Emory Science Major FAQ

General Science and Math

Should I take two science classes each semester in my first year at Emory?

It depends upon what you intend to major in and how strong your high school preparation in the area is. In order to easily complete a Biology (http://www.emory.edu/BIOLOGY/PAGES/undrgrad.htm) or NBB (http://www.emory.edu/COLLEGE/NBB/) major, students should take both Biology 141-2 or 151-2 and Chemistry 141-2 in the first year.

However, if your background is not strong you should begin with Chemistry, since it is a co- or prerequisite for biology. You may wish to take the Chem Concepts Inventory to assess areas you may need to strengthen and concentrate on. You may wish to review the Biology syllabus and ensure that your previous courses prepared you for this course.

Chemistry majors usually take Chem 141-2 or Chem 171-2 and Math 111 and 112 or Math 115-6 for the BS. program.

Physics majors usually take Phys 141-2 or 151-2 and Math 112 and 212.
Math major and computer science majors must take or test out of Math 111-112 as a prerequisite for upper level courses. CS majors usually also take CS170-1 in the first year.
Environmental studies majors usually take ENVS 131 and 132 in the first year.

Should I take Math 115-116 instead of Math 111-112?

Biology and some Chemistry majors should take Math 115-116. This sequence is particularly designed to use real world problems from the life sciences and to include some probability and statistics. By the way in my humble opinion (IMHO) every students should take a statistics course!!!

How can I get involved in research?

There are many ways. Students often begin research experiences as a work-study position. Look for announcements of work-study job fairs. After a student has complete a few courses in the discipline, most departments have a for credit research program. The Center for Science Education sponsors SURE, a Summer Research program. For information about how to identify a mentor and apply to SURE, see http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/SURE/SURE.html. Other opportunities exist through SIRE.

All science majors should explore different career options and pathways.
http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/careers.html

What are the requirements for the BS/MS program?

Specific requirements vary with the major. However all must take the GRE and write a thesis around independent research. Contact a faculty advisor in the department early in your sophomore year to ensure that you complete all requirements.

What are the requirements for the BA/MPH?

http://www.sph.emory.edu/bios/DegreePrograms/BA-MSPH/

Study Skills and General Questions

Should I ever withdraw from a class? For what reasons? What help is available for students that are having difficulty with a course?

Students can contact their professor in the course, their FAME advisor, an academic counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Education for help. Forming study groups with other students, or more formal programs like ChemMentors are also good avenues to increase success. Tutors are available through Emory Pathways for Academic Success for Students.

How can I improve my study skills and time management?

EPASS and the Career Planning and Placement Center offers workshops and assessments that can help. The Center for Science Education also offers workshops. Contact Ms. Andrea Neal at LearnLink. Also explore: http://www.emory.edu/COLLEGE/epass/support/oncampus.html

How many extracurricular activities should I participate in during my first year?

Only you can determine how much time you can spend. You should try some new groups and activities, but keep in mind that your main job is to study and do well in your classes. My personal recommendation is choose one thing you already like doing and join a club or interest group to make new friends. Choose one other activity that allows you to explore something new. Volunteer!

How can I participate in study abroad?

Visit the study abroad office and website. http://www.emory.edu/CIPA/ There are many opportunities in all areas and some special ones for science students. NBB and Chemistry have new and exciting opportunities.

How can I get more money for my undergraduate studies at Emory?

Apply for financial aid ON TIME!!! This site has lots of information about scholarships, work-study, deadlines, etc. Make an appointment with your counselor. Visit other websites that identify scholarships, such as http://www.fastweb.com (requires log-in) or http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/scholarships.html

Students should consider employment and paid internships during the school year once they have established that they can manage their time and complete course requirements.

Summer jobs, internships and research experiences are good options. Consult the career center and the Center for Science Education website for many opportunities. Also consider a Google search. You’d be surprised what you can turn up.

What programs can freshmen get involved in that are non-medical but still science oriented?

  • Chem. Mentors
    Help others learn Chemistry!
  • Science and society
    Join exciting projects that teach science to the community
  • PRISM
    Help middle school and high school teachers design curricular materials and help students learn science

Clubs in each major often work with local schools and with the public.

