<p>is it worth it for a pre med, non math major/minor to take math courses going beyond calculus? is linear algebra/multivariate calculus going to show up later on in med school or biomed research? how relevant are those more difficult math courses to the science field? for example, analytical math and probability theory? As a person who likes learning/knowledge, I don't want to miss out by not taking harder math </p>
<p>courses, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice time that can be allocated to pursuits more relevant to the med school application process.</p>
<p>the whole point of our college education system is that you are free to take things simply because you are interested in them. you go to med school to learn medicine. do whatever you love in college. there is nothing you could possibly be sacrificing by taking a course you enjoy.</p>
<p>and no - you won’t be doing complex math in med school. you won’t even be doing calculus (having a general understanding of the fact that you can calculate an area under a curve is about as far as it goes). most of clinical medicine stops at 3rd grade algebra. researchers will use tons of statistics. a very rare few researchers or clinicians will use more advanced math.</p>
<p>My friend who’s premed and a math major always goes on about how all the upper level math he has to take will be of no use to him. His dad was a math major and became a physician and says the same thing.</p>
<p>I guess that OP’s second question is on the potential drawback for taking harder upper courses. It could have some impact if one has to spend considerable time on these courses and miss the opportunity for getting best grades or devoting to EC’s. </p>
<p>I would think that it could be worthwhile if there is a possibility the one may pursue a career other than medicine and if the professor is especially inspiring. Perhaps, OP can talk with upperclassmen to find out if it is worthwhile.</p>
<p>I am a graduate of Drexel University School of Medicine who had an undergraduate degree in Astronomy. None of my classmates knew any math beyond high school algebra. My classes in Calculus and advanced Physics as an undergraduate where definitely not needed in medical school. Physicians use math a lot and while working in the hospital make dozens of calculations a day but they never go beyond basic algebra. After graduation I did invent and patent a medical imaging device which required advanced math (multi-variate calculus) and physics to do, so there can be situations where advanced math skills can be useful but are certainly not needed to become a doctor. When I was applying to medical school I do not recal any medical schools requiring any college level math courses for admission, while all required biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics for pre-med majors (no calculus used) and english composition.</p>
<p>From my D’s comments, no relevance. She stated that statistics was much more useful, because after taking it, she was able to understand better procedures at med. research lab. I believe, if you like math, why not, take more math. Math has been very easy for D., but she never enjoyed it, she much rather taking classes in her area of interest. But statistics was very helpful.</p>
<p>“When I was applying to medical school I do not recal any medical schools requiring any college level math courses for admission, while all required biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics for pre-med majors (no calculus used) and english composition.”</p>
<p>Many medical schools now require college level calculus.</p>
<p>^Most require 1 year of college math. Any combo will be OK:
1 semester of calc + 1 sem. of statistics
AP Calc at HS + 1 sem of calc or statistics at college
two AP math at HS (calc, statistics, or just 2 calcs)</p>
<p>As i mentioned, statistics seems to be more relevant</p>
<p>However, I advise to check with each Med. adcom. on your list. D. did with Med. schools on her potential list. She had no problem getting answers for math and others (English).</p>