Which Biology Course?

[HSShouldEnd]

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I am an entering college freshman. I got a 5 on my AP Biology Exam so I can either decide to take Biology 101 and 102 or go into Intro to Genetics.

However, I cannot decide what to do for many reasons.

The reasons I want to take Biology 101 and 102 are that many medical schools require them. I do not yet know which medical schools I want to apply to so it might be better to take them just to be on the safe side. Also, an A in Biology 101 and 102 is looked at equally as to an A in Genetics, although Genetics is a "harder" upper level class. Therefore, Biology 101 and 102 may be a GPA booster.

The reason I want to take Genetics is that I truthfully do not want to sit through Biology 101 and 102 because I had Biology twice in HS. Secondly, although taking a higher level class such as Genetics does not increase chances of admission to a medical school, many medical school pages recommend that I use my AP credits.

I do not yet know which medical schools I want to apply to. That is why I cannot decide which courses to take.

What are your suggestions?

Also, does Genetics usually include a lab, and is general biology biology 101 and 102? Or does Genetics fall under general biology as well?

Thank you.

Please help ASAP. I need to decide in a few days so I can fix up my schedule and pay my tuition.

 

[fortitude]

Not to be mean but from your post I don't know to which school you attend. So I don't know exactly what biology 102 or 101 means. You can post the course description if you find it if you are so inclined.

At my school biology 1000 is for non-science majors and biology 2000 is for science majors.

Best thing to do is ask your pre-med advisers at your university, even if you are a freshman and haven't been there yet you should get in touch with them they know all sorts of things like this. There are many "biology" classes that do not fulfill this requirement. *most* medical schools, but not all, require you to sit in (literally) a general biology class; some want general biology only, but some allow you to replace general biology with an upper level biology (that is to say, advanced.) You'll read more about this as you look around in the forum.

Because you need to register/pay for classes in a few days, you should call your advising office instead of e-mail; I bet it is a quick question they can answer on the phone...and if not you can find out who to e-mail.

Cheers!

 

[HSShouldEnd]

10100: Biological Foundations I Introduction to biology, emphasizing primarily the cell and molecular levels of organization. Topics include characteristics of life, cellular organization and diversity, chemistry of life, bioenergetics, reproduction and early development, and major living groups. The course features in-depth study of selected topics that are foundational for upper level study. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in upper level courses. These include: vocabulary skills, critical thinking, collaborative learning, microscopy, collection and handling of scientific data, and elements of scientific investigation. Required for Biology majors. Pre- or coreq.: Math 19000. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.

10200: Biological Foundations II Second semester of introductory biology, emphasizing organismic biology, evolution, and ecology. Topics include heredity, macro- and microevolution, structure and function of body systems, and ecology. The course features a survey of topics in lecture and in-depth study of selected topics in laboratories and workshops. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in further study. These include: vocabulary skills, problem solving, collaborative learning,computer skills, experimental design, collection and analysis of scientific data, and preparing scientific reports. Laboratories make use of the Biology Department Vivarium enabling students to study living organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: a grade of C or better in Bio 10100 or an equivalent course or permission of the instructor. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.

20600: Introduction to Genetics A thorough introduction to the principles of genetics. Using a combined cell biological and Mendelian approach, the course covers DNA organization, chromosome structure, genes and alleles, and transmission of genetic information in normal and genetically compromised organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: Bio 10100 and 10200 or equivalent. 2 LECT., 1 REC. HR./WK.; 3 CR .

wait, so is general biology bio 101 and 102?

what exactly is general biology??..
is it just biology?

 

[paul411]

wait, so is general biology bio 101 and 102?

what exactly is general biology??..
is it just biology?

Yes. The first two courses you listed (10100, 10200) are general biology

Since these are med school pre-reqs, I suggest you take them in college. Like you said, since you're familiar with the materials, they will be a nice GPA boost.

 

[JESSFALLING]

10100: Biological Foundations I Introduction to biology, emphasizing primarily the cell and molecular levels of organization. Topics include characteristics of life, cellular organization and diversity, chemistry of life, bioenergetics, reproduction and early development, and major living groups. The course features in-depth study of selected topics that are foundational for upper level study. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in upper level courses. These include: vocabulary skills, critical thinking, collaborative learning, microscopy, collection and handling of scientific data, and elements of scientific investigation. Required for Biology majors. Pre- or coreq.: Math 19000. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.

