in Jersey City because we live within walking distance to the subway into NYC and close to grocery stores, target, staples, a mall, etc. The commute is also not that bad, w/o traffic it only takes about 15-20 min. The area, to me anyway, generally seems more secure and I just feel more comfortable living here.

One thing that made me decide to bring a car was that most of our graduate school classes are offered in the evenings between 5-9pm. There is a bus that picks up and drops off students between Newark Penn Station and campus but I didn’t want to wait around for the bus after class and make it a longer trip home. But there are trains and the PATH subway that goes into Newark which may be accessible to you depending on where you choose to live.

Okay, sorry for such a LONG post…I hope it helps you guys! And of course, feel free to message w/ more questions…Good luck!
Click to expand...
 
sweet, thanks for the post! definitely cleared up a few things. Anyone looking for a roomie? haha
 
userah said:
sweet, thanks for the post! definitely cleared up a few things. Anyone looking for a roomie? haha
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I am, but at the moment I am leaning towards living in jersey city. I think I would be too bored in Newark and a 30 minute commute aint bad at all. You planning to do student housing?
 
nah. student housing is way too expensive from what i hear. I was looking into getting an apartment somewhere NEAR newark, but not IN newark. I was looking into harrison as I've heard that it is one of the safer areas and it's like 10 min away from the school. Also, I hear that jersey city is a fairly expensive city in terms of renting an apartment. I've just begun doing research on housing, so correct me if i'm mistaken.

I was looking at this one.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/apa/1118638618.html

the post is a little old and there's no mention on utilities but it seems like a nice area from what i can see on google maps.
 
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A nice area from google maps? Not sure thats a reliable source of information except for what street names are and where shops are. You can't tell whether an area is sketchy or not unless you go there.

I personally plan on living in Newark. I wanna be able to walk to school if I need to. Relying on public transport in crappy weather is hit-or-miss, and i'd rather have a little more control. Newark isn't boring in my opinion, its a 20-30min ride to NYC, and light rail takes you most places.

I'm not doing student housing. It's very easy to find an apartment for $7-900 a month which while still high-ish, its lower than the $12k they want for student housing.
 
robflanker said:
A nice area from google maps? Not sure thats a reliable source of information except for what street names are and where shops are. You can't tell whether an area is sketchy or not unless you go there.

I personally plan on living in Newark. I wanna be able to walk to school if I need to. Relying on public transport in crappy weather is hit-or-miss, and i'd rather have a little more control. Newark isn't boring in my opinion, its a 20-30min ride to NYC, and light rail takes you most places.

I'm not doing student housing. It's very easy to find an apartment for $7-900 a month which while still high-ish, its lower than the $12k they want for student housing.
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Okay, I will definitely visit Jersey as soon as I am done school. I mean, I've been there but not to Newark, just passed through. I am not too picky, like if I get a room for $700 split wid one other all will be well. I would preferably rather live with someone in the same program rather than someone who isnt. In the end I'll be living with someone who will start off as an acquaintance either way.

Do you guys suggest trying to find a 12 month lease starting late August?
 
On a different note, i might be changing my feelings about completing this program in one year. For a lot of us, this is our last chance. The risk of trying to rush through it and not getting As is huge. If it happens, one will be heading abroad or finding a different career path.

Thoughts? Just figure i'd throw it out there
 
robflanker said:
On a different note, i might be changing my feelings about completing this program in one year. For a lot of us, this is our last chance. The risk of trying to rush through it and not getting As is huge. If it happens, one will be heading abroad or finding a different career path.

Thoughts? Just figure i'd throw it out there
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Hey there Rob,

Thats why I am trying to enroll in 1-2 courses this summer (May-August) so that I will only have to do 11-13 credits per semester during the school year. First semester I think I am only going to do max 12. The only problem with doing that is (for you guys), no financial aid because your part time student. My course selection for fall term plays a big factor on my acceptance, because ya, I can get a 4.0 doing courses not representative by first year dental school, but the whole reason we are joining this program is to prove we can thrive in first year. 🙂
 
Full time for graduate is 12 credits just so you know.

I looked at the UMDNJ calender through their student handbook, and I didn't see any summer classes term existing. I saw the spring runs until August.
Page 2 for academic calender
http://www.umdnj.edu/gsbsnweb/documents/Student_Handbook.pdf

Also, are people going to go for the MBS or MS or just take classes and not worry about getting an official degree
 
robflanker said:
Full time for graduate is 12 credits just so you know.

