Your full science class schedule? DAT classes?

[yoh95]

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For biology, what kind of courses do i crucially must take before i take the DAT?
and is doubling up on science such as chem and bio each semester a rigorous workload?

what was the schedule of your college science classes? did you always double up or even triple up on science couses per semester with math?

 

[sjv]

For biology, what kind of courses do i crucially must take before i take the DAT?
and is doubling up on science such as chem and bio each semester a rigorous workload?

what was the schedule of your college science classes? did you always double up or even triple up on science couses per semester with math?

1. Only general biology is required to take the DAT, some schools do require biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, etc. as pre-requisites so it those wouldn't be a bad idea. Genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology may also help. More classes can only further your understanding.
2. Doubling and tripling up is pretty common, rigorous is subjective, depends on many factors.
3. I'd say the most common schedule is something like....

Fall 1: Gen Chem 1/Gen Bio 1
Spring 1: Gen Chem/Gen Bio 2
Fall 2: Organic Chem 1/Science or Math Class
Spring 2: Organic Chem 2/Science or Math class
Fall 3: Physics 1/Science of Math class
Spring 3: Physics 2/Science or Math class

But obviously depends on the individual/school/major/etc.

 

[atrec11992]

For biology, what kind of courses do i crucially must take before i take the DAT?
and is doubling up on science such as chem and bio each semester a rigorous workload?

what was the schedule of your college science classes? did you always double up or even triple up on science couses per semester with math?

You definitely need to at least have taken Intro Bio I and II before you even consider taking the DAT. Those 2 courses cover most of the material, but it's probably best to have taken a few upper level courses too. Personally, I had taken Bio I, Bio II, Cell Bio, and Genetics. Not sure how helpful Cell Bio was, but Genetics definitely came in handy. Honestly though, I would just take whatever you can fit into your schedule as far as upper levels go. No matter what you take at school, your DAT grade is gonna depend mostly on how well you study on your own in the months leading up to your test. A lot of Bio is just rote memorization, so while it is helpful to have covered something in a classroom setting, filling in the gaps is usually as simple as reading up and maybe making a few flashcards.

As far as scheduling, I was always at least doubled up on sciences every semester. Junior year it was triple science for both semesters. This was partly due to the fact that my school has a huge core curriculum, and also a result of my picking up a minor. Definitely don't overload yourself, but also keep in mind that dental schools like to see students that can thrive under the pressure of a heavy course load. It's all about finding that balance that works for you.

 

[deleted452047]

As far as biology classes go, I had taken evolution/ecology, genetics/molecular bio, cell bio/developmental bio, and anatomy/physiology by the time I took my DAT. That's 4 classes, but my school lumps each of those combinations into one class. I couldn't imagine studying for the DAT without having those classes under my belt.