I want to take a class but I haven’t taken the advisory pre-req. Is this a bad idea?
Depends on the class. For some it won’t be that big of an issue, the professor will just use terminology that you may not be familiar with that was covered in the advisory pre-req. For others it can be an issue where the professor will expect you to know the big idea concepts in the advisory pre-req class and won’t go over it when talking about new material.
Which class specifically are you talking about?
@hailbate I’m talking about Animal Physiology and Neurobiology. I emailed the professor to ask how much he stresses the class, and he said orgo was recommended because some of the reactions would make more sense with that background knowledge, but that it would be completely possible to do fine without it. I also asked previous students who said the class heavily focuses on biology and orgo is only useful in completely grasping some chemical reactions.
@vkugal You should be fine. It’s not uncommon for students to do it.
Advisory prereqs are still prereqs, with the only difference between those and enforced prereqs being that Wolverine Access won’t deny you the ability to register for the course without the completion of the advisory prereqs verified. I highly recommend that you do follow the prereqs, even if they are just advisory. The vast majority of people will say that if you choose to take a course without having the advisory prereqs completed, you are doing it at your own risk.
Advisory prereqs are typically listed as advisory prereqs not because it is okay for you to come in without that background. Most graduate level courses have their prereqs listed as advisory prereqs because the university does not keep a record of what courses grad students took as undergrads at a different university, and even if they did, it would be a pain to have to program Wolverine Access to consider courses from different universities. Therefore, the student has the responsibility for determining whether or not they have sufficient background to enroll in a course.
Take organic chemistry first. If you want to be a bio major, it’s a hoop you need to jump through sooner rather than later. It’s inevitable, and for some people, it’s tough. And yes, it will help you to understand phys and neurobio. Organic chemical reactions are a big part of physiology. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Build your foundation first. Good luck.