3 biology classes each semester

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anna02

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Hi-
If I were to take 3 bio classes + an elective or two each semester, am I in for a really hard time? Will I be terribly burnt out or it is totally doable? Are there any bio classes that should absolutely not be taken together?

Thanks-
Anna

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There is no simple answer to your question. It depends on your strengths and weakesses and which classes you are specifically talking about.

I'm on the quarter system, where 3-4 classes is a full load. Every quarter of junior and senior year I had 2 upper division bio classes, and most quarters I also had an upper division chemistry or physics class, or both plus language or philosophy classes (4 classes total). I didn't have any trouble. But it depends on what your strengths and weaknesses are, what you LIKE to study, etc. Nobody can really answer your question but you.
 
I agree, it depends on you. However, from talking to other students who did it, try not to take animal physiology, genetics, or another time-intensive class (with lab or not) all together in the same semester. I tried to balance it out with one "difficult" class like genetics, and then a couple of less stressful classes like cell bio or evolution. At least at my institution, these were easier classes because all that was required was three multiple choice tests and no labs. Again, it depends on the instructors and how the course at your college is set up. Ask upperclassmen at your institution what they think about the different bio classes they have taken to get a better feel for what each course requires in the way of study/lab time. Good luck!
 
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Thanks for your replies. I would like to finish my degree in 2 years; therefore, I would definitely need to take 3 sciences each semester, in which one of them will be a med school pre-req [organic chem or physics]. I can do anything I put my mind to, but am afraid to burn myself out being I've only taken 2 sciences at a time before. I've never tried 3 sciences + labs + other electives. I know that only I can answer the question, but input is always helpful as to which classes are not good to take together, etc. Thanks Diogenes and ellerose. I appreciate you taking the time to help me sort things through. :cool:
 
Anyone else?
 
anna02,
Why do you want to finish in 2 years? College is supposed to be a "fun" time in your life. IF you're stuck behind books 24/7, you won't experience it for what it is. Anyways, to answer your question, if you're really motivated, you can do it, BUT like you said, you may get burned out. I did that one semester, and I would never do it again. I took organic, physics, and cell together (all with labs) in addition to a math class, and I managed to survive and get decent grades, but I would highly recommend against it. In the end, it really depends on the person. You know yourself best, so just go w/ your gut.
 
ThingAMaJig-

I've always been the type of person who gets things done quickly as possible, even if it means little fun along the way. I wanted to finish up in 2 years so that I would have the next year off to apply to medical school and basically relax. Maybe I am pushing myself a little too hard. I would love to finish up in 2 years, but I don't want to burn myself out in the process. Thanks for replying.

Anna
 
Hey Anna...

I agree with everyone else but I think you should hunt around a bit and see if you can handle such a load. I think by balancing three relatively "okay" bio classes you would have no problem. I, for instance, thought I was Shera or something :rolleyes: spring semester of my sophomore year and took Honors Immunobiology, Honors Orgo II, and Honors Statistics and thought I balanced it out with two relatively easy for me psych classes. I obviously didn't and about died when I got all C's in those three hard classes and A's in the easy two. I about passed out when I got a 2.3 that semester. It wasn't that I didn't study (I did--and burnt myself out too), it was the fact that load was too much for me to handle. I reflected on what I did and did a revamp of my stressed out studying habits--I wasn't having any fun like others have said, I spent all my nights in the study lounge, and I still wound up in the pits. I think my best advice to you would be to analyze yourself and see how you stand in terms of massive science loads. And to also avoid taking the sciences which you think will cause you trouble of course! I just wouldn't want to see anyone do the same mistake I did--so check yourself out! You know what bio classes are going to make you scream and which bio ones are most definitely not. Also, labs can be a big no-no when taking such big loads (I took Orgo lab that semester too) and take giant chunks out of your studying time for your core bio classes. Make sure you ask people that have taken the classes before how tough it really is, and sit down with the professor and look over the syllabus to see any conflicting tests or what not. I figured out how to do this and did just fine my Junior and Senior years! Good luck to you and as long as YOU know what you're capable of handling with your study habits YOU'LL DO GREAT :clap: !!!
 
Hi,

I took three bio together (Semester system). that was all i took. (but that's because i'm also doing research, and other stuff, it was my normal unit load). It was cell bio+ genetics+ human phys.
It was absolute hell that semester though. but bio isn't my strength. that's my i am a bioeng major... i need to keep my mind more stimulated with the eng classes.

anyway, figure out what is considered "hard" at your school.
genetics was a touted as a really simple class (at my school:WashU). Turns out the semester i took it was the first semester the curriculum being really tough.. for some though. It's MUCH more analytical and thinking demanding than any other bio class.

Human phys was a simple fun class at WashU. I can't really imagine it being that difficult.

Cell bio was unamiously, prof included, deemed tough. Lots of little details to memorize. All the bio engineering students i've talked to don't like it at all (boring, tough). But, the bio students don't seem to mind it. Moreover, bio eng students who did not take it at WashU say it was really interesting and all.

anyway, here's one problem i had taking all three bio classes: it got soo boring, all your studying was all the same. variety gives your mind a break (At least for me). it's all just, go to class. take excellent notes. watch videos of class, supplement your notes. re write your notes. read them over and over and over again until you now every bit of them. the same process for 16 weeks straight. (it was helpful when the material in genetics got interesting, but still).

well, consider this. what are the bio classes anyway?

Sonya
 
Michelys-
I'm sorry to hear about your stressed out semester. I definitely need to rethink this situation.. instead of being 1 rough semester, it would be 4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Ahh.. I really don't know if I could handle that much science, but the only way to find out is to try it out for myself.

Sonya-
I wish I could find out the 'hard' classes at my school before I register for fall classes. The problem is that I am transferring to this school which is 5 hours away from home. So, I know no one who goes there and will not be able to find out anything. But, I had considered switching to biochemistry because I love the chemistry aspect of science more so than the biology part. But, I figured I might could finish more soon with the bio degree, and that leads me to here. The classes I thought I would take in the fall would be organic I, ecology, and either botany or cell bio + my other electives, such as literature or religion or something I need for general core reqs.
 
I will be taking Cell/Molec plus lab, Biochem plus lab, Genetics plus lab, and a non-science class this fall. This will be my first semester taking three sciences with labs but I am totally confident that I can do it. I am a senior so I *do* know what I can handle or not. Anna are you a freshman? if so I would recommend against taking three science classes together until you know your strong and weak points..Good luck!
 
efex-
At the completion of this summer semester, I will have 50 hrs. That qualifies me as a sophomore, but I technically just finished my first whole year at college. Anyhow, I appreciate your reply and wish you the best of luck with your classes. That sounds like a tough load, but with your confidence, I know you'll do well. I am aware of my abilities, but am not 100% sure I want to spend the next 2 years behind books 24/7. You must be a biology major? or not?
 
Anna I am not a biology major but I do love bio and chem, maybe that is why i am going to love taking those classes! If you do know that you do not want to study 24/7 then do not take those classes together and enjoy your sophomore year. I am a non-trad so my social life may not be as full.. :wink:
I believe that if you really wanted to you could do it without a problem but like you said you need to enjoy the journey. For me enjoying the journey is taking lots of science classes but for you it may be something else. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Thanks efex. The best of luck to you as well. :)
 
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