standard of bio/chem when you first start?

[LittleOrangeBandaid]

Hi there~
I was just wondering how difficult the biology/chem/physics is when you first commence the course (the Foundations phase)?
Is it A-level?
Because, I haven't studied bio since high school, and now that I've graduated, I'm trying to study some before September. *sigh*

I'm also a little worried, because A-level chemistry & physics is equivalent to the Australian first-year university standard....

So I'm a little paranoid that I'm going to get to the UK, and before i even start, I'm going to be lost already... TwT

[fast1]

its not difficult at all, just need some initiative to do some disciplined reading an hour or two a day and you will be fine

[Frank E]

I'm guessing one would need to know the Glycolosis, ATP and citric acid cycles, gluconeogenesis at some point in medical school and probably not before?

I'm inferring you've already been accepted. If you have it wouldn't hurt to brush up on chemistry and biology if you think the biochem at medschool is going to hit you hard. I don't think the Physics is so important.
Personally I would use the time to get some money behind me, some experience in a clinical/medical environment to build up a social and professional support network (previously known as socialising) and do a bit of reading at night.

I think the Deanery would have suggested you attend the chemistry boot camp if they had reservations about the equivalence of your high school science qualifications.

If you haven't yet applied/ been accepted Hint: Higher Chemistry is easier than A level Chemistry and the Aberdeen Medical School entrance requirement is at least B in Higher.

[Tess_Tickles]

Advanced Higher Chemistry is, however, harder than A-levels.

There are folk in my class who couldnt do chemistry at their school for whatever reason and they seemed to have managed fine.

The biochem section is pretty full on but if you stay on top it's easy enough to grasp, just a load of pathways leading to other pathways etc.

TCA cycles, gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate pathways and stuff are the biggies.

[Frank E]

The cycles and energy pathways are only once at medical school, right?
The plumber at work was trying to explain glycolosis to me and it was all a bit whoosh.
I think biochem would knock me for six cos although I was strong in Chemistry, I never had the opportunity to take biology at any level at school.

[LittleOrangeBandaid]

Thanks heaps for the info/advice everyone

There are folk in my class who couldnt do chemistry at their school for whatever reason and they seemed to have managed fine.

that made me feel better, because i did do chemistry in yr 11 & 12

The biochem section is pretty full on but if you stay on top it's easy enough to grasp, just a load of pathways leading to other pathways etc.

TCA cycles, gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate pathways and stuff are the biggies.

... and that made me feel a little worse.
I've done basically no biochem whatsoever- and have no clue what any of the cycles are. (*I think the only cycle I did was the water cycle: evaporation, condensation... -___-|| ) Like Frank E, I'm alright with the chemistry, but really behind in the biology.

So, basically at the beginning it's more biochem stuff, rather than human anatomy?

[Frank E]

Advanced Higher Chemistry is, however, harder than A-levels.

There are folk in my class who couldnt do chemistry at their school for whatever reason and they seemed to have managed fine.

The biochem section is pretty full on but if you stay on top it's easy enough to grasp, just a load of pathways leading to other pathways etc.

TCA cycles, gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate pathways and stuff are the biggies.

I has a look at Advanced Higher Physics, Chemistry Human Biology and Biology past papers in the book shops. Apart from the Physics, Crikey, I feel a bit fick innit.

[ruridh17]

Im not entirely sure whether you will even need to know all that much for this year.

As far as i am aware they are either scrapping biochemistry altogether, or they are not doing it in first year. It is all part of the new curriculum they are introducing this year.

However, saying that. If you are in the unfortunate situation where you have biochem in first year, then dont worry too much. Prof Long is a genius when it comes to teaching you. I am not kidding when i say EVERYTHING you need is on his lecture notes, and he makes a big point in highlighting specific areas which are in the exams.

[Mabaza_Ritchie]

Prof Long rocks.

Honestly, feel no fear of biochemistry, he is the greatest lecturer. Its all there in his notes. and he's there to help.

[Kensei]

Orange:

don't worry about Anatomy either, imo it's well paced and as long as you'll keep on top of it by revising at home (textbooks or anatomy dvd videos, the choice is yours...) - u should b fine. The school office claims that people who fail are those that can't organize their time efficiently, not those struggling with sciences in general.