I looked at the UMDNJ calender through their student handbook, and I didn't see any summer classes term existing. I saw the spring runs until August.
Page 2 for academic calender
http://www.umdnj.edu/gsbsnweb/documents/Student_Handbook.pdf

Also, are people going to go for the MBS or MS or just take classes and not worry about getting an official degree
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Full time is 10 for Doctoral, and 8 for Masters. But I believe its 10 now for Masters since handbook is not up to date. There is one course available for 2 weeks-3 weeks in June, and theres SOO many TBD's. I would realllly like to know when those TBD's are so I can join a class or two lol.
 
I am confused. So then how is the part-time student thing coming in to play?

If i am taking 30 credits over 3 semesters, than thats 10 per semester and more than the 8 (or 10) your saying is needed for FT.
*Edit - Full time is 9 credits in 2008/09 http://www.umdnj.edu/studentfinancialaid/app_process/09/GSBS_0809.pdf *

They might not let you take a class before you go to orientation
 
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robflanker said:
I am confused. So then how is the part-time student thing coming in to play?

If i am taking 30 credits over 3 semesters, than thats 10 per semester and more than the 8 (or 10) your saying is needed for FT.
*Edit - Full time is 9 credits in 2008/09 http://www.umdnj.edu/studentfinancialaid/app_process/09/GSBS_0809.pdf *

They might not let you take a class before you go to orientation
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Hey they said I can take a course or two, but i will be considered Non-matriculated & Part Time --> no financial Aid. But I don't get financial aid anyway cause im coming from Toronto, Canada. The course I wanted to take was Molecular Virology, and possibly finish up my Research Lab Rotation, so in total get rid of 5 credits. And do 12 Fall and 13 Spring or vice versa during the year. This will be a bit better for me so I can at least say I am enrolled in courses when submitting my AADSAS application. Let me know what you think.

MICR
5231Q Molecular Virology
Hua Zhu​
973-972-4483 # 26488
[email protected]​
Fundamentals I or
Equivalent
3​
N​
May 28 – June 29
Mon, Tue, Thu
5:30-8:30 pm​
ICPH auditorium
 
Well you don't meet the pre-req of Fundamentals I for the Virology class, so I dont think you have much choice
 
robflanker said:
Well you don't meet the pre-req of Fundamentals I for the Virology class, so I dont think you have much choice
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I've already taken virology and have substantial background that fund 1 takes. Don't think it should be a problem as long as you get persmission from proffs right. They can always pull strings.
 
Starting early seems like a good idea but I will probably wait until orientation and Fall semester starts. Also looks like the course selection is really limited during the summer session and I don't want to get stuck with a super hard class and find myself struggling just because I wanted to start early. Hopefully proper time management and studying will hopefully yield good results for all of us. As for legging out the program to 1.5years, right now I'm really trying to finish it in 1 year but if I feel that it would be in my best interest to extend it an extra semester I will probably do that. I just don't want my DAT scores to expire so if I apply and don't get in somewhere for Fall 2010, I can still reapply with the same scores for Fall 2011 and have all my grades to show for it.
 
artanis said:
I've already taken virology and have substantial background that fund 1 takes. Don't think it should be a problem as long as you get persmission from proffs right. They can always pull strings.
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They can always say no. Doesn't hurt to try if you really want to start ASAP.
Plus if you submit your AADSAS in early June/July schools wont even see your grades until you do academic update at the end of 1st semester.
 
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artanis said:
I've already taken virology and have substantial background that fund 1 takes. Don't think it should be a problem as long as you get persmission from proffs right. They can always pull strings.
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I am not gonna lie - I am getting frustrated. You asked for opinions, and I answered and you have the answers anyways. If thats the case then don't ask the question. I'm gonna waste my time giving you an answer when you've already made up your mind.

I'm going to wait until the fall to begin for similar reasons to you Albuterol, i'm in no rush. I'm already enrolled in some summer classes at UConn, but its the lack of having anything concrete on my AMCAS application over the summer which is making me consider making it a 1.5yr program and going for a concentration in something
 
I agree with you Rob. Right now we just have our current grades and the best we can do is list the future courses we are going to take. Schools will probably put us on hold until December when they receive our new grades and then grant interviews accordingly.
 
Albuterol said:
I agree with you Rob. Right now we just have our current grades and the best we can do is list the future courses we are going to take. Schools will probably put us on hold until December when they receive our new grades and then grant interviews accordingly.
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Yeah exactly and thats whats making me debate not spending the money this year on apps, and just holding off. I feel like the odds are better with a full year of grades anyways, and having saved the several thousand dollars it'd cost.
I feel like the risk is huge for doing it one yr both in long-term career options and $$. Whereas doing it for a 1.5yr program, i feel like the #s are better
 
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