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14 October 2009
Tips for planning out your best fit spring schedule
Wow it's amazing how telebears phase 1 is here yet we are in the middle of getting through this fall semester!! For this reason it is important that we start looking into classes and start asking our friends about classes they recommend.
Something that I have learned from planning out my schedule (for the past 4 years) is that we should not set our schedule in stone early on but have some options to decide on the first week of classes. Although those classes may seem very interesting to us, during the first week we may realize that two of our most challenging classes will have midterms on the same day. If you have other class options you can have the choice of taking another class (this happened to me for PH162A- Microbiology and MCB 102 and I had a horrible semester even though the classes were interesting I was not able to study as well as I would have liked to because both of the midterms were back to back from one another).
This brings me to another very important point that when choosing classes it is important to understand that everybody can handle different levels of courses and that you need to realize what would be a good fit for YOU!!!! Just because your roommate was able to take a combination of classes it doesn't make it a good fit for you and vice versa. Especially for the lower division classes like chem 1a, chem 3a/b, the math 16 series, the bio's etc, it is important to understand that these classes take up a lot of time to study and people can handle certain combination of classes better than others. It does not make you inferior if you need to make a preparation course for chem 1a or need to start with precalculus (I needed to), if it will help you in the long run than you should definitely go for it. The truth of the matter is that people come to Cal with different levels of preparation based on what their high schools offered -it is not a fair playing field :-( The best we can do is acknowledge it and take classes that we can handle. Obviously we are stressed to graduate on time, but if you have the flexibility to spread out some of your core science classes (you know the classes that you need to really super dedicate yourself to), then why not. After all the classes have to be a good fit for you!!!!
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Posted by Liz Pelayo at 0:10 | Permalink
13 October 2009
TELEBEARS IS HERE! Spring 2010 advice on classes?
Telebears is here! The big question is... What classes do you take?! Don't go completely crazy yet, we can figure this out. Taking the wrong combination of classes here at UC Berkeley can make a student crawl into a hole and never want to come out. Never fret, CNR PALS are coming to your rescue! I have some quick tips on how I've come to select classes....
1. Try to stay in between 13-15 units, especially if you're "doubling up" on science courses.
2. I've found that many "intro" labeled courses are very time consuming.
3. Balance, balance, balance your workload! For example, MCB 102, Math 54, NST 103, Chemistry 3 A/B, and Physics 7/8 series are very difficult and time consuming classes for most students at Berkeley. Try not to take more than 3 of these courses at the same time.
4. In addition to 3, figure out how you will fair with professors! "How do I do this?" you may ask. There are many resources! I feel the best resource ofcourse come from UCB students who have taken the course already, preferably with the same professor you look to take it with. (I tend to use ratemyprofessor.com as a last resort because it has been VERY inaccurate at times from my own personal experience.
5. I think the main point I am trying to get across is to.... ASK! Ask your adviser. Ask a former student! Ask your prospective professor. ASK! ASK! ASK! It is the only sure way you will know what you are getting into for Spring 2010! Who knows, you may get an old syllabus or exams to gauge just how the class may be.
These are my two cents about the issue. If I have left something out you feel is equally important, please feel free to share! I mean hey... This is a BLOG right? :-)
Be Careful and Stay Dry,
Wellington
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Posted by Wellington Onyenwe at 6:38 | Permalink
12 October 2009
Ready for Spring 2010? Recommended classes offered only during spring
As telebears approach, we all have one thing in mind "what course should I take to fill up my schedule?" Below are the classes I've taken, enjoyed and recommend to students.
PH162A lec/lab-
Microbiology is a memorization intensive class that gives students insight on the etiology, causes, mechanism, and prevention of diseases and infections. The class itself uncovers the world of bacteria, virus, fungi, and other microbiological organisms. The class is straight forward but the only drawback is that there’s a lot of information to remember. Overall, it is a rewarding class because the amount of time you put into it correlates to the grade that will be achieved.
NSTC114-
Pesticide Chemistry is a broad overview of issues, mechanisms, and uses of pesticide. Overall, it is a very chill and easy going class. It solely based on the lecture and does not deviate out of it. The fun part of this class is that students will be able to present a pesticide of their choice. Again, the amount of time you put into it correlates to the grade you will achieve. This is a must if you are a Molecular Toxicology major.
NST 120-
Molecular Toxicology is a toxicology major core requirement that is course friendly to other biology majors. The class explores administration, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics.
Three reasons to take this class:
1.) The professor is AWESOME
2.) There’s a field trip
3.) The midterms and final are take-home. It is only offered during spring so take it if possible.
EDU 30AC-
Diversity in and out of schools is a must class for anyone who wants to deviate out of the sciences. Issues such as race, diversity, and equality within schools will be covered. The structure is based on reading, writing, and analyzing articles. The only draw back is the amount of reading that is required for the class but midterms and finals are take home essays.
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Posted by Ken Juacalla at 0:57 | Permalink
04 October 2009
Places to Study
With the first round of midterms here it's important to find a good place to sit down and study. Luckily at Berkeley you can find a place to get your work done no matter what your learning style and preference is. Here are some places I recommend around campus. Also, make sure to becoming a member of the PAL Facebook Fanpage and use the discussion page to let the PALs know where you like to go to study.
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Posted by Olga at 3:07 | Permalink
10 May 2009
My Summer Plans
In two weeks I will be leaving for Uganda, and I'm really excited! I am going to be working with the Uganda Village Project, a non-profit providing sustainable public health projects in the Iganga District of Uganda. I have never been to Africa before, so I'm excited, but at the same time I don't really know what to expect. I'm pretty much ready to go; I got my malaria pills, my passport, my plane ticket. I will be there for two and a half months, with no electricity, flushing toilets, or running water.
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Posted by Jenn Jehnsen at 6:51 | Permalink
