ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: Starlight on December 08, 2012, 07:59:48 am

Title: Another question about majors
Post by: Starlight on December 08, 2012, 07:59:48 am
I'm starting to question the subjects i've chosen.

Basically, I know I want to do the second year subjects for a biochem major: Biochem & Techniques as well as human structure and function: anatomy, biochem. In addition, I have to complete a physiology subject.

But for the remaining subjects left (1 in sem 1, and 1 in sem 2) I was wondering whether to complete the prereq subjects for either a genetics major (however having 1 second yr subject left in third year to complete) or both physiology and microbiology major.

I guess my questions are:

1. I've heard a microbiol major helps more than others for the gamsat, would I be disadvantaged if I did a genetics major?

2. Is physiology a decent major?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: jinny1 on December 08, 2012, 10:53:35 am
I'm tossing up between Micorobiology/Genetics.

The only reason i went with genetics is because Microbiology apparently requires some maths skills.

http://bsc.unimelb.edu.au/microbiology-infection-immunology

The sample course plan has Calculus 2 and Linear Algebrah to complement the major.

Thought you should know :)

Maybe someone doing the major can shed some light on how maths intensive it is.

Also as Peedles said

Personally, I don't think that you should choose subjects that you think will benefit you in gamsat at the expense of you not enjoying it and doing badly and it having an impact on your GPA.

Do the major you enjoy; a genetics major certainly won't disadvantage you in the GAMSAT!!

GAMSAT section 3 is such a broad section and only tests upto 1st year uni knowledge so i don't think micro over genetics will give you an advantage. GAMSAT will never ask you questions specifically obtained from 3rd year microbiology or genetics material.

Not to mention both majors share some subjects together so they are somewhat related.

P.S. On a personal note, I hope you do Genetics so you can help me out during exam times again :P
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: Russ on December 09, 2012, 08:20:36 am
Genetics involves way more math than micro/immuno
Do what you think you'll enjoy more, the sample course plan isn't a recommended pathway but an example
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: jinny1 on December 09, 2012, 09:33:36 am
Genetics involves way more math than micro/immuno
Do what you think you'll enjoy more, the sample course plan isn't a recommended pathway but an example

Which one do you think is the more fun, interesting and easy major??
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: simpak on December 09, 2012, 04:20:48 pm
If you want an 'easy' major, don't do Mbiol and Immunol there is shitloads to remember.
Based on what Stonecold has said, second year genetics subjects sound manageable due to multiple choice components.  I can't comment on the state of the major though and I'm sure Russ can't either, considering he didn't major in Genetics :3

Just as a note: microbiology is becoming a concerning-ly popular major.  Compared to a couple of years ago there's been like a 40% increase in interest in the second year prerequisites!

Choose the major field that you can see yourself being most interested in researching...
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: jinny1 on December 09, 2012, 07:49:26 pm
If you want an 'easy' major, don't do Mbiol and Immunol there is shitloads to remember.
Based on what Stonecold has said, second year genetics subjects sound manageable due to multiple choice components.  I can't comment on the state of the major though and I'm sure Russ can't either, considering he didn't major in Genetics :3

Just as a note: microbiology is becoming a concerning-ly popular major.  Compared to a couple of years ago there's been like a 40% increase in interest in the second year prerequisites!

Choose the major field that you can see yourself being most interested in researching...

Thanks for your insight!

I think you've read my mind :P I'm trying to stay away from majors that are full of rote-learning and memorising...

Guess Genetics is the right way to go, although i'm having a look at biotech too. So much to ponder sigh* Which basically seem like the same major -.- so many required shared subjects
Title: Re: Another question about majors
Post by: bridger on December 10, 2012, 12:17:14 am
I guess it really does depend on what area you personally fancy most. But understandably this is hard when you don't really have enough exposure to know what areas you like most. I did Physiology and Human Structure and Function (although not officially as Science only recognises one major) and found them both interesting, although anatomy was a lot to remember in third year. If you end up going into graduate health sciences I guess it doesn't really matter, but the problem is the amount of uncertainty involved. Basically I agree with what Russ said, do what you think you will genuinely enjoy most. I had people tell me not to do Physiol/HSF but I did it anyway because I enjoyed them most in second year, and it makes it easier to study subjects when you enjoy them