I plan on taking physics 1L03 (never took grade 12 physics), physics 1B03 for MCAT, but do you think physics 1ba3/1bb3 are necessary as well? Would my time be better invested in taking the 1ba3/1bb3 or studying the additional content by myself using prep books?
Hopefully some other pre-meds in upper years could answer this one, thanks!

It kind of depends on you...plenty of people write the MCAT and do well without taking 1BB3/1BA3, and others find it necessary to take those courses. If you're decent at physics and at self-teaching, it shouldn't be a problem not to take those courses.

From what I've heard some medical schools require a full year of physics with lab component in which case you will need both 1b03 and 1bb3/1ba3. Check with the medical schools you want to go to first and then decide if it is worth taking the course for you.

Cheers and have a great summer!

from what i know you only need Physics 1B03 (and physics 1l03) for the mcat. most people dont go on to take the other physics classes. but obviously it couldnt hurt to have them. Here are the typical admin requirements for all the canadian universities. Hhttp://www.oxfordseminars.ca /MCAT/mcat_profiles.php

You don't need to take any physics courses for the MCAT. You're better off spending money on buying the physics books and/or paying for the Princeton Review of Kaplan courses that teach you the content specifically for the MCAT. Don't take physics courses at MAC just for the MCAT unless you actually like Physics. Spend your elective space on courses that you enjoy!

On the other hand, if you are taking the physics courses to satisfy prereqs (which you may well have to depending on where you are applying), know that you will need one year of physics - as mentioned above - with lab component. That's two semesters worth of physics with labs. 1L03 DOES NOT HAVE labs and DOES NOT COUNT FOR THIS. But you will need to take it before you take other physics courses like 1B03 if you haven't taken physics in high school.

Anyway, I did not take any physics courses before I did my MCAT and I did well. It also of course depends on your learning style, but that's my two cents! Hope this helps!

You need physics 1b03 for med school (some and some even require 1bb3) so i would take both physics it helps with problem solving skills even though your grade won't so high (varies )

Originally Posted by drslayer987

You need physics 1b03 for med school (some and some even require 1bb3) so i would take both physics it helps with problem solving skills even though your grade won't so high (varies )

None of the schools in Ontario (McMaster, Ottawa, Queens, Toronto, Western, NOSM) require any Physics.

And you can do well on the MCAT without taking any courses. Any prep book will provide all the necessary information.

you might as well take it. if youre in science, its required for many 2nd year programs such as biochem, chembio, etc. and itll mean less studying for mcat which is always a plus. see how you like 1l03 then see if you wish to do 1b03 in 2nd term. if you think your physics skills are lacking after 1l03 and if you think you wont succeed in 1b03 then dont do it or do it in summer if its needed for ur program.