What BIO Classes to Take?

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jv00927

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I'm a sophomore chem major planning to minor in biology. I need input on what bio classes I should take that would benefit me the most for the MCAT and maybe for medical school. My school does not have much variety of bio classes. Many of the ones listed in the school catalog are not offered on a regular basis. I would really like to take human physiology and electron microscopy but I'm not sure if my school will offer it next year. Here are my choices:
-Cellluar and Molecular Biology
-General Microbiology
-Genetics
-Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
-Physiology
-Electron Microscopy
 
From that list, I would take (in order of importance for the MCAT):

1. Physiology
2. Cell/molecular biology
3. Genetics
4. Microbiology
5. Comparative vertebrate anatomy
6. Electron microscopy

My MCAT version was very heavy on physiology and molecular biology. Genetics is important, too, but MCAT genetics is pretty basic, so the class is not imperative.
 
I second UCLAstudent. I would rank them in the same order...

Physiology and Cell Bio are VERY VERY helpful for the MCAT. I would def. take them both. Plus, they are really interesting classes!

Genetics and Micro are also helpful for the MCAT, but not nearly as much as Physio and Cell. I would still take them.

Anatomy won't be helpful for the MCAT itself, but it will def. help you later on, in med school.

I wouldn't waste my time with electron microscopy. It won't help you in any way for the MCAT and I doubt it will be very useful later on.

If you can take endocrinology, take it. I took it and it was very interesting! And, it helped me a LOT for the MCAT.

Gluck! :luck:
 
UCLAstudent said:
From that list, I would take (in order of importance for the MCAT):

1. Physiology
2. Cell/molecular biology
3. Genetics
4. Microbiology
5. Comparative vertebrate anatomy
6. Electron microscopy

My MCAT version was very heavy on physiology and molecular biology. Genetics is important, too, but MCAT genetics is pretty basic, so the class is not imperative.

Yup. Some might suggest switching physiology with cell bio.
 
UCLAstudent said:
From that list, I would take (in order of importance for the MCAT):

1. Physiology
2. Cell/molecular biology
3. Genetics
4. Microbiology
5. Comparative vertebrate anatomy
6. Electron microscopy

My MCAT version was very heavy on physiology and molecular biology. Genetics is important, too, but MCAT genetics is pretty basic, so the class is not imperative.

I agree. There is a lot of physiology on the MCAT.
 
Great list, UCLAstudent. BTW - your school actually offers a class on electron microscopes?
 
jv00927 said:
I'm a sophomore chem major planning to minor in biology. I need input on what bio classes I should take that would benefit me the most for the MCAT and maybe for medical school. My school does not have much variety of bio classes. Many of the ones listed in the school catalog are not offered on a regular basis. I would really like to take human physiology and electron microscopy but I'm not sure if my school will offer it next year. Here are my choices:
-Cellluar and Molecular Biology
-General Microbiology
-Genetics
-Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
-Physiology
-Electron Microscopy

You must have genetics for the MCAT. Physiology would be the second most important, and cell/molec would be third.

Electron Microscopy and Comparative won't be very helpful.
 
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