Newly Admitted Freshman seeking Biology Course Advice

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
1

So I am officially enrolled at UNC (!!!) and intend to major in Chemistry within the Biochemistry track. I wanted to know which course I should start with in the biology sequence at Carolina. I have a pretty strong background in biology and got a 4 on the AP Biology exam; however, I took AP Biology all the way back in 10th grade so I may not remember everything extremely well (although I did take some biology-related electives 11th and 12th grade so I won’t be toooo rusty, ya feel?).

My question is, should I forego my AP Creds and take BIOL 101 and 101L at UNC or should I plan to AP out of BIOL 101, 101L and just move directly on to BIOL 202? I’ve heard that my chances at registering in 202 as a freshman may be slim, and so I was considering just doing BIOL 101 again to prevent myself to forgetting everything about biology while I wait to take 202. I’m also premed so I realize I’d have to take upper-level courses in biology if I do choose to skip BIOL 101.

Any thoughts, opinions greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

2

At admitted students day, the professor running the biology major panel recommended that if you didn’t get a 5 on your exam and/or it’s been a few years since AP Bio, you should seriously consider retaking bio 101. The biology department also hosts a placement test the day before classes begin, so you could take that and go from there. If you do poorly, then take bio 101. However, in my opinion, I would strongly suggest just taking bio 101. You need that strong foundation in order to succeed in upper-level biology classes.

3

If you are pre-med, take the intro classes again; having taken them before in high school, you likely will be able to get a boost on your grades as you will have something of a refresher (it’s not all unknown territory).

4

Biology 101/101L hands down.