<p>So i'm a freshman pre-med who is currently taking Calc I this semester. </p>
<p>Math has always been one of my weakest subjects and i'm having to work really hard in Calc I. So far i've got an 87 average in the class but it's taking a lot of effort.</p>
<p>Instead of going on to regular Calc II to fulfill my math requirement, I found a course called Calc II for Biologists. Where they teach Calc II but put emphasis on it's application in science and throw in some stats.</p>
<p>I've never heard of this course but I really like bio and maybe a slightly different spin on the course will atleast make it interesting now and then. Has anyone heard of this class or of anything similar? I asked around but none of my professors could tell me how this would compare to a regular Calc II class.</p>
<p>My alternative to taking this is stats which I heard was easier but it doesn't seem to peak my interest as much. Also by taking Calc II, I have a chance of earning my B.S. degree rather than the B.A. I'm only afraid that I could struggle a lot as i'm unfamiliar with the course and it could hurt my average.</p>
<p>Unless you’re aiming for Harvard med (or one of the two other schools (I believe 2) that require a year of calc) you’re fine. I’m using my AP credit for cal 1, and was going to take cal 2 next semester, but I decided not to, and that I’m going to take some other stuff that’s easier and less taxing on my schedule, as well as knocks out some gen ed reqs.</p>
<p>I do need a year of math for my major, but I will be taking stats to cover that 2nd semester.</p>
<p>As far as B.S. vs. B.A., I would not worry AT ALL. I really don’t think anyone gives a rats bunghole what the second letter is.</p>
<p>I have. It’s very much calc 2. However, as far as examples it shows stats/calculus applied to basic science. I think one year of math is the best way to go - and hey, an 87 in calculus 1 shows a lot.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry too much about taking calc II unless you’re planning on going to Harvard or anywhere else that requires a year of calc. If you are I would recommend checking the current MSAR to find out if they will accept HS AP calc credit for 1 semester, if you have any that is.</p>
<p>^ I never took Calc in high school so I don’t have any AP credits to use. =/</p>
<p>Also ZFanatic is it really true most places don’t distinguish between B.A. and B.S.?
I heard it did not matter very much but my back up to medecine right now is research and doing a masters program. I had the idea that a B.S. could help in a field like that but i’m really not sure how the two degrees are looked at anywhere. If there’s no benefit to having a B.S. though then definately a B.A. could help with my GPA and the likes. =]</p>
<p>and Techy233, thanks for the advice. It’s great to hear from someone who actually took the course as I hadn’t even heard of this course till a week or two ago.
Would you say the Calc II for biologists was harder than regular Calc II? Or pretty much the same?</p>
<p>Also it’s nice to know an 87 can show alot, most people seem to tell me Calc I is easy for them but I don’t see it haha.</p>
<p>They will care much more about which classes you took than whether it’s a B.S. or B.A.</p>
<p>I will be getting a B.A. here at Cornell, because that’s what is offered. lol.</p>
<p>If you’ve taken the science courses and shown competency, the A or S will be irrelevant.
And even if you haven’t taken them, or have shown incompetency, the A or S will still be irrelevant.</p>
<p>BS vs BA won’t matter. If your backup is research, their primary concern will be your research background.</p>
<p>Well registration is about done, I have a few minor things to work out still but right now i’m set up for Calc II for biologists…with one of the toughest math professors here. It also happens to be at 8AM four days a week. -_-</p>
<p>I’m also skipping bio II and going to principle of ecology 203. I feel like an idiot for signing up for both those courses thinking about it now.</p>