Which Calc. class (if any) do I take?

[DrMattOglesby]

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quite a number of the schools I am hopeful for have a math requirement. It is stated vaguely though and says a year of college math will suffice. They then explain that they expect calculus, statistics and probability to be covered.

IN SHORT:
here is what I have done so far:
(-precalculus completed in high school)
-trigonometry
-statistics I
-statistics II
-social choice math
=4 semesters of college mathematics

I am specifically concerned in finding further clarification with Penn State and FIU. Here is what each school writes on their website concerning the math prereqs:

PENN STATE
One year of college mathematics is required. Biomedical science emphasizes the quantitative approach. Students should have a background in calculus, basic statistical methods, and probability.
(the MSAR says Calc is recommended)

FIU
Calculus or Statistics: 2 semesters
(the MSAR says Calc and/or stats is req'd)

I am currently taking a calculus course this semester just to be on the safe side. However, I don't know if I should be enrolled in this course, or a different kind of calculus.

At my college, there is a 5 unit course in "Applied Calculus" (prereq is precalc) which is for non-math majors, and then there is a 4 unit course, "Calculus I" (prereq is trig) which is the first part of a 5 part sequence and is intended for math majors.

Which calculus is safer to take (in the case that I need to take it at all) ?

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

I'd take the non-major calc. You've got the med school prereqs down I think with the stats, this gives a nod to their 'recommendation' and gives you the best chance of boosting your sGPA with an A.

 

[AdmiralChz]

Unless you are going on to be a math major, it sounds like applied calculus is the way to go. And yes, given the descriptions above you should definitely take calc.

 

[Quix]

Take the applied calc course. I've yet to work with any clinicians who actually use calculus in anything that they do (so I question the utility of taking it at all), but you certainly will never be required to do anything beyond applied calc.

 

[AH11]

applied should be much easier, since you'd likely be with math majors/engineers/physics majors in the harder one

that being said i took the harder version and thought it was interesting

 

[236116]

Non major is fine.

 

[pianola]

It doesn't sound like you need to take calc to me...you could call up the schools (anonymously) and check for sure.

I would trust the school's own information over that of the MSAR.

Also, I agree with the above posters regarding the choice of calc course if you do decide to take one.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

thanks everyone!
I will continue in applied calculus for now.
as soon as I get my acceptance packet from Penn State, I can call them up to find out if I NEED another math course.
If not, then I can travel some more 😀