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I'm really worried if I'm not eligible for the biology major or do I have to take an extra course for physics.
I'm In my final year of high school in the Ib I took biology and chemistry at a higher level my counselor said I don't require physics for medical school but as I was choosing my major I saw physics in the requirements for a bachelor of biosciences major in biology so I'm really worried if I'm not eligible for the major or do I have to take an extra course?
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Jimmy’s Answer
Hi Aisha! Thank you for putting yourself out there and asking the question! I wouldn't be able to specifically inform you if you would be eligible for that specific major without calling the institution myself. I would highly recommend taking the added Physics course in high school if you are able too and it won't be too much physically or mentally. Especially. if your high school does not charge you for these added classes. In higher education as you probably already know, all classes cost lots of money for just enrollment in addition to the books and materials you might need for the course. If you have the opportunity to take this physics course, I would! I would also take any additional chemistry you can as it is the building blocks for the entire education you will be embarking on.
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Thirada’s Answer
Hi, great to see that you're interested in life sciences! I'd like to clarify further...
First, you usually can't take all 3 sciences (chemistry, biology, and physics) at the same time in the full IB diploma program. However, a typical biology major requires all three sciences. What this means is that you will get transfer credit for higher level IB biology and chemistry (if your university accepts IB transfer credit), and you will have to take physics class during university as part of your biology major requirements. Major requirements are classes you have to take in college to graduate with a specific major/program. Required pre-requisite classes are classes you have to take in high school, before starting your undergrad program. These two things are different!
Please check the websites for each university you want to apply to so you know what the required pre-requisite classes are for each major (this is especially important for Canada and UK schools). Some universities have alternate ways for you to fulfill a pre-requisite class, such as taking SAT subject tests. Look into this if you need it!
Second, in the US, general physics (usually 2 semesters/1 year course in college) is part of your pre-med requirements. This means you can't just pass physics class in order to graduate. You need to put in lots of effort and do well because you will need it for medical school too.
Third, I don't think you have to worry about qualifying for your biology major. In most universities in the US (probably same for Canada and UK), you should be able to take the biology major without having taken IB physics in high school (but check for each school you're applying to). You will simply take physics as one of your classes in undergrad. It will look something like this:
Semester 1 classes: organic chemistry 1, genetics, first year writing, physics 1
Semester 2 classes: organic chemistry 2, calculus 1, general elective, physics 2
Note that usually science majors will take general chemistry 1 & 2, and general biology 1 & 2 in their first year, but here I'm assuming you've got transfer credit for those because you took IB HL chemistry and biology. Also, if you took IB HL english, then you might get transfer credit for first year writing, so you won't have to take that either. If you took IB HL math, you'll get transfer credit for calculus, so you might not have to take that one too. I don't know what your third HL class is, so this is just a hypothetical example of your first year classes in college in the US.
Fifth, IB HL classes get you transfer credit for first year general/foundation level classes. You will still have to take more intermediate and advanced classes in college. For example, IB HL chemistry gives transfer credit for general chemistry, but you still have to take organic chemistry in college (it's a common pre-med requirement and life sciences major requirement). This is just to clarify that your IB HL classes help fulfill your pre-med and biology major requirements, but it's only the first part. You will complete the other course requirements during undergrad.
Hope that clears things up a bit more! Good luck!
First, you usually can't take all 3 sciences (chemistry, biology, and physics) at the same time in the full IB diploma program. However, a typical biology major requires all three sciences. What this means is that you will get transfer credit for higher level IB biology and chemistry (if your university accepts IB transfer credit), and you will have to take physics class during university as part of your biology major requirements. Major requirements are classes you have to take in college to graduate with a specific major/program. Required pre-requisite classes are classes you have to take in high school, before starting your undergrad program. These two things are different!
Please check the websites for each university you want to apply to so you know what the required pre-requisite classes are for each major (this is especially important for Canada and UK schools). Some universities have alternate ways for you to fulfill a pre-requisite class, such as taking SAT subject tests. Look into this if you need it!
