What upper division BIO electives to take?

[TexasOMFS]

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So, I'll have one more year of undergrad to finish up after this semester is over. I'm a Biology major and to finish requirements of my degree, I'll still need 3 upper division bio electives and microbiology + lab. I was just wondering if there's any upper division bio in particular that is a good preview of what one might see in dental school and will be helpful later on. Courses that I haven't taken yet and have heard are good prep include the following:
Immunology, virology, parasitology, neurobiology, molecular biology, intro to clinical med and pathology, neuropsychopharmacology, human embryology, and endocrinology.
It's a laundry list, but I can only choose 3 (because I don't want to/can't add any more hours on). Any opinions/thoughts?

 

[TexasOMFS]

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[yuppers]

I would take immunology and human embryology for sure. Immunology is awesome stuff, and I heard embryology could be helpful for DS.
For the third class, if you haven't had genetics or something similar then take molecular biology. Other then that, the intro to clinical med and pathology sounds interesting.

 

[FutureDent020]

I agree about immunology. Take that. What else have you already taken? Embryology is a good class, but the important concepts are covered in physiology, morphology, and histology. I wouldn't do Molecular if you have already taken Genetics. And endocrinology seems a little repetitive if you have already taken physiology. Fill us in a little.

 

[TexasOMFS]

^Yeah, my bad. As far as science classes go I've taken biochemistry, physiology, genetics, both genchems, both ochems, and currently in cell biology & histology/cytology. I think right now I'm leaning towards immunology, intro to clinical med/pathology (he buys everyone in the class a stethoscope 😀 plus every bio major talks this class up and says it's the most interesting elective u can take), and neuro or molecular. Someone told me neuro would be good especially the CNS part, since they learn a lot about the cranial nerves and we have to learn all that in DS. But, then again I don't remember much from genetics, and molecular would definitely be a good refresher I think. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[cjb04]

Immunology is a definite. If the pathology class is good I would recommend that; we are learning a TON of pathology and it is heavily tested on the boards. As far as the final class, take whatever you think is your weakest area. You'll be learning it again in dental school anyways, but the pace is much less forgiving when you get here. I know I was glad I took a strong Anatomy/Physiology class as well as molecular bio, genetics, biochem 1 and 2, and microbiology. Haven't gotten into head and neck anatomy in detail yet, but we have our entire next term devoted mostly to that so I think I'll be ok without having had neuro. Good luck!

 

[FutureDent020]

Immunology and nuero would be beneficial although tough at the same time. Would be a nice warm up for dental school though. And I say tough at the same time due to my experiences. Subjects are taught differently depending on the school.