Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

Started by MedWonk
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Question, especially for those of you who have received sponsorship: what essays/questions are required for the committee letter package?

I'm going to have some time off in August and I'd like to get a head start on orgo, my PS and prepping my sponsorship package.
 
MedWonk said:
I did not take any of the writing classes, or not really. I went to the first class of e25 until I discovered that my literature background was more than enough to fulfill any school's English requirement, after which I dropped the course. So, I'm probably not the best judge of whether or not it's a good course. I've only others talk about it, and they've said it was tough, but it's tough to gauge how tough it actually could be without having taken the course and without knowing what kind of background those other people had.

Also, there are a dozen different people who teach the course, so you'd have to find someone who's taken e25 with your particular teacher.

On paper, it just looks like any other writing course I've taken. Prepare to write a lot of drafts and be told how crappy your writing is.
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Yeah I also heard it was a tough course. If only I could use my philosophy writing intensive courses to satisfy the english/literature requirement. I also could use the extra reading practice for verbal. The class is called academic writing and critical reading- did you get a chance to look at the syllabus? Was there a lot of scholarly reading in the class? Was it that you read a book and had to write papers on it?
Not like other english classes where you did a lot of free-writing?
 
smiley27 said:
Soco, which book are you using for your summer bio class?
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Biology by solomon, berg and martin 7th edition, the current edition used in class is the 9th one. I got my book and study guide for less then $10, draw back is that there is a tiny bit more material that covered in class that not in the old book.
 
smiley27 said:
Yeah I also heard it was a tough course. If only I could use my philosophy writing intensive courses to satisfy the english/literature requirement. I also could use the extra reading practice for verbal. The class is called academic writing and critical reading- did you get a chance to look at the syllabus? Was there a lot of scholarly reading in the class? Was it that you read a book and had to write papers on it?
Not like other english classes where you did a lot of free-writing?
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The syllabus will vary from section to section, but in the section I signed up for, there were several short papers to be written on various topics. Basically, you read some assigned book on the subject (say, healthcare reform), take a position, and write a well-reasoned paper supporting your position. The final assignment involved doing independent research on a topic of your choice that required taking a position on some issue and writing a minimum 10-page paper on the topic. I've seen syllabi from other sections that were similar, and some that were different. I chose the section based on the topics they were discussing, as well as the fact that I was more comfortable writing something more essay-like than hundred-page thesis. It might explain why I prefer short stories and novellas to full-length novels.
 
MedWonk said:
The syllabus will vary from section to section, but in the section I signed up for, there were several short papers to be written on various topics. Basically, you read some assigned book on the subject (say, healthcare reform), take a position, and write a well-reasoned paper supporting your position. The final assignment involved doing independent research on a topic of your choice that required taking a position on some issue and writing a minimum 10-page paper on the topic. I've seen syllabi from other sections that were similar, and some that were different. I chose the section based on the topics they were discussing, as well as the fact that I was more comfortable writing something more essay-like than hundred-page thesis. It might explain why I prefer short stories and novellas to full-length novels.
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Thanks Medwonk, if I can pass the placement exam I think im gonna give this course a shot.
 
I have the chem e2a organic chem syllabus for the fall if anyone wants it then give me your email address either on here or through pm. I have the syllabus in my email.
Or if you can wait then the course website should be up soon.
 
smiley27 said:
I have the chem e2a organic chem syllabus for the fall if anyone wants it then give me your email address either on here or through pm. I have the syllabus in my email.
Or if you can wait then the course website should be up soon.
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jscans at gmail dot com please! Thanks!
 
Are all roads here more or less bike friendly? Obviously not the highways, but I have to make my way up to the navy yard for a interview next week, just want to make sure I don't get run over on my way there.
 
I got a molecular model kit for anyone taking orgo. I'm giving it away for free. Most, if not all, the pieces are there. I can't guarantee that they're all there, which is why I'm giving it away for free, but you certainly won't find yourself needing more than what's in the kit, unless you plan on making a model of maitotoxin

SOLD!!!! If you're curious as to why I put maitotoxin in there, it's because after you've completed your two semesters of orgo, you will know everything you need to know to make it. Unfortunately, it's a huge pain in the ass to make.
 
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Hi all -

This thread is incredible, thank you for all of the valuable info!

I am curious about timing of the HCP program. Is it too late to apply if I plan to apply in the summer of 2013? I am planning to take Biochemistry this fall, followed by Orgo 2 and Physics 2 in spring of 2013, shortly followed by the MCAT hopefully in June/July.

I currently live in Boston and work in a healthcare related field with demanding hours. My plan is to work at my current job through early 2013. Then I plan to volunteer part-time and finish my classes and take the MCAT. For the year leading up to (hopefully) medical school, I would like to fulfill a one-year research or clinical position while taking additional classes for interest.

Is this doable or am I too late?

Any advice would be fabulous!
 
MedWonk said:
I got a molecular model kit for anyone taking orgo. I'm giving it away for free. Most, if not all, the pieces are there. I can't guarantee that they're all there, which is why I'm giving it away for free, but you certainly won't find yourself needing more than what's in the kit, unless you plan on making a model of maitotoxin
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Interested! What classes are you taking in the fall?
 
catherine1 said:
Hi all -

This thread is incredible, thank you for all of the valuable info!

