How hard is bio at UCSD?

[CanadianKid]

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I'm thinking about taking a transfer term there next winter (currently go to Dartmouth and want to get away and enjoy the sun). I would have to take genetics (BICD 100 and lab BICD 101) because it's the only class that corresponds to one of our intro level bio classes.

Good idea? To those who go to SD: is it insanely difficult? I think I'd take another course (probably psych) and have a 12 credit course load. Need some advice. Thanks!

 

[EpiPEN]

I'm thinking about taking a transfer term there next winter (currently go to Dartmouth and want to get away and enjoy the sun). I would have to take genetics (BICD 100 and lab BICD 101) because it's the only class that corresponds to one of our intro level bio classes.

Good idea? To those who go to SD: is it insanely difficult? I think I'd take another course (probably psych) and have a 12 credit course load. Need some advice. Thanks!

Well compared to my engineering classes, BICD 100 was a joke. I never took BICD 101 lab though, so can't comment on that. To compare BICD 100 to bio related classes.... it's a lot easier than biochem imo. Especially if you are only going to take 2 classes...

 

[DBR]

Im assuming when you say BIO AT UCSSD you mean that you are attending college there and not a MASTERS program like my friend that just graduated from UCLA (better school IMHO) regardless of that though there is a gausian curve by which grades are distributed so the difficulty of each class depends on where you fall on that curve. IN GENREAL but DEFINITELY NOT always i try to get above 2 or 3 GRADES ABOVE THE MEDIAN.

 

[PinkKitten]

bio at UCSD UNDERGRAD is not hard at all, if you just study, you shouldn't have any sort of problem. There are some classes (BIMM100, BICD100) where you barely even have to study, just review the material.

 

[CanadianKid]

Thanks for the responses - yes I mean undergrad. Since UCSD seems to have a reputation for lots of premeds, I was just wondering if their bio classes were considered 'weeder' or super cutthroat.

 

[PinkKitten]

Thanks for the responses - yes I mean undergrad. Since UCSD seems to have a reputation for lots of premeds, I was just wondering if their bio classes were considered 'weeder' or super cutthroat.

Nope, not the bio classes. I think the major weeder classes are supposed to be g chem and o chem. Once you've made it to upper division bio, its not bad at all.

 

[EpiPEN]

Nope, not the bio classes. I think the major weeder classes are supposed to be g chem and o chem. Once you've made it to upper division bio, its not bad at all.

biochem is kind of a weeder, I hated it. But then again, I hate memorizing with little application.

 

[mdmarty]

Nope, not the bio classes. I think the major weeder classes are supposed to be g chem and o chem. Once you've made it to upper division bio, its not bad at all.

I thought that bio classes were pretty hard; BICD 100 (genetics) with Nesbitt was no joke (avg. GPA 2.6: thecampusbuddy.com). No matter what, you will need to sudy.

 

[horhay1241]

There are lots of premeds, so there isn't much of a curve in most of the UD classes so sometimes it is tough to get higher than B+/A-. I don't know anyone who doesn't need to study, but some professors basically test of the lecture notes so thats all you need. Coming from Dartmouth I don't think any of this would be a shock. you should be fine

 

[PinkKitten]

I thought that bio classes were pretty hard; BICD 100 (genetics) with Nesbitt was no joke (avg. GPA 2.6: thecampusbuddy.com). No matter what, you will need to sudy.

Yes, you are right, Nesbitt is an exception from what I have heard. I didn't have her. But I don't even think she is teaching anymore.

 

[clearmysix]

Just avoid Nesbitt and you will be fine. For me, genetics was kinda challenging because an A- was 94 percent. The curve was really high. Make sure to check ratemyprofessor to get the right instructor.

 

[LadyDoc2]

genetics with nesbitt was impossible, but she isnt there anymore. I took the lab you're talking about with Butler and it was close to cake. i didnt need to study--the only think that was hard were the long lab hours and the time it took for the write ups.

 

[killinsound]

bio at ucsd is really easy, just time consuming. if you put in the time, theres no reason not to get an A.

my only <A in a science class ever was nesbitts...

but she's gone. strangely enough, i thought she was an excellent professor.

 

[LadyDoc2]

I loved Nesbitt too, even though she was tough. I took 3 of her classes!

 

[SketchLazy]

I loved Nesbitt too, even though she was tough. I took 3 of her classes!

If BICD 100 was a weed-out, then BICD 100 with Nesbitt was the f..... shredder. BICD 100 with her was insanely difficult but if she's not there anymore, you shouldn't have to worry...she even made 'AIDS and Society' difficult. Loved her dry sense of sarcasm though.

 

[rich4k]

Wow, Nesbitt is really gone? The average for most exams in her class was around 60. A friend of mine took genetics with a different prof and their average was 85. It really depends on the teacher.

Nesbitt also taught an AIDS class that was really good though. Too bad she's gone.

 

[clearmysix]

I can't be the only one glad that Nesbitt is gone.

Supposedly she took off to Alaska to escape San Diego since she thought that it was warming up too much due to climate change. Anyone else hear this?