what courses did you take alongside ORGO?

[pioneer22]

Hey everyone,

I have an advisor meeting coming up and they want me to craft a schedule for next year.

I plan on taking Organic I + Lab and Physics I + Lab (took AP Phys in HS) concurrently, and was wondering for some advice and experience from those of you who took organic, and had some busy courseloads.

I am thinking of also taking a computer science course, and maybe a Calc 3 / discrete math.

Any advice or experience is much appreciated.


Thanks

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[longhaul3]

Which year are you in? What is your major?

I doubt you will have a problem taking physics and orgo at the same time. If you're already intrinsically drawn to math and CS I suspect you won't have any problems taking those, either, but you might consider that you would be working harder than you really need to (unless your major is math or CS). It just depends on what you want out of your time in college and your tuition dollars.

But, the fact that you're asking strangers on the internet may betray your underlying apprehension about it. No reason to fall on your sword here; it's hard to get into med school but easy to sink your chances.

 

[deleted781806]

I would probably try to max out your schedule to only two "hard" courses per semester. When we went through Orgo 1 we also had to take Genetics, which had the reputation of being the worst/hardest class in our major. Everything else we were advised to keep at a reasonably easy level so that we wouldn't be too stressed out. I didn't find Physics 1 to be that difficult, but it varies from person to person. You know your competencies better than anyone else, so just pick two challenging courses and then fill out the minimum hour requirement with classes you think you will do well in.

 

[HarryPotterLostInNarnia]

Ochem, calculus based physics, cell bio/genetics, and some elective. Hardest year of undergrad...
IMO, Ochem and physics just two of those alone are crazy so do yourself a favor and take easy classes along with them (unless calc 3 and computer sci are easy for you)

 

[Citizen #3]

I took Orgo I as a summer course, so I only took gen chem lab with it. Orgo II, however, I took with an ecology-type of biology class (with a reputation for being very easy), cell biology & lab, Orgo I lab (I was a semester behind on labs), and adolescent psychology (which doesn't sound hard but had a terrible teacher who gave difficult tests). It wasn't the combination of the classes that gave me trouble, but I did struggle with Orgo II.

I agree that taking too many hard classes in a semester is a terrible idea (been there, done that), but if you're good at math and enjoy math, that really wouldn't be too terrible.

 

[pioneer22]

Thanks for the responses thus far! The math and CS class I plan to take are known to be pretty easy, so I can focus on organic.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

Classical Mechanics, Multivariable Calculus, Microbiology and a history class.
I do not recommend it unless you are an acedemic mascocist

 

[ChymeofPassion]

Physics 1, astronomy, psych

 

[pioneer22]

Classical Mechanics, Multivariable Calculus, Microbiology and a history class.
I do not recommend it unless you are an acedemic mascocist

Wow. And I thought Orgo, physics, CS and biochemistry would be a lot.

That's quite the setup.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

Wow. And I thought Orgo, physics, CS and biochemistry would be a lot.

That's quite the setup.

To be fair classical mechanics and MVC were fairly easy for me. I'd had them years ago and still remembered a fair bit, but since it has been over a decade I had to retake

 

[MareNostrummm]

Hey everyone,

I have an advisor meeting coming up and they want me to craft a schedule for next year.

I plan on taking Organic I + Lab and Physics I + Lab (took AP Phys in HS) concurrently, and was wondering for some advice and experience from those of you who took organic, and had some busy courseloads.

I am thinking of also taking a computer science course, and maybe a Calc 3 / discrete math.

Any advice or experience is much appreciated.


Thanks

I did Orgo II, Bio 1, Ecology 1, and Physics 1.

It didn't end well, I felt like I never had enough time to give a fair effort for any of the classes. Just way too much going on. I would have done much better with just Orgo and Physics, plus 2 kicker classes.

 

[holycrap]

physics 1 is easy dont worry about that too much

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

I took orgo along with environmental sciences, creative writing, art, and PE. Yes, like gym class PE.

Yes, it should've been the easiest semester of my life.

Still shanked it an got a B-

😳

Lesson: if orgos not your thing, no amount of scheduling wizardry can make it better

 

[DocMcMommy]

Ochem I, Physics II, some mandatory computer science course, and a language.

I love Ochem I and did really well that semester.

Ochem II, Bio II, language II, and another mandatory class was more difficult. I had a much harder time with Ochem II.

