Which Ochem Series Should I Take?

[shoyon]

<p>Hey, Im currently a Biochem major but I plan to switch to Microbio this upcoming year. For Microbio I know that you can take the 118 or 8 Ochem series. </p>

<p>Circumstances:
I struggle in Chem and know intelligent people who have gone through 118 and had a terrible time. I do not plan to go to graduate school immediately after college, although having the option would be nice. If I don’t, I plan on taking the 118 equivalent at cc while working. This way I could take the 8 Ochem at Davis and save my gpa a little bit (trust me, it’s so low that I need every little bit, in fact, grad school is unrealistic at this point).</p>

<p>Questions:
-Is the 118 series (or its equivalent) always necessary to get into grad schools for Microbio? I’ve read schools’ admissions where its clear they want the full year of ochem with lab, and others where its vague or unstated.</p>

<p>-Do graduate schools look poorly upon the application if you completed the ochem series at cc after getting your degree? Or does it not matter to admissions?</p>

<p>-Do I need to take the 118 series just to get a job/internship in the microbio field, or would the 8 series give me enough experience?</p>

<p>Basically, I’m not sure what I should do and I should probably make up my mind pretty soon, so any advice on the route I should take would be great. Thanks!</p>

[sutoroberrii]

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<blockquote>
<p>it is not always ~absolutely necessary~, but 118 does give you the one year of ochem with lab that most smartypants professional schools require. :)</p>

<p>i don’t think so? you should be ok… but don’t quote me on this. i’m not an admissions officer!</p>

<p>the 8 series should be ok. you don’t really need a deep understanding of ochem, imho, to work in a lab… just gotta know the basics of your research.</p>
</blockquote>

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<p>generally, though, i’ve heard that people who struggle in chem do way better in ochem. this was TOTALLY true for me; i got my WORST grades in gen chem and beasted ochem (118 series + took a quarter with nasiri as well!). just some food for thought!</p>

[Dragoon6181]

<p>Chem 8 series generally don’t have a curve. Chem 118 series generally have a massive curve. People who hate or do bad in the Chem 2 series usually love and do REALLY well in O chem.</p>

[shoyon]

<p>Thanks Sutoro and Dragoon, that “no curve” thing kinda scares me, wasn’t aware of that… </p>

<p>And I’m counting on being the exception to the "do bad in chem 2, but better in ochem. Any other tips/advice would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>