I just turned 36, recently had a son, and during my paternity leave, I realized that I wanted to go back to school and work towards a different career. Currently, I manage a fairly large team in an engineering company. I cannot see myself doing this for the next 5 years, whether in my existing company or another.
Anyway, I’ve just begun this semester with a Biology lecture class, and a Biology Lab class, and trying to get back into the swing of things. I majored in Industrial Arts, so barely had any science and math classes besides the basic general biology for non-bio majors and geometry.
With that, I do, however, have a quick question in regards to classes and how I should proceed. My major’s math requirement only required Geometry, but with the premed prereq courses such as Physics, I’ll need at least Trigonometry. Will I be able to self study, take a placement test at a junior college, and then take a Trig course to satisfy that math requirement, or will I have to demonstrate my abilities at each level? From what I recall, in order to take Trigonometry, you must have passed Advanced Algebra, which comes after Geometry, correct? How will admissions committees see this?
Also, any advice for someone working full time and taking night classes would be highly appreciated. I can certainly use the motivation also.
Thanks! 
VicT, welcome! Unfortunately, I can’t comment specifically on your Math/pre-req dilemma, as I ended up taking Calc, but I would meet with an advisor and see what options you have. The other thing I did was to email the physics professor and see if he/she would allow me to take the class without taking that particular math. YMMV
In terms of working, family and school…it’s a juggling act, but there’s great support here. I’m 34, divorced, three kids, work two jobs…and taking Ochem this term. It’s doable, just takes good time management, and lots of motivation. How bad do you want it? Good luck!
Welcome to OPM - I think you’re on two different tracks here.
- What is required to take a course like physics that is more math-based.
- What math is required for med schools.
Except for the schools that require calculus-based physics, I haven’t seen any math requirements for med schools. Check out some of the schools you’d like to apply to and the admission requirements. It’s usually just the 8 semesters of sciences and sometimes some upper level sciences.
That being said, if you haven’t had math in forever, it’d probably be a good idea to have a refresher. That doesn’t mean you need to pay for it. Look through iTunesU or Udacity for a free algebra and/or trig course. As long as you’re taking algebra-based physics, that’ll get you through, I would think.
Your school might require one of these math courses for credit before taking physics, which obviously changes the answer. But I don’t think you’ll run into a requirement for med schools.
I don’t remember seeing too many med schools that explicitly stated a math requirement. That being said, I’m guessing they don’t care how you get the med school prereqs done. They don’t get a “prereqs for this physics class” list, so as long as you get physics done you’re good. Any post-high schools credits you take will show up in the academic clearing house they compare your transcripts against, so you’ll have to include the courses on your app/send in a transcript. Different schools view CC and AP/Clep credits differently, though they probably would care less about a non-med school prereq being taken at a CC than a med school prereq taken thru CC. If you can’t change it, don’t worry too much about how admissions will see it. Do what you can with the resources available to you and just explain it in your app if it’s necessary.
Physics does require a basic understanding of trig in that kinematics involves lots of angles and distance/acceleration deductions based on vectored forces. I think you could probably self teach the level of trig required for low level physics. Most of it is just applying numbers to concepts that should already make sense in your head from life experience (yes, adding in numbers does make it more difficult). As far as getting the prereqs to take physics at your school, you may be able to get a waiver, or you can just knock the math class out in your course of study. I vaguely remember taking a prereq to a course concurrently with said course. That course sequence will be specific to the undergrad program you’re taking classes through.
- Tallulah Philange Said:
Requiring calc-based physics of course implicitly makes calculus a pre-req. However, there are some schools that require intro calc but do not specify the type of physics they will accept. Several CA public schools do this. That's why, even though I'm a CA resident, I'll probably not be applying to any of the UCs. I haven't taken the MCAT yet and perhaps my score won't even be competitive. Regardless, I'm 40 already and can't think of spending 1 more year just to take calc (I cannot quit job, can only do 2 classes a semester in-person).
Here’s a list a few years old, but probably a good starting point for the schools that require calculus and/or stats.
http://weusemath.org/wp-content/uploads/20 13/05/Ma…
This is good info. Thanks for the link.
Actually, there ARE a number of medical schools that require math. Several schools I applied to required at least 1 semester. I know there are a handful of schools that require 2 semesters. It didn’t affect me, as I already had 2 semesters of math. You can generally fulfill those requirements with calculus and/or statistics, but that depends on the particular school.
In other words, make sure to check the requirements of the particular school you are applying to. They can be different. Do your homework.
Hello There…Sorry to get into this thread but coudnt find a place to open a new topic.Is there any one here who has registered for the Post Bac program offered by UC Berkely Extension,Berkely,CA.I am thinking of opting this but wanted to hear from ppl who already have enrolled.
Waiting eagerly for the info.
Thankyou…