<p>Which one is better? Opinions for both classes would be appreciated. Also feel free to comment on the teachers and the grading policies.</p>
<p>Also - Do the registration windows move up or down? For example if I am window 2 right now, should I expect to become window 3 in the spring or window 1 in the spring?</p>
<p>I think the registration windows move up...ie if you're in window 1, then you are in window 3 the next semester and then window 2 the next semester.</p>
<p>Take 26B (Spring). Half as much lab time.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>Do they use Campbell's Biology textbook for that class?</p>
<p>For Bio 26A, they do. </p>
<p>I would go with 26A because I like the smaller class, but some might not mind the large lecture of 26B. Keep in mind that you can take other</a> courses instead of 26.</p>
<p>I dunno, it would make more sense for me to take Bio 26B only if they use Campbell's text, considering I just finished the book for AP Bio and everything's pretty much fresh in my brain.</p>
<p>PS: Don't take Bio 26 at all unless you're pretty sure you're going to major in biology. While it counts for premed requirements, there are other, more relevant, classes that you can take.</p>
<p>Oh. Well I'm going to major in Bio, but I'm also going premed. Which class would you recommend in it's place then?</p>
<p>Biology 26 is (sort of) required for Biology majors, but does not have relevance to a premedical curriculum. It's for this reason that non-biology-major premeds (NBMP) often skip it and even bio-major premeds (BMP) take it late in their senior year. Biomajor non-premeds, of course, take it whenever they want.</p>
<p>For MCAT purposes, Biology 151L, 117, 118, 25L, 119, and 103L each have some relevance (in order from most to least, with a large dropoff after 25). 108L and Biochem 227 have a lot of relevance to medical school but very little for the MCAT.</p>
<p>Taking it later, even if you're BMP, has two advantages. The first is in case you change to a NBMP. The second is that it allows you to squeeze more relevant coursework in in time for the MCAT. The third is if you plan on doing poorly in 26, then medical schools won't see it if you're taking it during your senior year and applying directly. (I don't really count the third as an advantage, hence two.)</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the info!! That was really informative and helpful. In other words, the classes I take my senior year probably won't matter that much (for my med school app) and I should take the most of the courses in or by junior year?</p>
<p>Assuming you apply directly, your senior year grades won't matter much. 60% of Duke premeds do not apply directly, and the national average is 3 years off.</p>
<p>MCAT-relevant courses can be taken before the MCAT, which can be taken anywhere from late sophomore to late junior year. They could also be taken afterwards or not at all, just without the marginal benefit they provide for the MCAT. (For me, 103 came afterwards, I never took 119, and 117 didn't exist at the time.)</p>
<p>Also, 117 and 151 overlap considerably.</p>
<p>is bio 25 offered in teh fall? i didnt see it in the course synopsis handbook?</p>
<p>it is indeed.</p>
<p>Wait... 60% of premeds don't apply directly? Then what do they do? I thought you had to apply by the end of your junior year to get into a med school for after your senior year?</p>