<p>I am debating between two majors, Ecology/Evolutionary Biology or Molecular/Cellular Biology. Evolutionary biology does not require organic chemistry but it can be taken as an elective. Molecular/Cellular Biology requires organic chemistry and may have me taking two sciences freshman year. So is organic chemistry a must? Also, what are your thoughts on these two majors and will I need Calc II for med school? Also, could I take organic chemistry in the summer? Thanks!</p>
<p>Organic Chemistry will ruin your life, so don't ruin your summer...lol</p>
<p>(I have nothing useful to say)</p>
<p>I'm shocked that Ecology/Evolutionary Biology does not REQUIRE organic chemistry...</p>
<p>That said, if you're thinking of pre-med as a possibility, you are REQUIRED to take organic chemistry anyway. And you need at
least one year of calculus too.</p>
<p>I believe pre-med requirements are: 1 year each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics.</p>
<p>I am not familiar with biological sciences but it makes intuitive sense actually. My guess is ecology/evolutionary biology is more about relationships between species at the more macroscopic levels. In orgo, you learn about molecular structures and reaction mechanism...of organic compounds. That's why orgo is required for molecular biology but not evolutionary biology. If you want to get into biomedical/bioengineering field..you'd better have some background in chemistry (inorganic/organic).</p>
<p>my daughter is receiving a regular bio degree.
A year of ochem is required.
I think for undergrad you should broaden rather than narrow your choices.
By not taking Ochem, you limit subsequent classes that would require that background.</p>
<p>I am a professional biologist, and I think that all biologists should take a year of biochem whether it is required or not. Not understanding the basic concepts of biochemistry will only hinder your career no matter what kind of a biologist you are.</p>
<p>And since a year of organic chem is a prerequisite for biochem, you should take a year of O-chem too.</p>
<p>So trust me on this, take the O-chem regardless of which biology option you favor. You will be grateful later.</p>