 

[ortnakas]

If I remember correctly (it's been about a decade):
O-chem I with lab, general microbiology with lab, biostatistics, health and wellness (core requirement)
O-chem II with lab, physics I with lab, English class, upper level writing class

That was busy enough. Don't fall on your sword.

 

[Saifa]

Organic I, Electricity/Magnetism w/ calculus, Calc II, Molecular Bio and an elective made for the worst semester I've ever had. Just organic and physics would've been fine.

 

[CommyO]

Currently taking ochem 1, physics 1 (calc based), psy, and a writing class(upper div). I don't have time for much and stopped working. Ochem takes ALOT of time. Easily 15+ hours/week. Writing is actually kicking my ass too b/c I guess prof doesn't like my writing?? Kinda bs considering my previous prof recommended I submit my writing for research journal
Also, ochem lab is a TIME SINK. I think I would be okay if I was actually able to drop the lab and just take the lecture but it was too late

 

[NotYou20]

I did it along physics, achem and multivariable calc. I would've done fine of I didn't party way too much.

How does waiting to take either the cs
Class, math, or physics affect your schedule down the line? You can't make a good decision here by only thinking about one semester and whether it's "doable"

 

[drmantistobbogan]

Fall I took a philosophy class and a sociology class. Winter I took two public health classes. Spring I'll be taking another public health and biochem. I scheduled it this way expecting the worse from ochem. Halfway through fall term I realized I greatly overestimated ochem and now wish I took a larger course load because I'm often bored because of my light schedule.

 

[coralista]

I would probably try to max out your schedule to only two "hard" courses per semester. You know your competencies better than anyone else, so just pick two challenging courses and then fill out the minimum hour requirement with classes you think you will do well in.

This is definitely a good rule of thumb.

I took the Organic Chemistry and calculus-based Physics series with labs during the same year, accompanied both semesters by a foreign language and an English class. I truly believe you don't have to be a genius to excel in orgo/physics; just expect to devote a lot of time to these subjects because repetition and practice problems will go a long way!

 

[pioneer22]

This is definitely a good rule of thumb.

I took the Organic Chemistry and calculus-based Physics series with labs during the same year, accompanied both semesters by a foreign language and an English class. I truly believe you don't have to be a genius to excel in orgo/physics; just expect to devote a lot of time to these subjects because repetition and practice problems will go a long way!

Thanks!

 

[TXMED_1695]

I took Organic Chemistry I and Physics I during the same semester too. I love Chemistry so it was not difficult, but I still did a lot of studying. Come out of the gate running, and do not get behind. I always studied in the Chemistry lab, so if I had any questions it was easy to get help.

Hey everyone,

I have an advisor meeting coming up and they want me to craft a schedule for next year.

I plan on taking Organic I + Lab and Physics I + Lab (took AP Phys in HS) concurrently, and was wondering for some advice and experience from those of you who took organic, and had some busy courseloads.

I am thinking of also taking a computer science course, and maybe a Calc 3 / discrete math.

Any advice or experience is much appreciated.


Thanks

 

[Boogy'sChick15]

Summer Quarter: Ochem I + Lab, GE
couldn't get into part 2 during fall
Winter Quarter: Ochem II, Mathematical Physics II, Physical Mechanics I, and Nuclear Physics Lab
Spring Quarter: Ochem III + Lab, Physical Mechanics II, GE

I unfortunately began the Ochem series around the time that I needed to take my upper division physics classes, since those physics classes are only offered one quarter a year. This was a terrible year for me and my GPA took a huge hit.
It wasn't that Ochem was too difficult, I just didn't have any time to study for it because I was struggling to pass my physics classes (Ave. grades in those classes were about 30-40%)

If you can help it, try to limit yourself to 2 hard classes at a time. If you are like me and your major only offers certain classes at certain times and you cannot avoid taking it, then try to change your work/activities schedule so that you can have time to focus on Ochem too.

 

[pioneer22]

I took Organic Chemistry I and Physics I during the same semester too. I love Chemistry so it was not difficult, but I still did a lot of studying. Come out of the gate running, and do not get behind. I always studied in the Chemistry lab, so if I had any questions it was easy to get help.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks

 

[matchmeifyoucan]

For orgo 1, too many (I maxed out on credits taking some upper-level science courses, chem 2, and physics 2 + lab ). For orgo 2, I took an orgo lab and a biology course with a lab. A's in both the orgo classes and the associated lab, so it worked out. 🙂

 

[pioneer22]

For orgo 1, too many (I maxed out on credits taking some upper-level science courses, chem 2, and physics 2 + lab ). For orgo 2, I took an orgo lab and a biology course with a lab. A's in both the orgo classes and the associated lab, so it worked out. 🙂

How was that first semester?

