For anyone at ucsd...

[gettoit]

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Hi,

I'm a first year at ucsd muir, uscsd and undecided on major.
I'm premed, but I wanted something I could get overall experience at college, not just biology.

So, I wanted to know a little bit about Human Development Program major. Does anyone know anything about it??

Like..

would you recommend it?
What is it about?? I heard that it's basically science + humanities etc. But
what does that even mean?? what do you learn specifically?
Some people said it's super hard and some said it's super easy major. I
wasn't sure if any of that could be applied??
Is there any premed that's considering hdp?? Basically, is it weird that I'm
considering hdp as premed and not something like human bio major?

Thank you!!

 

[student113]

did you decide against sociocultural anthropology?

 

[gettoit]

wow i'm surprised you remember me. 🙂
no, not yet. I'm just considering several majors because after I came here, I found out there might me more choices than I thought. But honestly, I'm a little confused on what I should do. One thing I'm sure is I don't want just bio for my 4 years.

 

[Superman MD]

Hiii young Muiran padawon lol. . . .I'm in Muir college too, but I am a senior human bio major. I looked over the HMP, and it looks like a broad overview of both biological and social issues concerning humans over time. Have you looked at the major's website and pdf of the course requirements??

http://www.hdp.ucsd.edu/
http://www.hdp.ucsd.edu/documents/hdpmajorreqs2008-09.pdf

The program encompasses 12 different depts at UCSD. . .particually biology, sociology and cognative science. For the most part, the major itself seems less scientifically focused and more like a humanties major. I also think that you will be doing A LOT of writing; however, this could make a you very well-rounded scholar concerning the human species. In terms of easiness. . .the concepts will be much more easy that a normal biology major, but you might put in more work will all the reading and writing that will probably go on. I do not think that it would be a bad major as a pre-med, but you need to examine yourself and decide how much you like science.

Personally, I love science, so I am particually happy with my human bio major. If you really like science too, I would suggest that you pick a science major, because in Muir, you have about 7 or 8 extra upper division classes outside your major requirements to be able to graduate, so you could always use those classes towards something more humanities related (I undertook a philosophy minor). But, if you are less about science, then perhaps choose the HDP major, and use some of your extra classes towards upper division science classes to show medical school adcoms that you are capable of the workload.

Anyways, that is my take on it. . .perhaps I will see you on campus tomorrow, thoughhhhh I won't realize it is you lol.

 

[gettoit]

Hi!! wow thanks for the advice!!
I wanted to be human bio at first, but now, I'm considering everything. I really like science too though. I really like bio and chem. So I don't know.. but bio department is IMPACTED. My advisor told me that even if I ace all the lower division human bio classes, I might not know if I can even get into the major until the end of my second year. And I don't want that.. lol

haha yeah, I might have seen you today on campus. That's kinda cool actually. 🙂

 

[go lakers]

I heard Hum Dev is an easy major for pre-meds (compared to Biochem/Neuro/etc).

That's all I got.

 

[go lakers]

I heard Hum Dev is an easy major for pre-meds (compared to Biochem/Neuro/etc).

That's all I got.

 

[jr doctor in sd]

My major is Neuroscience. Dont do it .

But in all seriousness, it is definitely one of the hardest majors possible to take on. However, it is extremely rewarding and I have learned so much stuff - major in what you like. Dont try to be like 95% of pre-meds and build your application from day 1.

 

[Latuza]

I'm not a UCSD student, but I just wanted to say something in general about different bio major tracks. It depends on your eventual goal. If you would want to work in a biotech or academic lab, it helps much if your major includes lab courses that teach those skills employers/PI want.

A Human Bio major sounds to me that you might just be required or given preference to take anatomy and physiology labs, and might miss out on molecular bio and biochem labs. So Human Bio major may be a disadvantage to you if you want to do research.

Maybe UCSD lower-division lab classes cover those skills, but just do your homework first before you choose a major. Talk with the dept counselors and see what do people of that major tend to do after graduation.

 

[cnfz]

I'm also from Muir and a third year philosophy major, so it's mostly humanities with a sprinkle of philosophy of science. I suggest going to the undergrad counselors of the department of your interest and asking them how much science and humanities is involved in that major. As for the bio department being impacted, you would still need to take those lower division classes anyways because for the most part, they satisfy the pre-requisites for medical school. Also, don't be afraid of exploring the different majors UCSD has to offer. Good luck!

 

[Reggieray2k]

The one person I know who was doing human development dropped her Pre-Med aspirations after the first year. I don't think it was because its a hard major but nonetheless, thats what she did.

Looking over the major it seems like you don't end up covering the majority of pre-reqs for medical school in it. You'll have to end up taking Ochem and probably a few gen chem, bio, and physics classes in addition to major requirements. This would probably be the case with any non-core sciences major.

I have another friend who is a Human Bio major. It seems like a pretty good preparation for medical school, you cover the pre-med courses and you're not forced to take the more difficult math or physics sequences as compared to other majors. On the other hand, you won't be very prepared for a career outside of being pre-med unless you take the initiative and get involved in research/internships. So my suggestion would be if you're doing a major like Human bio be sure you can get into medical school.

My major no longer exists, so don't pick it.

 

[Van Chowder]

Hi,

I'm a first year at ucsd muir, uscsd and undecided on major.
I'm premed, but I wanted something I could get overall experience at college, not just biology.

So, I wanted to know a little bit about Human Development Program major. Does anyone know anything about it??

Like..

would you recommend it?
What is it about?? I heard that it's basically science + humanities etc. But
what does that even mean?? what do you learn specifically?
Some people said it's super hard and some said it's super easy major. I
wasn't sure if any of that could be applied??
Is there any premed that's considering hdp?? Basically, is it weird that I'm
considering hdp as premed and not something like human bio major?

Thank you!!

What are you looking for in your college experience? Because UCSD is EXCELLENT academically, however on a social basis it is seriously lacking.

I go to a UC way north of there that is fairly boring but has great academics and was thinking of transferring to UCSD, but I could not take the lack of girls!!!!! NO PARTIES!!!

Im fairly certain that you will be well off with what ever major you choose, I recommend you sit in on a couple of upper div classes to make sure it is in your field of vision for your self.
Clearly being premed is GREAT! But please do not let it dictate what you major in. ( which it seems like you already know!)

Good luck with everything broski!

 

[gettoit]

wow, thanks you guys!!! I think all of your comments really helped me. I'll explore a little bit more and decide. Thanks again!!