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Old 07-03-2009 at 10:27 PM   #1
mtristani
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Courses
If I want to major in biology and pharmacology what courses should I be taking? So far I am registered in biology 1A03, 1M03, chem 1A03, 1AA3, math 1LS3 (may be changing to 1A03), 1AA3, psych 1X03, physics 1B03, and my elective was religion 1B06. Do I have to take math 1AA3? Or is it not really necessary.
Old 07-03-2009 at 10:41 PM   #2
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seems good. Math 1aa3 is unnecessary.

For your references.
Old 07-03-2009 at 11:40 PM   #3
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http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /calen...nt/pg1535.html

you need bio 2a03, 2c03, chem 20a3, 20b3, 6 units from bio 2b03, 2d03, 2ee3, 2f03, chem bio 2A03, 2p03....

so far with the basic 1st year bio, chem, physics, math you are okay. it is a 3rd year program so you apply for it during your 2nd year..
Old 07-04-2009 at 12:18 AM   #4
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would it give me any kind of advantage if i took the math 1AA3 anyways? or should i just switch it for something else
Old 07-04-2009 at 12:49 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtristani View Post
would it give me any kind of advantage if i took the math 1AA3 anyways? or should i just switch it for something else
It's not necessary. Unless you want to learn more math or just like math I wouldn't take it. I found it kind of hard and boring.
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Old 07-04-2009 at 01:54 AM   #6
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Math 1AA3 isn't necessary, but if you'd want to complete a minor or take upper level math courses then you should take it.

=p I thought it was interesting.

If you don't like math then I'd switch it to something else.
Old 07-04-2009 at 01:45 PM   #7
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ok thank you! i like math so i may just keep it instead of taking psych 1xx3 since i know for sure i don't want to majoy in psychology
Old 07-05-2009 at 09:59 AM   #8
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If you want to do math 1aa3, I'd take 1A03 - they tend to lead one into the other.

If you did any calculus in high school and were reasonably competant in it, 1LS3 will be dull and boring.
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Old 07-05-2009 at 10:14 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cubit View Post
If you want to do math 1aa3, I'd take 1A03 - they tend to lead one into the other.

If you did any calculus in high school and were reasonably competant in it, 1LS3 will be dull and boring.

How hard is it to go from 1LS3 to 1AA3?
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Old 07-05-2009 at 11:04 AM   #10
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It is my understanding that in order to continue from 1LS3 to 1AA3, you need to get at least a 10 (out of 12, equivalent to an A-).

Based on this, it is my opinion that 1LS3 does not adequately prepare you for 1AA3, but if you do well enoug in 1LS3, you might have enough mathematical skills to take a shot at 1AA3.

I am really not very happy about the division that has happened these last two years in first year science, between life science and physical science. It used to be that all first year science students needed to take the same first semester calculus course (or first year stats, depending on their inteded course of study). However, it was the feeling of some people that Life science students were not as good, in general at mathematics, and these people felt that life science students should only need a softer mathematics requirement. I happen to feel that this is not true, but thats beside the point.

The point is, that a course like 1LS3 severely limits your options if you intend to pursue ANY of the physical sciences, or take any sort of math beyond the one course. More than three quarters of the people I knew in first year science decided to pursue a different major than they originally intended at the start of the year, weather it was a small change from bio to biochemistry, or a big one, from biochem to physics. The 'soft' life science math requirement makes it really hard to decide on anything but life science (you would even find it tough to switch from biochem to chem, for example).

If you are 100% absolutely certain of what you want to do as your major, that's great, but most people aren't that certain, and tha's why the general first year in science exists.

... anyway that was my rant. The point is, if you don't fear math, don't limit yourself by taking the soft lifescience math option.
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~*Sara*~ says thanks to Cubit for this post.
Old 07-05-2009 at 03:21 PM   #11
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Thanks a lot for your opinion Cubit, I found it really helpful. I completely understand what you mean. I guess it's divided that way to make life easier for some people.. yet it seems to make it more difficult for others. So my guess is even if you DO get a 10 in 1LS3.. you're not allowed to take 1A03.. as in .. you get no credit for it ?:(?
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Old 07-05-2009 at 07:01 PM   #12
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yeah i tried getting into 1A03 but it was full by the time i could sign onto SOLAR :( so i emailed the department about my concerns so im really hoping they let me in!
Old 07-05-2009 at 07:11 PM   #13
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Tell me if they let you in! Perhaps I'll try as well. I've already e-mailed the french department for 1A06. I hope it works too!
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Old 07-06-2009 at 02:16 PM   #14
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ok so they replied to my email and they told me "Unfortunately, all seats have been taken. Please check back next week to see if more seats become available. If your grade is at least 10 (A-) in math 1LS3 you can get into math 1AA3 and is the equivalent prerequisite for second year math courses with the prerequisite 1A03." They basically stated the obvious.. but im going to keep harassing them! lol im going to try phoning them soon, but in the meanwhile email them and maybe they will get enough pressure to open more seats, i will update my progress
Old 07-06-2009 at 02:43 PM   #15
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mtristani- Thanks a lot! I guess they'll wall tell us the same thing.. to wait until the last chance.. maybe even till first week of school, and after that if we contact them.. maybe they'd be more willing to open up seats to people who need it and such. That's just my guess though :s
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