<p>I'm thinking of taking MCB C100A (in the spring) with only Chem 3A (this fall), AP Physics C, and high school bio as relevant science background; my math background is sufficient. Is this a horrible idea that will leave me dead inside, or is it difficult yet doable? If it helps, I like math/stats (so the thermo stuff looks potentially fun, all puns aside) and don't like memorization (though I can do it).</p>
<p>(There are complicated reasons behind this question that I'd rather not explain unless absolutely necessary.)</p>
<p>Hmmm, You would realistically need to take bio 1A/1AL first. Biology at Berkeley, especially MCB classes are on a totally different level, and the entire first portion of the class is all based on o chem/ biochem, which is essential from chem 3b bio 1a. The other two portions of the class is almost all math physics.</p>
<p>Why do you want to start your upper divs before completing your lower divs? You should just get than out of the way</p>
<p>I’m not a biology major, nor do I plan on becoming one. Taking Bio 1A/1AL this fall would probably suck all my time and energy away when combined with my other classes, and I hear it’s a painful class that doesn’t exactly get most people excited about biology.</p>
<p>Oh wait, if your not a bio-major you could just take it pass no pass, then it wouldn’t be as much of an issue.</p>
<p>But personally personally, I wouldn’t take it in your situation because your missing two of the pre-reqs, and you didn’t say if you have taken calculus up through differential equations. Again, your biggest downfall will be the first portion of the class, so the choice is up to you. Self-studying over winterbreak is also an option.</p>
<p>I’ve taken math up through and beyond diffeqs, so no worries there. Doing some prep over winter break sounds reasonable. What would be good topics to emphasize? I imagine the biochem and molecular bio parts of 1A would be important.</p>
<p>You would need a detailed knowledge of cellular respiration, metabolism, protein structure, protein synthesis, ribosomal RNA, mRNA, DNA transcription, RNA translation, reverse transcription, DNA and RNA mutations, enzyme substrate equations, cellular communication, molecular genetics in general, t-RNA synthesis and more. The biochem and genetics of bio 1a are vital for this class. You would also need to know how to read fischer diagrams for carbohydrates, the reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives, and the reactions of aromatic molecules from Chem 3B.</p>
<p>Just an idea, if you more interested in the physical chemistry aspect of the course, you should consider Chem 120A instead. It is entirely based on quantum mechanics, and only has the math/physics pre-reqs which you are more proficient in. They have the same credit option.</p>
<p>Jweinst1, I think you’re wrong here. It sounds like you’re describing MCB 102, which actually has very little overlap with MCB C100A. When I took MCB C100A, I relied mostly on physics/gen chem knowledge, because most of the course had to do with thermo and reaction kinetics applied to biological systems. There isn’t much memorization. Several people I met in the class had not taken Bio 1A, and they seemed to do well enough.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine, but honestly, the class kind of sucks. Unless you have good reasons for taking it, I wouldn’t.</p>