10200: Biological Foundations II Second semester of introductory biology, emphasizing organismic biology, evolution, and ecology. Topics include heredity, macro- and microevolution, structure and function of body systems, and ecology. The course features a survey of topics in lecture and in-depth study of selected topics in laboratories and workshops. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in further study. These include: vocabulary skills, problem solving, collaborative learning,computer skills, experimental design, collection and analysis of scientific data, and preparing scientific reports. Laboratories make use of the Biology Department Vivarium enabling students to study living organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: a grade of C or better in Bio 10100 or an equivalent course or permission of the instructor. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.

20600: Introduction to Genetics A thorough introduction to the principles of genetics. Using a combined cell biological and Mendelian approach, the course covers DNA organization, chromosome structure, genes and alleles, and transmission of genetic information in normal and genetically compromised organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: Bio 10100 and 10200 or equivalent. 2 LECT., 1 REC. HR./WK.; 3 CR .

wait, so is general biology bio 101 and 102?

what exactly is general biology??..
is it just biology?

I'd at least see how you do in Biological Foundations I before jumping into Genetics. If you find that it's easy, then I'd talk to your adviser about the possibility of skipping the 2nd foundations course.

 

[HH Holmes]

I also placed out of my school's first year biology course load, but I decided to take them because 1. Some medical schools do not accept AP/IB credit 2. It will further help me prepare for the MCATs 3. If I already know a lot of the material, the class will be easier to receive a high mark than starting out fresh.

 

[fortitude]

And to answer your question "what is general biology?"

General biology covers a breadth of topics, just as your course descriptions stated: ecology, evolution, human body systems, cells, etc.

Within biology you can study these topics more in depth, so it wouldn't be general anymore. Examples: molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, etc.

Basically if the class is called "biology" then it usually is a general biology class. If it is named a specific topic, then it isn't general biology.

Hope that helps/makes sense

 

[Neurosis]

Yes. The first two courses you listed (10100, 10200) are general biology

Since these are med school pre-reqs, I suggest you take them in college. Like you said, since you're familiar with the materials, they will be a nice GPA boost.

passes the ap exam too, still taking the general course anyway. Largely because of this.

 

[HSShouldEnd]

Okay from my understanding, Bio 101 and 102 at my school are considered GENERAL biology, and everything else such as genetics, physiology, molecular bio, etc. are NOT general biology.

Therefore, since most medical schools require a year of general biology and do not accept AP Biology credits, I should take Bio 101 and 102 just to be on the safe side.

I am just reiterating my thoughts from the posts you all have written...just in case there are no mistakes 🙂

Correct am i?

 

[paul411]

^ Yes.

 

[HSShouldEnd]

damn it...i misread and got confused with general chem....

most schools take any sort of bio..except for yale http://medicine.yale.edu/education/admissions/apply/premed.aspx

Now, the problem is that most schools require Bio with lab. Bio 101 and 102 are the only ones with lab (according to my school's site) unless labs are not listed for other courses. blehhhh

 

[fortitude]

I think this will really help you out http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/prehealth/pre-health-requirements-1

 

[JESSFALLING]

damn it...i misread and got confused with general chem....

most schools take any sort of bio..except for yale http://medicine.yale.edu/education/admissions/apply/premed.aspx

Now, the problem is that most schools require Bio with lab. Bio 101 and 102 are the only ones with lab (according to my school's site) unless labs are not listed for other courses. blehhhh

Most upper-division courses, a la Microbiology, Cell Biology, etc., will have a laboratory component. A few courses, such as Genetics, may or may not have a lab depending on the program.

As far as Yale goes, you didn't read far enough. Here is the important info:

U.S. Advanced Placement credits from high school do not themselves satisfy premedical requirements,
but advanced college, university courses or institute of technology courses (for which students are made eligible by AP credits) may be substituted for introductory-level courses in each of these subjects.

 

[Stumpyman]

I took AP in HS as well, but I took Bio 1 and 2 in college, and I'll tell you right now it was a great idea. I'll be on the safe side when applying to med schools, plus I actually did learn a lot more than HS.

 

[HSShouldEnd]

^safe side as in better prepared for the mcat or fulfilling requirements?

 

[ss123]

^safe side as in better prepared for the mcat or fulfilling requirements?

both