What's the difference between these two programs and which on would you recommend?

hey Nikki

I was in Molecular Bio and Genetics this past year. In second year there is not much difference in courses, however if you prefer more electives I would recommend Bio core, because there is a little more flexibility and freedom in courses. If you have any specific questions feel free to let me know

Originally Posted by Nikki03

What's the difference between these two programs and which on would you recommend?

Hey,

First, congrats on getting into the two programs. Well, I can only really vouch for biology but the big difference between molecular biology and genetics is due to a larger number of course requirements that you are required to take to satisfy your major requirements. Here is a link to the mol. bio undergraduate page for all the course requirements:

http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /CALEN...nt/pg1930.html

In molecular bio, you are required to do a senior thesis or senior project given that you have the required C.A. at the end of third year. On the other hand, in biology, you are not required to do so.

In second year, a lot of the courses overlap so there really isn't that big a difference and courses are still relatively general. Once you hit third year, than that is where the courses become more specific and tailored to your major. As you notice in molecular biology and genetics, there are specific courses that you must take such as mol bio's in nucleus, cytoplasm, and eukaryotic genetics.

The biology major is a very liberal program since you can have 36-42 electives and the fact that you are allowed to take any biology course. Therefore, you can "personalize" the biology courses that you are interested in and take for example, all ecology courses as opposed to molecular or cell biology courses. This also allows you the room to take electives outside of the faculty of science. You are also able to take any mol. bio course as long as you have the pre-reqs.
The only thing that is really limiting being in bio is that you can't take certain second year biochem. courses. and you are not required to take the two orgos (chem. 2A03 and 2B03) and can take instead the intro. orgo instead (chem. 2E03).

Here is a link to the biology undergraduate page:
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /CALEN...nt/pg1930.html

This is a lot of info., but I hope it helps. Another plus is that it is not difficult to change your major, especially in the biology department.

Thanks for the helpful info!