Which physics series to take?

[blackroses]

My school offers two introductory physics sequences, the standard intro sequence (algebra-based, 1 year, every university ever offers this) and intro for life science majors. The intro for life science majors is also algebra-based and one year. It's supposed to cover the same topics as the standard intro sequence just with an emphasis on biological systems.

Would the second sequence (intro for life science majors) be an issue for medical school admissions? Essentially the only reason I'm worried about it is because of the name - I don't want to find out after applying that certain schools won't accept it. MSAR and individual school sites haven't indicated a preference either way, but I would appreciate a little bit of outside input before making a decision either way!

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[The Buff OP]

First one.

 

[deleted577188]

Take normal physics. There's not a whole lot of ways life science can be introduced into the typical one year introductory physics course.

If you did take the life science version, I bet it would not be a problem for medical schools. It's still a one year physics sequence.

 

[northernlights15]

I find that courses that have that "life science" application is just like the original courses in a biological context. Like I remember I took Calc with Bio Applications and it was just regular stats with a biology theme for the problems. Take the first one!

 

[cactus8910]

I took physics for the life sciences. It covered everything that was on the MCAT, and wasn't a problem for med school admissions. I'd highly recommend it!

 

[Teddy.KGB]

I had a similar struggle. Our algebra-based physics classes were a whole lot easier than our calc-based physics classes. Unless you plan on using calc-based physics in your life or career, I'd go with the easier class just to avoid a potential GPA dropper. When I interviewed for medical schools, no one asked me why I didn't take calc-based physics, but I'm pretty sure they looked at my GPA.

 

[GrapesofRath]

I had a similar struggle. Our algebra-based physics classes were a whole lot easier than our calc-based physics classes. Unless you plan on using calc-based physics in your life or career, I'd go with the easier class just to avoid a potential GPA dropper. When I interviewed for medical schools, no one asked me why I didn't take calc-based physics, but I'm pretty sure they looked at my GPA.

The pre req states intro level physics and the mcat doesn't cover calc based physics. Not only is it perfectly fine to avoid calc based physics it's the smart move. Look hard enough and you'll find far too many pre meds on here who thought they could hack engineering calc based physics in classes with kids who are better at math than them and where curves are brutal to try to weed out engineers. A lot of them were wrong and needlessly gave themselves a poor grade by making life too hard on themselves

For the OP this is a question you ask med schools by calling them. No one on here can give you a good answer like they call. Algebra based general intro physics is the safe bet and what I would do but if you call and ask if the other version is fine and they say it is there's your answer

 

[22031 Alum]

Just take regular physics. Then major in physics. Love your life.