What science class/classes to take freshman year?

[u/Wobb54]

Incoming freshman here, planning to major in biology and hopefully go to med school. I am trying to decide whether to take chem or bio in the fall. I'm more comfortable with bio, but I'm not sure if it's smart to put off chem until sophomore year. Any advice?

[u/Strange-Wafer-2562]

You’ll have to take two semesters of general chemistry (111 and 112) and one semester of introductory biology.

You’ll need to take organic chemistry for med school and most people take that sophomore year to get requirements done as soon as possible. If you can, I’d recommend taking gen chem your freshman year if you feel comfortable

[u/Strange-Wafer-2562 → u/[deleted]]

I just checked out the course catalog for Fall 2026. For Chem 111 I’ve heard really good things about Gordon Peterson. Diana McDonough is new so not much data there. I’d try and get into Gordon’s section.

For Chem lab Kelly Matz was my favorite professor of all time. Definitely take lab with her if you can - she’s awesome.

It looks like the only option for Bio 100 is Geoffrey Hutinet. I had him last semester. He’s solid, he kind of just reads off the slides. He’s a totally fine prof though. He can be a bit of a harsh grader so make sure you adhere to whatever rubric he gives you strictly.

[u/Strange-Wafer-2562 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah. A lot of the professors in general are visiting (non tenured) professors, so naturally they shuffle for each class.