<p>Hi. I'm an incoming freshman bio major at Hopkins and had a question. I plan to get a BS in biology and therefore will not take biology my first year, I figured that this would allow me to focus more on my General Chemistry and Calculus classes. I think that I have a pretty strong grasp of general biology. My main questions are: </p>
<p>1.) Should I take biochem or organic chemistry my second year?
2.) Do you feel one is easier than the other? or
3.) Do you feel that taking one will help me do well in the other? and
4.) Will not taking general bio have any adverse effects on my taking biochem?</p>
<p>Note: I don't have any experience in biochemistry but I am really interested in learning it especially considering my CURRENT future career hopes (cellular immunology), though it's highly possible it could change. This may make me more attentive in this class or make the information click more with me. </p>
<p>I thank anyone who can give me some insight to my question and hope all of you the best.</p>
<p>I would assume you have AP/IB Bio credit? If you plan to apply to med school, you should re-take bio because most schools, including Hopkins Med, don't accept the AP credits. Otherwise, if you feel comfortable, then by all means, take a more advanced course. Since you say you would consider orgo your second year, then does that mean you don't have AP/IB Chem credit? Most people, especially in Bio/BME/Chem E/Chem skip straight into orgo their first semester.</p>
<p>Biochem and Orgo are not difficult, although they are filled with premeds striving to get that A, so you will have to work if you want a decent grade. I would say with my experience that Biochem is easier as its more memorization, but take Orgo first. Orgo is a prerequisite or corequisite for Biochem anyways I'm pretty sure. I got As in both but had to study my ass off. If your AP bio class was was good then I wouldn't worry about not taking gen bio. good luck</p>
<p>This discussion thread may help provide additional opinions about whether or not to take Organic Chemistry in your first semester:</p>
<p>Hopkins</a> Forums -> Organic Chemistry</p>
<p>There are also some additonal helpful discussion threads re: Class Scheduling in this sub-forum: Hopkins</a> Forums -> COURSE SCHEDULING: ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE</p>