Ethan asked 2 months ago
I am looking for a fifth class to take with Chem 210/211 and Physics 150/151. For context, I am essentially done with my gen eds (only need to take Soc 302 – waiting for junior year), and I am an MCDB major. Some courses that have come to mind are Biology 225/Physiol 201 and Biology 272. I am not sure how hard of a course load this would be. I am open to any suggestions.
Cate answered 2 months ago
Hello Ethan,
I hope you are doing well! I will say that if I were you, I would not take an additional science class with Chem 210 and nPhysics 150/151. Those are both extremely difficult and time consuming classes that require a great deal of studying. The Chem 211 lab in particularly is very time consuming with a lot of out-of-class work. Physics 150 is also difficult, though the lab requires a little less time.
If you have time, I would wait to take another science class until the next semester. I took Biology 225 and Biology 272, and these both require a lot of studying because they are memorization-based classes. There are small details from the lectures on the exams that are essential to know. Biology 225 is just exams–there is no homework and no discussion, while Biology 272 has mandatory discussions. Additionally, 225 meets three times a week for an hour, while 272 meets twice for 1.5 hours, + 1.5 hour discussion. So if you must take another science class, you might want to factor that into your discussion.
I hope this helps! If you have more questions, feel free to respond to this post or attend our advising hours.
-Cate, PMH Co-President
Ethan answered 2 months ago
Hi Cate, Thank you for the advice. I don\’t think I will take Bio 225 until later on, probably the Winter Semester of next year once I get into the grove of physics and orgo. What are your thoughts on taking Bio 305 instead? I really do not have any other alternatives (Bio 225 (and the lab) or Bio 305) if I want to take all the classes needed before the MCAT.
Cate answered 2 months ago
Hi Ethan,
It seems like you are ahead of schedule! Taking Genetics before the MCAT is not necessary—I didn’t and I did just fine on the Bio/Biochem section on my MCAT. All the Genetics you need to know (which is minimal, if any) should be covered in the introductory Biology sequence or AP Bio. Most of my friends also took Genetics after taking their MCAT.
I am currently taking Genetics as a second semester senior. I will say, it is another very difficult class that you should be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to. I would wait to take it until you have more flexibility and time in your schedule since it is not necessary to take for the MCAT.
-Cate, PMH Co-President