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What other science classes would you suggest to take with a Chemistry major?
I am majoring in Chemistry in college and I am interested in seeing what other people took in college with the same major and what they did with it. I want to go to medical school and become a cardio thoracic surgeon. #college-major
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Taylor’s Answer
Great question Julia! Some courses that are essential to your learning to become a doctor include:
Biology, Genetics, Organic Chemistry One and Two, General Chemistry, Physics Mechanics and Electric, Psychology, Biochemistry
Basically everything they will test for in the MCAT (which is an entrance exam into med school, just like SAT/ACT). You can read more about it here:
https://www.kaptest.com/mcat/mcat-test/what-is-the-mcat
Or if you do a quick google search, you can pull up some courses people would recommend you take in order to go to med school. Good luck!
Biology, Genetics, Organic Chemistry One and Two, General Chemistry, Physics Mechanics and Electric, Psychology, Biochemistry
Basically everything they will test for in the MCAT (which is an entrance exam into med school, just like SAT/ACT). You can read more about it here:
https://www.kaptest.com/mcat/mcat-test/what-is-the-mcat
Or if you do a quick google search, you can pull up some courses people would recommend you take in order to go to med school. Good luck!
Updated
Luke’s Answer
Here are some science classes that would be a great complement to your Chemistry major if you're aiming for medical school and a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon:
Essential for Medical School Applications:
Biology: You'll need a strong foundation in general biology, including cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. These courses will provide a crucial understanding of the living world and the processes underlying human health and disease.
Organic Chemistry I & II: Organic chemistry delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based molecules, which are essential for understanding biological processes and drug development.
Physics I & II (with Labs): A solid grasp of physics is important for understanding physiological processes like blood flow and pressure, relevant to cardiothoracic surgery.
Math (Calculus I & II): Medical schools often require some level of calculus, as it's used in various scientific disciplines, including modeling physiological systems.
Highly Recommended for Cardiothoracic Surgery:
Human Anatomy & Physiology: In-depth knowledge of human anatomy and how different organ systems function is essential for any surgeon. These courses will give you a detailed understanding of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
Biochemistry: This course explores the chemistry of living organisms, including the biochemical processes that occur in the heart, lungs, and blood.
Additional Considerations:
Advanced Biology Courses: Consider courses in physiology, cell biology, or molecular biology to deepen your understanding of the body and disease processes.
Genetics Courses: Genetics plays an increasing role in medicine. Consider introductory or advanced genetics courses to understand genetic factors in heart disease.
Looking at what others have done:
The specific coursework can vary depending on the medical school you plan to attend. It's a good idea to check the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in. Here are some resources that can help you with that:
Medical School Admissions Council (AMCAS): [invalid URL removed]
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): https://www.aamc.org/
Career Path:
The typical path to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon involves:
Completing a bachelor's degree in a science field (like Chemistry in your case!)
Performing well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Attending medical school (4 years)
Completing a residency program in general surgery (5 years)
Completing a fellowship program in cardiothoracic surgery (2-3 years)
Remember: Strong extracurricular involvement, research experience, and clinical volunteering are also valuable for medical school applications and demonstrate your passion for the field of medicine.
Essential for Medical School Applications:
Biology: You'll need a strong foundation in general biology, including cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. These courses will provide a crucial understanding of the living world and the processes underlying human health and disease.
Organic Chemistry I & II: Organic chemistry delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based molecules, which are essential for understanding biological processes and drug development.
Physics I & II (with Labs): A solid grasp of physics is important for understanding physiological processes like blood flow and pressure, relevant to cardiothoracic surgery.
Math (Calculus I & II): Medical schools often require some level of calculus, as it's used in various scientific disciplines, including modeling physiological systems.
Highly Recommended for Cardiothoracic Surgery:
Human Anatomy & Physiology: In-depth knowledge of human anatomy and how different organ systems function is essential for any surgeon. These courses will give you a detailed understanding of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
Biochemistry: This course explores the chemistry of living organisms, including the biochemical processes that occur in the heart, lungs, and blood.
Additional Considerations:
Advanced Biology Courses: Consider courses in physiology, cell biology, or molecular biology to deepen your understanding of the body and disease processes.
Genetics Courses: Genetics plays an increasing role in medicine. Consider introductory or advanced genetics courses to understand genetic factors in heart disease.
Looking at what others have done:
The specific coursework can vary depending on the medical school you plan to attend. It's a good idea to check the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in. Here are some resources that can help you with that:
Medical School Admissions Council (AMCAS): [invalid URL removed]
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): https://www.aamc.org/
Career Path:
The typical path to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon involves:
Completing a bachelor's degree in a science field (like Chemistry in your case!)
Performing well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Attending medical school (4 years)
Completing a residency program in general surgery (5 years)
Completing a fellowship program in cardiothoracic surgery (2-3 years)
Remember: Strong extracurricular involvement, research experience, and clinical volunteering are also valuable for medical school applications and demonstrate your passion for the field of medicine.