Which math class should I take?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

I have reached a crossroads! I am a double biochemistry-physiology major and I have a choice of 3 math classes to take: differential equations, vector calculus, and mathematical physics for chemistry majors.

Differential equations covers “Solution methods for ordinary differential equations, qualitative techniques; includes matrix methods approach to systems of linear equations and series solutions.” Vector calculus covers “differential and integral calculus of functions of several variables. Topics include vector valued and scalar functions, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, chain rule, local optimization, double and triple integrals, the line integral, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem and the Divergence theorem.” Math for chemistry majors covers “most types of math encountered in a typical chemistry curriculum” (nice and vague).

Which of these would be most applicable to the demands of the MCAT and medical school?

Thank you for your help!

2

None of the above. The MCAT doesn’t require much if any calculus. It does include statistics, though.

As for med school–both my math major daughters used to lament, 'There is no math in med school." Again, there is lots of statistics/biostatistics, but there’s minimal advanced mathematics.

If you need to take an additional math class, choose the one that is most directly applicable to your majors.

Are you required to take P-Chem for your biochem major? P-Chem requires differential equations.