Planning BIO Courses

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
1

Hiya Everyone,


Hope the year 2011 is great for each of us.


I am here because once again I need advising.


I am planning ahead for BIOL semesters, after I complete GBioI/II with labs, and will be soon discussing those with one of the advisors.


Which BIOL courses will be most helpful (besides GBIO-I/II) for MCAT preparation and med school?


Thanks in advance.

2

Genetics, micro, immunology . . .

3

For the MCAT


I would tend to say the following (but may be wrong)( order of preference)


1- Genetics


2- Biochem / Cell and Molecular Biology


3- Microbiology / Anatomy Physiology


If I had to pick just one for the MCAT, I would go with genetics. Later on, anything else will help with the adcom.

4
  • Emergency! Said:
Genetics, micro, immunology . . .



Bichem is highly recommended and in some medical schools can be used in lieu of a semester of organic.
5

For MCAT prep, Genetics and Biochem. For med school prep, Cell bio and Micro if you have the time during your glide year.

6

Interesting about the biochem substituting for organic.


Having completed the bio 1 & 2, my advisor suggested this semester I take biochem and micro. These being 4000 and 3000 level at my school. Her reasoning was that they would be good courses to have, in addition to showing that I can do the upper level work on my post-bacc grades. Taking a total of 16 hours this semester, and all hard science.


She’s right. If I can’t do well on these this semester, I’d get killed first semester in med school.

7

I have heard that while biochem is good to do prior in that many med schools recommend it, physiology is actually much more helpful on the MCAT - this is from a guy called “Sn2” on the student doctor network who has put together a wonderful guide from self-study for the MCAT.