 

[UnassumingToad]

Autumn of 3rd year: Orgo 1 lab, orgo 1 lecture, calculus based physics 1+lab, organismal biology course ~15 credits

Spring 3rd year (in season for D1 sport so traveling a lot): Orgo 2 lecture, Upper division biochem, calc based physics 2+lab, liberal arts elective ~15 credits

My sport was year round although season was a little busier and I was also working ~15 hours a week at a campus library the whole year, which actually ended up being my saving grace. I was able to study about 70% of the time I was there and it really helped me focus. This was manageable but really tough, although I did better than a 3.8 both semesters. I just had to be super super efficient with time. I would literally review stuff in any 5-10 minute passing period I had. I would bring flash cards to review while I was doing rehab stuff before practices. I also quickly realized physics lecture was a waste of time and saved a lot of time by skipping lecture and self studying using the book and online resources.

I was in a weird position because I started my science major as a sophomore and had to squeeze everything to graduate on time. Packing stuff in like this definitely isn't ideal, but it is doable.

 

[pioneer22]

Autumn of 3rd year: Orgo 1 lab, orgo 1 lecture, calculus based physics 1+lab, organismal biology course ~15 credits

Spring 3rd year (in season for D1 sport so traveling a lot): Orgo 2 lecture, Upper division biochem, calc based physics 2+lab, liberal arts elective ~15 credits

My sport was year round although season was a little busier and I was also working ~15 hours a week at a campus library the whole year, which actually ended up being my saving grace. I was able to study about 70% of the time I was there and it really helped me focus. This was manageable but really tough, although I did better than a 3.8 both semesters. I just had to be super super efficient with time. I would literally review stuff in any 5-10 minute passing period I had. I would bring flash cards to review while I was doing rehab stuff before practices. I also quickly realized physics lecture was a waste of time and saved a lot of time by skipping lecture and self studying using the book and online resources.

I was in a weird position because I started my science major as a sophomore and had to squeeze everything to graduate on time. Packing stuff in like this definitely isn't ideal, but it is doable.

nice! so the physics / orgo / biochem setup was pretty doable?

 

[stickgirl390]

I did Orgo 1, Genetics, Psychology, and English 1 together. I ended up withdrawing from Psych after about 5 weeks simply because I had too much on my plate (was working 3 jobs at the time). I was able to crush Orgo 1, and when I took Orgo 2 I also was in Physics 2 and Microbiology. THAT was a challenge!

 

[UnassumingToad]

nice! so the physics / orgo / biochem setup was pretty doable?

Yeah it wasn't too bad. I didn't think physics required all that much studying because it really only covered 3-5 broad concepts per test. Biochem and Ochem definitely require time but it was doable. I was also pretty interested in ochem/biochem so that helped. If I wasn't doing a D1 sport I don't think it would've really been difficult to manage (but lets be real, if I was't doing the sport I wouldn't have managed my time well lol).

Edit: just be prepared to not waste time. With that schedule and a couple of extra curricular things you wont have time to waste time if you want to do well.

 

[matchmeifyoucan]

It wasn't great (relatively speaking), but I'm alive. Scheduling my study schedule was not fun, and I severely neglected one class (gen chem 2) and paid for it. My term GPA for that semester was a 3.6.

 

[pioneer22]

I did Orgo 1, Genetics, Psychology, and English 1 together. I ended up withdrawing from Psych after about 5 weeks simply because I had too much on my plate (was working 3 jobs at the time). I was able to crush Orgo 1, and when I took Orgo 2 I also was in Physics 2 and Microbiology. THAT was a challenge!

wow...any tips for those science classes? Im planning on orgo + physics in fall, then orgo physics and biochem in spring..

 

[stickgirl390]

wow...any tips for those science classes? Im planning on orgo + physics in fall, then orgo physics and biochem in spring..

Orgo tip: practice, practice, and then practice again. Don't "memorize" the different reactions, find out how all the different reactions are similar. Every reaction follows the same patterns, just with one or two differences that set them apart. Learn how they are alike, and how they are different.

