There are a few things you should know before attempting to make a turkey if you have never done so. First make sure the turkey is fully thawed out before you cook it otherwise it won’t cook right. Second put the turkey in the oven pretty much right when you get up in the morning, yes it does take a turkey all day to cook. And lastly, definitely use a meat thermometer to make sure the middle is done. The last thing you want is food poisoning when you are trying to study for finals. On that positive note, enjoy!

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!!!!

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

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.

Obviously, the first place I looked was the University Health Center website. Despite stories about long waiting times (if you go in person) and other forms of inefficiency, the website does offer really great information on how to stay healthy. Plus, they have an online scheduling appointment so you don't have to call in or walk in (if it's not urgent).