When should I begin preparation for the GRE?

Now.

Can I design my own major?

Not officially except in interdisciplinary studies in culture and society.However many science majors create interesting concentrations in other disciplines by selecting 5 or more courses in a defined area.

NBB offers a wide range of courses and is the closest to a self-designed science major.

As an Emory student, can I take courses outside of Emory?

During the summer between first and second years, it is relatively easy to get permission to take courses at other institutions. Emory also has a cross-registration agreement with many metro area colleges and universities through ARCHE. Contact Dean Wolf-King for required forms. Of course study abroad courses that are approved by Emory are encouraged.

What are the benefits of going to summer school?

Classes at Emory tend to be smaller in summer (but more intense).

What should I take for my GERs?

Explore new areas of knowledge! Pick subjects you are not well versed in. Use GERs to develop new potential interest areas, explore potential minors and learn what it means to become a well-rounded, educated citizen.

For other more general questions, see
http://www.college.emory.edu/students/faq.html

Pre-meds

What are the requirements for medical school?

Every medical school requires at MINIMUM one year of biology, chemistry through 2 semesters of organic, 1 year of physics. Many require calculus (and yes Math 115-6 satisfies this requirement. Many have recommended courses as well. Please visit: http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/pre-med.html to read a lot more about each medical school and find out more about preparing.

I want to prepare for medical school. What should I major in?

Medical school requires a strong preparation in science, but does not require a science major. I personally know people who were admitted to medical school with Film Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, Math, History and Music majors as well as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and NBB. They all had more than the required science however. My personal recommendation is that all future doctors should have genetics and statistics.

Should I double up on my sciences freshman year?

It depends upon what you intend to major in and how strong your high school preparation in the area is. In order to easily complete a Biology or NBB major, students should take both Biology 141-2 or 151-2 and Chemistry 141-2 in the first year.

However, if your background is not strong you should begin with Chemistry, since it is a co- or prerequisite for biology. You may wish to take the Chem Concepts Inventory to assess areas you may need to strengthen and concentrate on. You may wish to review the Biology syllabus and ensure that your previous courses prepared you for this course.

What is a personal statement? When should I write one?

It’s an application essay. There are many examples on-line. The career center offers workshops on writing such statements. Try a google search to find out more. Here’s one example. http://www.medadvising.ku.edu/essaytips.shtml You should keep in practice by editing yours annually.

What programs does Emory offer to help prepare for the MCAT?

Real preparation for the MCAT is in your science classes. Every pre-med should buy a book early and review the MCAT examples as they take their classes.

Are there scholarships available for medical school?

Very few. See http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/pre-med.html for more financial information.

How can I work in a hospital as an undergrad?

Volunteer. Attend a summer shadowing program. Apply to the House staff Assistance program. Again see http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/pre-med.html

What types of organizations on campus are medically related?

There are numerous pre-med clubs. Look on LearnLink under Public conferences, Student Groups, Health related for some of these.

  • Minority Pre-Med
  • First Responders
  • SHAPE
  • ADEC
  • EUPHA
  • SNMA
  • CPR
  • HSTAT
  • EUSIGH

Should I take all of my required courses for Med School at Emory?

Yes or at a comparable level college.

What is an MD/Ph.D program? What are the benefits?

MD/PhD programs are special preparation for medical researchers who want to be part of academic medicine. See a really nice page by an Emory student at
http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/mdphd1.html They have many advantages including special financial program pay for both medical and graduate components.

When should I start MCAT prep?

Now.

How much does medical school cost?

It varies a lot. Again see http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/pre-med.html.

What if I change my mind about medicine, what are other career options in the science/health related fields?

See the careers in science section of ScienceNET. Don’t forget Science journalism, public health, science policy and allied health.

How can I work in a hospital as an undergraduate?

Volunteer. Join one of the pre-med clubs. Consider the program at Grady!Do I have to say visit ScienceNET?

Other Health professions

What is Public health? And what jobs are associated with it?

Visit the Rollins School of Public Health website as well as http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/careers.html