Shrike: No. Or so seems to be the consensus.

jmugele: As I posted before, I think a person could get away without taking genetics. But I think the opposite is true for organic chemistry. Although there’s not a whole lot of orgo on the MCAT (although, that probably depends on the specific test — I’m guessing it’s roughly the same amount of material as genetics), organic chemistry is much more complex conceptually. I also found that a good organic chemistry class teaches you some really good abstract problem-solving skills that are helpful for test-taking in general. But overall, because orgo is so complex and because there is a lot of memorization, I think a class helps before the MCAT.

QofQuimica: No, as with physics, I believe it is best to have at least completed Organic I before taking a prep course or starting self-study, and ideally Organic II as well. It is fine though if you are still taking Organic II while you study for the MCAT.

MoosePilot: I took one and I thought it helped. Genetics is getting more emphasis, but it’s pretty basic genetics. I’ve noticed at least one pedigree question on each practice/actual test I took last year. Know the major types of inheritance (dominant, recessive, sex-linked) and these aren’t too hard. Draw the pic and it becomes easier. Don’t get suckered into wasting all your time.

Law2Doc: The MCAT doesn’t go super in depth on genetics, but it does cover it. So whether you need to take a specific genetics class totally depends on how well genetics was covered in your bio classes. If you spent substantial time (weeks) on it in bio, and you have a solid grasp of the material, you will do fine on that part of the MCAT, and needn’t take another class. (Look over Kaplan/TPR prep materials to be sure that what is in there was covered in your basic bio classes - in mine it all was.)

QofQuimica: I basically agree with Law2Doc. I don’t think a genetics course is the best use of study time for most students, unless somehow your basic biology course did not cover genetics.

jmugele: I agree — most of the genetics on the MCAT is pretty straightforward. A class may help, but most of the information you need, you can get from study guides or even by reading the relevant chapters in a biology text (I never took genetics, just checked out books from the library).

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 3, 2006)
• Language: English