Which Biochem should I take?

[deleted1006124]

There are two different Biochem classes at my school.

Class #1 is a 300-level Biochemistry geared toward specifically toward Biology majors. It has O-Chem I with lab as a prereq but NOT O-Chem II. It is worth 3 credits.

Class #2 is a 400-level Biochemistry geared towards both Chemistry and Biology majors. It has both O-Chem I w/ lab and O-Chem II as prereqs. It is worth 4 credits.

We don't have much in the way of pre-med advising at my school. The Bio department recommends taking Class #1. Do you think there will be very many schools that would prefer I take Class #2?

I'm a Bio major and can get upper-level Bio elective credits for either/or so that is a non-issue.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[907914]

You will want to take Ochem 2 anyways. However, what are the actual names and course descriptions of the the courses? I would think 300 level is sufficient. I personally would do the 400 level because more knowledge for the same tuition price....but the 300 is probably an easier grade.

 

[deleted1006124]

I am planning to take Organic II anyway. This is for after O-Chem II.

ETA:
The 300-level is called Introductory Biochemistry. The course description reads: "Structure and function of cellular constituents; enzymology; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides; molecular biology of biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids."

The 400-level is called Biochemistry I. The course description reads: "Chemistry of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids."

 

[deleted1006124]

Also, this got me thinking...Do you think that the 400-level would be better preparation for medical school level Biochemistry if I end up getting accepted?

 

[907914]

Also, this got me thinking...Do you think that the 400-level would be better preparation for medical school level Biochemistry if I end up getting accepted?

Nah, based on their descriptions 300 sounds MCAT adequate.

 

[deleted1006124]

Nah, based on their descriptions 300 sounds MCAT adequate.

Thank you so much for all of your help! I really appreciate it!

Good luck to you!

 

[jamaica jan sun princess]

My school has a similar setup. They offer principles of biochemistry (3000 level) and biochemistry I & II(5000 level). I took the 3000 level last semester and it sufficiently covered MCAT level biochemistry. I'm taking the 5000 level this semester and it's the same topics, just in greater depth.

 

[DNAJB6]

Not enough info was given. Do you have course syllabi with textbook lists, etc.?

 

[detritus]

How big are these classes? I think this is often ignored but if it’s a smaller class, it might be easier to get to know the prof/ see them in office hours so they are more likely to give you a break/ not be annoyed with you if you think a question was unfair. Otherwise 300 is probably adequate, word of mouth from former students could help you get more of an idea too.

 

[deleted1006124]

Not enough info was given. Do you have course syllabi with textbook lists, etc.?

I don't have access to these, unfortunately.

 

[gyngyn]

Take the "easier" one.

 

[MyOdyssey]

OP. Take both if you can. Biochem is a big part of the MCAT.

If only one, take the one that requires you to read research articles. This will prepare you for the MCAT.

 

[chemdoctor]

Take the second one. It’ll be harder but based on those descriptions, you will need that knowledge for the MCAT

 

[DNAJB6]

Is your goal to obtain an easy "A" or to thoroughly learn biochemistry for the MCAT, Step 1, etc.?

 

[deleted1006124]

How big are these classes? I think this is often ignored but if it’s a smaller class, it might be easier to get to know the prof/ see them in office hours so they are more likely to give you a break/ not be annoyed with you if you think a question was unfair. Otherwise 300 is probably adequate, word of mouth from former students could help you get more of an idea too.

That's a really good point. Thanks for bringing that up.

I go to a massive state university and they are both pretty big, although the 400-level is smaller. To put numbers on it, the 300-level has a cap of 350 students and the 400-level has a cap of 120 students. Both historically have filled to capacity.

 

[kinjin24]

No biochem will get you ready for what you’ll take in medical school haha

 

[DNAJB6]

That's a really good point. Thanks for bringing that up.

I go to a massive state university and they are both pretty big, although the 400-level is smaller. To put numbers on it, the 300-level has a cap of 350 students and the 400-level has a cap of 120 students. Both historically have filled to capacity.

Can you split the baby? Formally take the grade inflating version, but ask the other professor if you can sit in on his course?

 

[kinjin24]

Can you split the baby? Formally take the grade inflating version, but ask the other professor if you can sit in on his course?

Omg I literally hate you guys lol

If you do this OP you might as well be a PhD in BC. Seriously take the easier class and prepare for the mcat and then relax after that.