OT: Looking for some advice for a kid I coach in BB on MU's Biology Department

[Eye]

I have a kid I'll be coaching for the 2nd year now in baseball this spring, who is looking to go into biology, with perhaps a focus on molecular biology if I recall correctly. He's down to Minnesota and Marquette as far as where he'd like to go to college. Would anyone on here have any advice I could pass along to him on MU's biology department in general and/or MU's microbiology major that might aid him in making his decision? Thanks in advance ...

[GGGG]

I have a kid I'll be coaching for the 2nd year now in baseball this spring, who is looking to go into biology, with perhaps a focus on molecular biology if I recall correctly. He's down to Minnesota and Marquette as far as where he'd like to go to college. Would anyone on here have any advice I could pass along to him on MU's biology department in general and/or MU's microbiology major that might aid him in making his decision? Thanks in advance ...

I do not know anything about the specifics of the two programs, but I can tell you this in general.  I don't know what this kid wants to do after undergraduate, but I know that it is increasingly important for graduate school and medical school that they participate in programs like undergraduate research and have close relationships with faculty members.  I know that MU can provide those things, and they mention both on their web-site.  I'm not sure a school like Minnesota can provide those same opportunities.

[Litehouse]

No idea what the kid is interested in, but if he's thinking about Biology, he should consider Biomedical Engineering.  Far more opportunities after graduation than a hard science degree.

[chren21]

Biomedical engineering is a great call.  Check out the new Engineering Dept dean's resume.  Along with the brand new engineering building that department is on the rise bigtime.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I know a guy with a Biology degree.  He's selling Budweiser.

[reinko]

I know a guy with a Biology degree.  He's selling Budweiser.

Weird, I know a Bio major too.  He sells insurance just north of Chicago.

[SaintPaulWarrior]

From what I have heard it is very hard to graduate in 4 years from Minnesota due to getting in the classes required for graduation....my wife went there for two years....saw the writing on the wall and transferred to St. Cloud State so she could graduate in 4 years....she majored in English Comp. and minored in biology.....she is an attorney now.

[jutaw22mu]

I have a kid I'll be coaching for the 2nd year now in baseball this spring, who is looking to go into biology, with perhaps a focus on molecular biology if I recall correctly. He's down to Minnesota and Marquette as far as where he'd like to go to college. Would anyone on here have any advice I could pass along to him on MU's biology department in general and/or MU's microbiology major that might aid him in making his decision? Thanks in advance ...

I got my degree in Biology from MU and am currently in grad school at a Big 10 school.  In terms of graduate school, Minnesota has a great reputation for microbiology and immnology.  In terms of undergraduate programs, MU's biology program was great and prepared me quite well for graduate school.  One mistake I made was not trying to join a research group until my senior year (but that was also because I was doublemajoring).  If he is serious about going to either medical or graduate school, he should make an effort to join a lab his freshman year.  The Big Ten school I'm at now has weaker freshman and sophomore classes than MU, but professors here love to take freshmen into the labs and train the right away.  He should meet with faculty from each school and get a sense of which provides him better opportunities to pursue his interests.

[lab_warrior]

My experience was very similar, I was a Biology undergrad at MU, now a grad student in a Cell and Molecular Bio. PhD program.  The coursework at MU definitely prepared me for work in a lab, and I remember both microbiology and immunology being very good courses.  If Bio. Engineering would be a better choice, I'd definitely look into it (esp. if they have that new building coming).  I also have the same advice as jutaw22mu, talk to professors and see if you can get into a lab ASAP, because that is very important for the future.

[jesmu84]

If he is looking at post grad education following MU that focuses on medicine or patient care (MD,          RN, PA, etc) then I would highly recommend the Biomedical Science major in the College of Health Sciences. It's a great program that focuses on biology in relation to medicine an the human body. Courses in anatomy, physiology,  pathology,  immunology and one of the few undergraduate programs in the nation that allows for full cadaver dissection. Great stuff that will prepare him for any of the medical fields.

[drewm88]

As much as I love MU, U of M has a great Bio program. He'd be well served at either school.

[Eye]

Thanks for excellent advice everybody. I'll pass it along to my player tomorrow afternoon.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

If he is looking at post grad education following MU that focuses on medicine or patient care (MD,          RN, PA, etc) then I would highly recommend the Biomedical Science major in the College of Health Sciences. It's a great program that focuses on biology in relation to medicine an the human body. Courses in anatomy, physiology,  pathology,  immunology and one of the few undergraduate programs in the nation that allows for full cadaver dissection. Great stuff that will prepare him for any of the medical fields.

If he is planning on medical school or dental school after graduation, I completely agree with going the biomedical science route at Marquette.  IMO, it better prepares you for the health professions/admission tests after graduation.  If he is geared more towards a science career, ie. PhD/Post Doc/Research, then I would suggest a Biochem/Chem/Biology(or biology related) degree.