What to expect first year of Biology major?

[Turkishking]

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I will be taking, Biology 111, and Chem 111.. I've heard chem 111 is typically a weed out class. I was never really good at chemistry in high school, I had trouble with regents chem. Will I be in trouble with this course then? I've heard a lot of people tell me it's all memorization. I've heard people dropping this class. I'm a little worried from what I've heard. What should I expect? Is there any math involved? Should I also join any clubs my first year? Now since I will be attending a state SUNY, will a 3.6 hurt me versus a university such University at Buffalo or University at Kentucky?

 

[Meeehai]

I will be taking, Biology 111, and Chem 111.. I've heard chem 111 is typically a weed out class. I was never really good at chemistry in high school, I had trouble with regents chem. Will I be in trouble with this course then? I've heard a lot of people tell me it's all memorization. I've heard people dropping this class. I'm a little worried from what I've heard. What should I expect? Is there any math involved? Should I also join any clubs my first year? Now since I will be attending a state SUNY, will a 3.6 hurt me versus a university such University at Buffalo or University at Kentucky?

I think considering any general science course as a "weed out class" is a joke. If you actually dedicate a decent amount of time to study for those classes you will be completely fine. In fact, in my opinion it's very important to get high scores in those classes because come your last two years, your upper division science courses will be much harder. If you are interested in medical school in your future, I would focus more on shadowing physicians and doing relevant extracurriculars instead of clubs - not only to get a great start on becoming a competitive applicant, but also to make sure that being a doctor is something you really want to do. A lot of naive first year students choose a pre-med route so they can become a rich fancy doctor, when in fact they have no interest in medicine.

 

[Turkishking]

I think considering any general science course as a "weed out class" is a joke. If you actually dedicate a decent amount of time to study for those classes you will be completely fine. In fact, in my opinion it's very important to get high scores in those classes because come your last two years, your upper division science courses will be much harder. If you are interested in medical school in your future, I would focus more on shadowing physicians and doing relevant extracurriculars instead of clubs - not only to get a great start on becoming a competitive applicant, but also to make sure that being a doctor is something you really want to do. A lot of naive first year students choose a pre-med route so they can become a rich fancy doctor, when in fact they have no interest in medicine.

I'm already clinically volunteering at the hospital this summer.. I don't have much hours probably around 30. Do I do this throughout freshman year too. Then that summer should I shadow and research, or is research only during the school year?

 

[Meeehai]

I'm already clinically volunteering at the hospital this summer.. I don't have much hours probably around 30. Do I do this throughout freshman year too. Then that summer should I shadow and research, or is research only during the school year?

Great! A general rule is you want to show commitment to an activity, so if it's not a serious burden I would continue to do it for as long as possible. Don't worry about hours, you're already off to a great start and you have 4 years to go! Just remember to stay involved throughout those years.

 

[Turkishking]

Great! A general rule is you want to show commitment to an activity, so if it's not a serious burden I would continue to do it for as long as possible. Don't worry about hours, you're already off to a great start and you have 4 years to go! Just remember to stay involved throughout those years.

What about research?

 

[Meeehai]

What about research?

I think most people here would agree that having a research publication is very valuable. So, yes. Or if you hate research you can substitute more extensive clinical experiences.

 

[Turkishking]

I think most people here would agree that having a research publication is very valuable. So, yes. Or if you hate research you can substitute more extensive clinical experiences.

When is the optimal time to research though?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

When is the optimal time to research though?

Nighttime is nice, that way you aren't inside missing out on the nice sunny days.

 

[Gauss44]

In biology, you will likely learn about the Krebs Cycle and accompanying glycolysis and electron transport chain. In doing so, it is important to identify what you will need to know about it and where to draw the line. For example, many instructors will NOT have you memorize the molecular structures of the molecules involved.

1. Don't get bogged down.
2. Identify and focus on what's important. (Identify and forget, for now, what's not important in the moment.)
3. And in chemistry, do NOT fall behind!

 

[Turkishking]

In biology, you will likely learn about the Krebs Cycle and accompanying glycolysis and electron transport chain. In doing so, it is important to identify what you will need to know about it and where to draw the line. For example, many instructors will NOT have you memorize the molecular structures of the molecules involved.

1. Don't get bogged down.
2. Identify and focus on what's important. (Identify and forget, for now, what's not important in the moment.)
3. And in chemistry, do NOT fall behind!

How did you do in G Chem?

 

[Daenerys Targaryen]

As a freshman, it's important to identify your optimal study habits. Find out what kind of learner you are and capitalize on your strengths. For example, visual learners do well by writing notes with charts and diagrams, and auditory learners may benefit from recording lectures. Go with what works for you!

As far as the classes you are taking, just keep up & you'll be fine. These are an important base for future science courses, so break up the work into manageable pieces. Go to your professors' office hours and get to know your TAs for extra help.

Look on your department's website and see what kinds of research professors are doing. Email the ones that strike your interest and ask to meet up to talk about their work. I would start freshman year--you'll make great progress by the time you graduate, and professors like to work with long-term committed students.

Finally, find a club in something you genuinely enjoy, whether it is premed related or not. Find a group that you are passionate about. Not everything in college has to be about your medical school application, so pick a club that keeps you grounded and sane.

 

[genericpremedstudent]

In biology, you will likely learn about the Krebs Cycle and accompanying glycolysis and electron transport chain. In doing so, it is important to identify what you will need to know about it and where to draw the line. For example, many instructors will NOT have you memorize the molecular structures of the molecules involved.

1. Don't get bogged down.
2. Identify and focus on what's important. (Identify and forget, for now, what's not important in the moment.)
3. And in chemistry, do NOT fall behind!

cellular respiration is one chapter out of the entire year's sequence of general biology.