For physics I don't have a lot of advice. It is very math intensive, and I am very strong in math. I did not struggle in Physics 2 at all. Physics 1 I just did a lot of practice problems.

 

[mwsapphire]

I am currently in Orgo ( and am finally doing well in it!)
I'm also taking genetics alongside it, as well as an in person philosophy class, an online Crim. class, and this free standing Bio Lab called experimental methods.
Orgo is hard, but it will just require more studying than your other classes, but not by that much. I recommend taking notes on chapters and re-doing the same problems more than once.
Depends how hard physics is for you- if you already survived AP then it shouldn't be bad. The physics at my college ( UMASS) for bio majors is called " General Physics" and is taken by life science majors. It's a watered-down version of the Physics I and Physics II that physics, chem, and engineering majors take. So, unless you're terrible at math, it's not nearly as hard as orgo, and requires waaaayy less studying. I think you'll be fine with the combo, seeing as you already survived AP.
The Comp sci and Calc III may be a bit too much. I would do either or, if I were you, but that depends on your major.
I'm doing reasonably well this semester, and the workload doesn't seem *too* bad. I am catching up on HW over break though

 

[pioneer22]

I am currently in Orgo ( and am finally doing well in it!)
I'm also taking genetics alongside it, as well as an in person philosophy class, an online Crim. class, and this free standing Bio Lab called experimental methods.
Orgo is hard, but it will just require more studying than your other classes, but not by that much. I recommend taking notes on chapters and re-doing the same problems more than once.
Depends how hard physics is for you- if you already survived AP then it shouldn't be bad. The physics at my college ( UMASS) for bio majors is called " General Physics" and is taken by life science majors. It's a watered-down version of the Physics I and Physics II that physics, chem, and engineering majors take. So, unless you're terrible at math, it's not nearly as hard as orgo, and requires waaaayy less studying. I think you'll be fine with the combo, seeing as you already survived AP.
The Comp sci and Calc III may be a bit too much. I would do either or, if I were you, but that depends on your major.
I'm doing reasonably well this semester, and the workload doesn't seem *too* bad. I am catching up on HW over break though

Thanks for the answer. I am still deciding on the CS / Calc 3 combo, but am leaning towards taking it, since both teachers for it are pretty easy. I think Physics will be a cake walk for me, after my AP experience, and dont consider it to be a problem in the future.

 

[pioneer22]

Orgo tip: practice, practice, and then practice again. Don't "memorize" the different reactions, find out how all the different reactions are similar. Every reaction follows the same patterns, just with one or two differences that set them apart. Learn how they are alike, and how they are different.

For physics I don't have a lot of advice. It is very math intensive, and I am very strong in math. I did not struggle in Physics 2 at all. Physics 1 I just did a lot of practice problems.

Thanks!

 

[pioneer22]

Others?

 

[alex.jl1994]

I took orgo with orgo lab, physics + lab, corporate finance, econometrics, and calc 4. Least fun semester of my entire college experience by far.

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Orgo 1 I took alongside Developmental Biology + Lab, Physics + Lab, and Differential Calculus.

Orgo 2 I took alongside Physics II + lab, Biochemistry, and a MCAT prep course.

Also worked full-time both semesters. I don't recommend it. I managed to maintain my GPA and get my target score on the MCAT, but I literally worked myself to the point that I exacerbated my Crohn's disease and ended up in the hospital for half of April.

 

[pioneer22]

Orgo 1 I took alongside Developmental Biology + Lab, Physics + Lab, and Differential Calculus.

Orgo 2 I took alongside Physics II + lab, Biochemistry, and a MCAT prep course.

Also worked full-time both semesters. I don't recommend it. I managed to maintain my GPA and get my target score on the MCAT, but I literally worked myself to the point that I exacerbated my Crohn's disease and ended up in the hospital for half of April.

Wow. Any tips for this courseload? I am planning something similar (except the mcat)

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Wow. Any tips for this courseload? I am planning something similar (except the mcat)

Get some stress management techniques that work for you, you will need them. Also, try to get onto a regular sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day and get 8-10 hours of sleep. It's literally impossible to do well with a course load like that without regular sleep and minimal stress levels (easier said than done).

