Is Biology more important than Chemistry for someone studying to be a doctor?

Question

I was given Chemistry SL for next year, but the thing is I am not that good at Chemistry. I passed with an 80 average. I have the choice to switch with someone for Biology SL, (which I had a 90 average) , and I am not sure if I should switch. I plan on being a radiologist, and so i would like to know, which is a better course? Chemistry or Biology?

Answer 1

most universities require that you have chemistry so i guess it's more important to study chemistry than biology.

Answer 2

Think about what you are asking.

A doctor has to be an EXPERT at chemistry!!!!!!!

You are obviously NOT even in University yet. They TELL you what to take, and I can assure you, its not basic high school chemistry!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

This is a question you should be asking your college advisor, as well as the head of the department at the med school you plan on attending. They will know much better than the people on this place.

However, I think the answer boils down to that you need both to become a doctor. Biology because, hopefully, you will be working with living people. Chemistry because it is essential to biology, life doesn't happen without chemistry.

Answer 4

both of them are important as far as you want to be a doctor.in higher classes like 11th and 12th. chemistry is a vital paper in medicasl entrance exams. biology becomes the deciding paper.

pls pay attention to both as far u are interested to become a doctor.

Answer 5

You should study chemistry.  You will  learn things that will be essential to an understanding of, for example, pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, physiology, genetics and, even radiology, all of which are branches of or essential to an understanding of modern medicine.  With an education in chemistry, you can easily pick up the biology that you need.  It is much harder to learn chemistry by oneself.

Answer 6

Doctors need to know biology, chemistry as well as physiology.

Answer 7

I would say biology is probably more relevant to a doctor than chemistry. Chemistry would be more of the pharmaceutical side of medicine, while biology deals more with the aspects of bacteria and viruses (which are of obvious importance to being doctors).

That said, chemistry is still something you'll end up learning at a basic level (basic courses are required for most science-related fields).

Answer 8

They are both important, I am studying to be a doctor and I am a Chem major... you could major in whatever you want, but you will need to take gen chem, and OChem, as well as Bio400 and botany and zoology.  g'luck!

Answer 9

You are likely going to need both to get into medical school.  Most med schools require at least core courses in both subjects.  Check with the requirements at the schools you are interested in.  Now, in practical terms, as a physician,  I use basic biology and chemistry about never in real practice.  These courses give you the fundamentals to understand the concepts of the more advanced classes in medical school, which is where most of the everyday knowledge comes from.  But you still need to take them.