Second, in the US, general physics (usually 2 semesters/1 year course in college) is part of your pre-med requirements. This means you can't just pass physics class in order to graduate. You need to put in lots of effort and do well because you will need it for medical school too.
Third, I don't think you have to worry about qualifying for your biology major. In most universities in the US (probably same for Canada and UK), you should be able to take the biology major without having taken IB physics in high school (but check for each school you're applying to). You will simply take physics as one of your classes in undergrad. It will look something like this:
Semester 1 classes: organic chemistry 1, genetics, first year writing, physics 1
Semester 2 classes: organic chemistry 2, calculus 1, general elective, physics 2
Note that usually science majors will take general chemistry 1 & 2, and general biology 1 & 2 in their first year, but here I'm assuming you've got transfer credit for those because you took IB HL chemistry and biology. Also, if you took IB HL english, then you might get transfer credit for first year writing, so you won't have to take that either. If you took IB HL math, you'll get transfer credit for calculus, so you might not have to take that one too. I don't know what your third HL class is, so this is just a hypothetical example of your first year classes in college in the US.
Fifth, IB HL classes get you transfer credit for first year general/foundation level classes. You will still have to take more intermediate and advanced classes in college. For example, IB HL chemistry gives transfer credit for general chemistry, but you still have to take organic chemistry in college (it's a common pre-med requirement and life sciences major requirement). This is just to clarify that your IB HL classes help fulfill your pre-med and biology major requirements, but it's only the first part. You will complete the other course requirements during undergrad.
Hope that clears things up a bit more! Good luck!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Sosina
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Karissa’s Answer
Physics comprises approximately 25 percent of the Chemical and Physical section, one of the four sections of the MCAT. You need to take a Physics class. High School counselors help you transition to your freshmen year in college. Unless you are in a IB program your counselor will have limited knowledge about what is on the MCAT. Every pre-med program includes a Physics class.
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Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
I understand your concern!
Firstly, congratulations on choosing the IB program and selecting biology and chemistry at a higher level! That's a great foundation for a career in biosciences.
Regarding physics, it's true that some medical schools don't require physics as a prerequisite. However, for a Bachelor of Biosciences major in biology, physics is often a required course.
Since you didn't take physics in high school, you have a few options:
1. Check with the university: Reach out to the admissions office or department of biosciences at the university you're interested in attending. They can confirm whether physics is a strict requirement or if there are alternative courses you can take.
2. Take an extra course: If physics is required, you can consider taking an extra course during your first year of university or over the summer. This will ensure you meet the requirements for your major.
3. Look for alternative programs: If you're unable to take physics, explore other biosciences programs that might not require it. However, keep in mind that physics is a fundamental subject that can benefit your understanding of biological systems.
4. Talk to your counselor again: Discuss your concerns with your counselor, and they might be able to provide additional guidance or support.
Remember, it's always better to clarify requirements early on to avoid any potential issues during your university application process. Good luck!
Firstly, congratulations on choosing the IB program and selecting biology and chemistry at a higher level! That's a great foundation for a career in biosciences.
Regarding physics, it's true that some medical schools don't require physics as a prerequisite. However, for a Bachelor of Biosciences major in biology, physics is often a required course.
Since you didn't take physics in high school, you have a few options:
1. Check with the university: Reach out to the admissions office or department of biosciences at the university you're interested in attending. They can confirm whether physics is a strict requirement or if there are alternative courses you can take.
2. Take an extra course: If physics is required, you can consider taking an extra course during your first year of university or over the summer. This will ensure you meet the requirements for your major.
3. Look for alternative programs: If you're unable to take physics, explore other biosciences programs that might not require it. However, keep in mind that physics is a fundamental subject that can benefit your understanding of biological systems.
4. Talk to your counselor again: Discuss your concerns with your counselor, and they might be able to provide additional guidance or support.
Remember, it's always better to clarify requirements early on to avoid any potential issues during your university application process. Good luck!