As for the actual course work, the biggest thing is having good time management; do things early. I would start studying and making flash cards for exams weeks in advance. If you are going to study 10 hours for an exam, it's better to do 2 hours per week over 5 weeks rather than 10 hours the day before. It helps you stay on top of the material, keep your stress at a minimum, and plenty of research has shown that spacing out your studying helps you retain it better. Also, utilize whatever resources your institution has; tutoring centers, office hours with professors, etc. If you know you're going to struggle in a particular class (e.g. physics), setting up weekly appointments to go over the material and do practice problems with a tutor (or during office hours with a professor) will be an invaluable resource. And, similar to what I said earlier, it lets you space out your studying for the exam and will improve your grades.

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Orgo tip: practice, practice, and then practice again. Don't "memorize" the different reactions, find out how all the different reactions are similar. Every reaction follows the same patterns, just with one or two differences that set them apart. Learn how they are alike, and how they are different.

The orgo advice here is spot on. I got A's both semesters by using khan academy to make sure I understood the concepts and doing every single practice problem the professor gave me. Oftentimes, if the professor gives you practice problems as a study aide, the exams will have very similar problems. Really understanding the concepts is so important in orgo. Just memorizing is not going to get you far (though you still need to do some memorization).

 

[Engineeringaway]

Physics II with the lab, calc III, materials, and a film class

 

[pioneer22]

Physics II with the lab, calc III, biomaterials, and an intro to film class lmao

How was that setup? Any tips?

 

[tessellations]

I took Orgo I with Physics I (w/ lab), Cellular and Molecular Bio, and Sociology and took Orgo II with Physics II (w/ lab), Orgo lab, Intro to Microbiology, a 1 credit seminar for my major, and Intro to Biochem Lab.

 

[pioneer22]

I took Orgo I with Physics I (w/ lab), Cellular and Molecular Bio, and Sociology and took Orgo II with Physics II (w/ lab), Orgo lab, Intro to Microbiology, a 1 credit seminar for my major, and Intro to Biochem Lab.

How did that turn out? Tips on 3 science at a time?

 

[tessellations]

How did that turn out? Tips on 3 science at a time?

I've taken 3 STEM courses at a time almost every semester since freshman year, and I definitely learned how to handle it better as I went through each semester. I think the main key is time management. The first exam is often how I got a feel for what a class was like, and I could tweak from there (e.g. did well on first orgo I exam, so I generally kept up with my methods, or I did not do well on first orgo II exam, so I needed to change how I studied). For me it's important to stay on top of my homework and lectures (especially for all of my chemistry classes) and to seek out resources when I need them (mainly supplemental instruction for the orgos).

I also have accepted that sometimes I am going to have bad weeks where I'm not going to get as much sleep or me time as I would prefer. I think learning how to take breaks is key. For me, that often means that I'm not going to get as much done the night after an exam, but I plan accordingly and allow myself rest whenever possible. Also meals are a sacred time for me and I never do work when I eat (unless it's a snack).

 

[pseud0]

Orgo I I took by itself in a 5 week summer session (absolute torture, most intense thing imaginable. 4 labs a week with long lab reports, 1 exam a week, learn the whole book in 5 weeks)
Orgo II I took with Physics 2 alone. It was a part time semester

 

[Joemm426]

During my first semester of o chem w/ lab, I took physics (electricity and magnetism) w/ lab, and a history class. It was a twelve unit load.

Currently, I am taking second semester o chem w/ lab, physics (waves) w/ lab, and another history class. Again, it's a twelve unit load.

I avoid taking three STEM classes simultaneously. I think two stem and one non-stem class is appropriate.

 

[mwsapphire]

I've taken 3 STEM courses at a time almost every semester since freshman year, and I definitely learned how to handle it better as I went through each semester. I think the main key is time management. The first exam is often how I got a feel for what a class was like, and I could tweak from there (e.g. did well on first orgo I exam, so I generally kept up with my methods, or I did not do well on first orgo II exam, so I needed to change how I studied). For me it's important to stay on top of my homework and lectures (especially for all of my chemistry classes) and to seek out resources when I need them (mainly supplemental instruction for the orgos).

I also have accepted that sometimes I am going to have bad weeks where I'm not going to get as much sleep or me time as I would prefer. I think learning how to take breaks is key. For me, that often means that I'm not going to get as much done the night after an exam, but I plan accordingly and allow myself rest whenever possible. Also meals are a sacred time for me and I never do work when I eat (unless it's a snack).

How much would you say you studied per day? I do about 3-4 hours a day, 6 ish days a week. I'm in 15 credits.
I'm curio ._.