Upper Level Bio

[Silverfalcon]

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I've read older threads, but wanted to get more feedback. I'm Chemistry major, who, despite scoring 10-11 on AAMC practices, ended up with an abysmal 8 on the first MCAT. At the time of the test, I only took Bio I&II, and after reading many posts of people scoring 12+ with just Bio I&II, I thought I would do well, too.

As I'm studying for a re-take, I am amazed by how much do the upper-level bio does help. I took Neuroscience (300-level) this fall, and now that I'm doing passages about nerve systems and protein channels, they are so much better (when in doubt, go with calcium! 😀). I'm taking Biochemistry (300-level) next semester, and I'm wondering whether I should take another upper-level Bio with it. I'll be self-studying (no prep course), so after the first one, I am not completely sure if I should just read prep book and expect to get 12+ on BS... I have two options: genetics (200-level) and immuno (300-level). Thoughts?

 

[NickNaylor]

Most people would probably recommend genetics over immunology, but I don't think either would be all that helpful. IMO a human physiology course would probably be the most helpful if one is available.

 

[matterotime]

Of those two, probably genetics would be more useful. The MCAT likes punnet squares and genetic diseases more so than in-depth immunology. The most useful upper level bio class I took for the MCAT was vertebrate histology. The breadth of the human body and its systems covered was incredible.

 

[dragon529]

Have you taken Biochem and Cell Bio? Those are more fundamental to learn than genetics or immuno (for MCAT purposes).

 

[loua0731]

Biochem or a physiology course would be your best bet. I took biochem before my MCAT, and I'm so glad I did.

 

[nolookpass]

What upper level Bio courses are recommend by you guys? I saw Biochem and Molecular and Cellular Bio.

 

[Barcu]

Genetics is probably better than immuno.

But honestly, genetics on the MCAT is quite simple and a whole class is not necessary.

Human phys was my most helpful class for the MCAT, but I would add Cell Bio and Molecular Bio as well to round out the top 3.

 

[PreMedder]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=773406

 

[Silverfalcon]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=773406

Interesting poll. I haven't actually found that one in my searches, and it was helpful. What did you personally end up doing?

And thanks for all the replies, but some seem to be unclear that Biochemistry was an "option." It's not. Biochemistry is a required course for my major, so I'll be taking that. It's the matter of genetics or immunology. Currently, I'm in neuroscience seminar (400-level) for next semester.

There's also another course called vertebrate anatomy, but my understanding is that anatomy isn't very helpful for MCAT (at least that's how I felt during prep).

 

[PreMedder]

Interesting poll. I haven't actually found that one in my searches, and it was helpful. What did you personally end up doing?

And thanks for all the replies, but some seem to be unclear that Biochemistry was an "option." It's not. Biochemistry is a required course for my major, so I'll be taking that. It's the matter of genetics or immunology. Currently, I'm in neuroscience seminar (400-level) for next semester.

There's also another course called vertebrate anatomy, but my understanding is that anatomy isn't very helpful for MCAT (at least that's how I felt during prep).

yea. well the bio dept doesnt offer the 2 semester seq. next year, so i'm kind of forced into taking the 1 semester one fall of jr yr. as for genetics, that is still up for debate since idt the mcat goes much further than what my intro bio class discussed.

for your situation, if they offer a physio course i would go for that, but if it's really only genetics or immuno, i'd go with genetics. gl

 

[Catalystik]

There's also another course called vertebrate anatomy, but my understanding is that anatomy isn't very helpful for MCAT (at least that's how I felt during prep).

I agree.