<p>I have to pick my classes for next semester already. I am currently in general chemistry-A+, Human Communications-A+, English-A-, and Calculus-C. I know the C is bad but I am working to get it up. My major requires that I go into another semester of calculus so I am taking it next semester. My question is should I go into Second semester general chemistry or Evolution Biology. The evolution class is a major class. I cannot go into any of my other major classes until I pass the evolution class. My worry is that I am not strong in calculus and this evolution class is the hardest class. After taking the evolution class many biology majors drop out of biology. Thanks for your suggestions :)</p>
<p>Do you have to major in Bio?</p>
<p>Two questions-- would you feel comfortable with taking both gen chem 2 and evo biology at the same time? Is gen chem 2 offered in the fall or would you have to wait until next spring to take the second half of the course?</p>
<p>I ask because it appears that the bio class is a bottle-neck that prevents you from starting classes in your major. But at the same time, it’s generally better to take the second semester of a course as soon as possible after taking the first semester since you retain the material better with only a short break between the classes. Also you cannot enroll in Ochem until you’ve completed gen chem. If you have to wait until NEXT spring, you’ve put yourself behind the curve for the MCAT unless you plan on applying after graduation and taking a glide year.</p>
<p>Next question–does the evo class actually involve using calculus? Many bio classes don’t utilize calc and are difficult for reasons other than the math component.</p>
<p>sorry if I was unclear I am a biology major and all these classes are offered year around.
Evolution does not need calculus. Fall classes are the hardest to enroll in because the incoming freshman get to register first. I want to get my math requirement out of the way because math is my hardest class. Normally I would feel comfortable taking evolution and chemistry together but since I am taking calculus next semester I would prefer to only take one science class.
I feel stuck because of the MCAT situation and I don t want to apply late.(It would not be horrible though because I am a year younger than all my classmates).
I hope I answered your questions correctly and thank you guys for taking the time to read and help me :)</p>
<p>Since you say that many students drop out of bio after the Evo class (obviously because of grades), are you concerned that you’ll end up with a lowish grade?</p>
<p>I don’t think ill will end up with a low grade, I hope. I am just worried that my other class grades might suffer since this evolution class has a reputation for being hard. Several professors have said that they use this evolution class to see if the students are cut out to be biology majors. I need this class so my problem is when to take it.</p>
<p>Would you consider postponing Calc 2 until next year? </p>
<p>Calc is easier to pick up and put down than chem is. That way you could take both gen chem and evo bio in the spring. And it would give you some time to review calc and strengthen your skills before taking calc 2. (FWIW, both my Ds who are math majors thought Calc 2 was alot harder than either calc 1 or calc 3.)</p>
<p>And using the first bio or gen chem class as weeders for pr-meds is a pretty common practice at many schools.</p>
<p>I didn’t know that colleges use the science classes to weed students out. pre med is hard enough.
I tend to do really well in all my science classes general chemistry seems really easy so far.
I feel like waiting till fall to take cal would be a bad idea just because my summer are always crazy busy.(try to get as much shadowing and volunteering experience as possible)
Is cal 3 needed? I thought we only had to have one year of cal.
the more I think about it I think I need to take evolution.
What about taking cal over summer? not at a community college</p>
<p>Most med schools do not require Calc. Only a couple require Calc 2. No one that I know of requires Calc 3. Med schools prefer to see one year of ‘College Math’, which can include Stats.</p>
<p>Note: depending on your college, Calc maybe a prereq for Physics. (Not all colleges offer Algebra-based physics.)</p>
<p>Thanks guys for all the advice I think I have my class schedule picked out.</p>