<p>Well, I was a biochem major but after failing Calculus III this term (well, maybe a D? Either way didn’t pass) I’m probably going to major in Micro/Molecular Biology since I’m only a few classes away from meeting the reqs. I’ll still be taking the biochem major’s Biochemistry next year, but I’m not sure whether I should skip Pchem as well (it’s not required for the bio major). How useful would it be for someone going into a biomedical science programs (most likely focus on immunology/neuroscience/biochem) to take Pchem? If it’s really worth it I’ll just suck it up and take it, but if it’s not I won’t worry about it.</p>
<p>I’ve only seen it listed as a requirement in two places (I think), which is for Harvard DMS and for Berkeley MCB. If you didn’t pass Calc III, you certainly don’t want to take P Chem; so it’s probably not going to help you much even if you do take it.</p>
<p>I believe there was a discussion here a while back about this (the importance of taking p chem), and I don’t believe a consensus was reached. You may find the thread if you search for it.</p>
<p>EDIT: Threads:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/545605-bio-grad-admissions-recommended-undergrad-preparation.html?highlight=chem[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/545605-bio-grad-admissions-recommended-undergrad-preparation.html?highlight=chem</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/634098-molecular-biology-genetics-recommended-undergrad-courses.html?highlight=chem[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/634098-molecular-biology-genetics-recommended-undergrad-courses.html?highlight=chem</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/555427-physical-chemistry.html?highlight=chem[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/555427-physical-chemistry.html?highlight=chem</a></p>
<p>Thanks, I keep waffling back and forth. On the one hand, I think it sounds like a really interesting class. On the other hand, math is definitely not my strong suit (A in Calc I, B+ in Calc II and…yeah, Calc III didn’t go well). Never had linear algebra or differential equations. But, if I’m majoring in bio now it’s not required…argh, it’s a tough decision.</p>
<p>It really depends on the details of what you want to do with your research. There’s PLENTY that can be done without much math required. Your situation is exactly what kept me from adding biochem as a second major to MCB. I’m heading to a BMS program in the fall and have absolutely no reservations about only getting through calc II. If you don’t like math that much, you don’t want to be doing work that requires it heavily anyway.</p>
<p>It depends on what you want to do. I am in grad school. I have had numerous potential mentors ask about my P chem background and say I should have taken it. Some departments also require grad students to take it. If you want to do anything with any sort of biochemistry, you will probably need it. I would not be suprised if neuro PIs also wanted it, but they may be more flexible about it.</p>
<p>If you have problems with math, you may want to take it. Another option would be to audit the class. This way you can learn the subject without the stress of grades. Some PIs may want the grade.</p>
<p>it depends on the rest of your background, I didnt take it and I got into both berkeley MCB and Harvard DMS, so take that for what its worth. I think that it helps to show a bit of a quantitative background if you haven’t taken it…</p>
<p>Is it okay to not take PChem if you’re taking a lot of physics and math courses that cover some of the same material?</p>
<p>“Is it okay” in what context?</p>
<p>I’m planning to apply for grad programs in systems biology, biophysics, or biomedical engineering. I’m a math major and biochem/physics minor. I was wondering whether PChem is important for getting admitted or being successful in those fields.</p>
<p>This might help: [Biophysics</a> - The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences](<a href=“http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/programs_of_study/biophysics.php]Biophysics”>http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/programs_of_study/biophysics.php)</p>
<p>Also, statistical mechanics is part of the first-year curriculum for systems bio and biophysics at UCSF.</p>
<p>I’d guess that you’d be fine without it but would probably need to take it or something similar while in grad school (especially if you apply to biophysics programs).</p>
<p>If you can fit it in, then you probably should, but I doubt it’s anything to worry about given your math major and physics minor. If you have some room, you may want to take some kind of programming or data structures/algorithms class (if you haven’t already) instead of p chem.</p>
<p>biology is slowly becoming a more quantitative and less descriptive science. you need to know the math. it’s probably more important than the biology, which you can easily learn from reading the literature. how else will you learn how to think like a scientist instead of a lab monkey?</p>