I am curious about timing of the HCP program. Is it too late to apply if I plan to apply in the summer of 2013? I am planning to take Biochemistry this fall, followed by Orgo 2 and Physics 2 in spring of 2013, shortly followed by the MCAT hopefully in June/July.

I currently live in Boston and work in a healthcare related field with demanding hours. My plan is to work at my current job through early 2013. Then I plan to volunteer part-time and finish my classes and take the MCAT. For the year leading up to (hopefully) medical school, I would like to fulfill a one-year research or clinical position while taking additional classes for interest.

Is this doable or am I too late?

Any advice would be fabulous!
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It sounds like you will be done will everything by the time you plan to enroll. What's your goal by doing the program? Are you trying to get sponsorship or the committee letter? If so it requires that you complete a certain amount of credit hours. Which might not line up with the timing in which you want to apply to med school.
 
johnnyscans said:
Interested! What classes are you taking in the fall?
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Sorry, johnnyscans, it was claimed by PM a few hours ago, which looking at when I made my post, was about 5 minutes after I posted it. I'm taking Physics with some people who took Orgo this past year, so I can see if any of them would be willing to part with their kits. If not, I recommend you not buy the kit at the coop, as it is way more expensive. I got mine on Amazon. Or you could just beat the crap out of Sciencegee. Whichever is more convenient for you.

I will be taking Biochem in the fall. I had thought about taking one more course (Bios E-70), but I find myself bleeding money like crazy at the moment, and I figure studying for the MCAT will be sort of like taking another class. On the plus side, Tucci emailed me back to meet up with him, so it looks like I have a good chance being a TF for Gen Chem in the fall, which would mean no more cash bleed, and a great way to review first-semester chem. And if I don't get the TF position, then I'll just cry softly into my MCAT study books while trying to pimp myself out to every lab in Boston.

What's your schedule looking like for the fall?
 
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MedWonk said:
Sorry, johnnyscans, it was claimed by PM a few hours ago, which looking at when I made my post, was about 5 minutes after I posted it. I'm taking Physics with some people who took Orgo this past year, so I can see if any of them would be willing to part with their kits. If not, I recommend you not buy the kit at the coop, as it is way more expensive. I got mine on Amazon. Or you could just beat the crap out of Sciencegee. Whichever is more convenient for you.

I will be taking Biochem in the fall. I had thought about taking one more course (Bios E-70), but I find myself bleeding money like crazy at the moment, and I figure studying for the MCAT will be sort of like taking another class. On the plus side, Tucci emailed me back to meet up with him, so it looks like I have a good chance being a TF for Gen Chem in the fall, which would mean no more cash bleed, and a great way to review first-semester chem. And if I don't get the TF position, then I'll just cry softly into my MCAT study books while trying to pimp myself out to every lab in Boston.

What's your schedule looking like for the fall?
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You and your orgo friends better sign up for my section for Physics! Congrats on the chem. TF position, I hope it works out for you.

My schedule
-Orgo
-Anatomy and Physiology
-Physics TF
-Research
-Clinical Volunteering

Should be a little less intense than my spring schedule of hell.
 
Soco9087 said:
How many hours were you able to put into research on top of 3 class?
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It varied based on my experiment schedule. I'm pretty self-sufficient and unpaid so I can come and go as needed. On average though, 20-30 hours a week plus 2-3 hours on weekends.
 
johnnyscans said:
It varied based on my experiment schedule. I'm pretty self-sufficient and unpaid so I can come and go as needed. On average though, 20-30 hours a week plus 2-3 hours on weekends.
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How long did it take before you could work on your own? Do you have your own projects now or are you still a lending hand?
 
Soco9087 said:
How long did it take before you could work on your own? Do you have your own projects now or are you still a lending hand?
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6-9 months, and I'm still learning new techniques as needed. Right now 80-90% of my time is spent on my own project and the rest is spent helping my mentor on her projects.
 
Hey Everyone! Quick question - does anybody have the syllabi for Chemistry and Physics? Also, does anybody know what books we will be using? I'll be taking Chem and Phys this fall - so excited to start!
 
ReligionMD said:
Hey Everyone! Quick question - does anybody have the syllabi for Chemistry and Physics? Also, does anybody know what books we will be using? I'll be taking Chem and Phys this fall - so excited to start!
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Physics- http://www.courses.dce.harvard.edu/~physe1b/

Chem isn't up yet. We used Chang's "General Chemistry".

My advice for the two classes since I'm in a caffeinated mood

Physics - read the chapter before lecture, do the problems that are within the chapter as you read to get an introduction to the types of problems, go to lecture, go to section, do the homework problems, do end of chapter problems as needed for review

Chemistry - I'm an ******* so I never read the textbook so go lecture, do the practice problems, watch/attend the friday review, do the friday review problems, do the homework problems, attend section. The key is doing the practice problems on your own prior to section. I also had success doing the friday review problems on my own before watching the video
 
johnnyscans said:
Physics- http://www.courses.dce.harvard.edu/~physe1b/

Chem isn't up yet. We used Chang's "General Chemistry".

My advice for the two classes since I'm in a caffeinated mood

Physics - read the chapter before lecture, do the problems that are within the chapter as you read to get an introduction to the types of problems, go to lecture, go to section, do the homework problems, do end of chapter problems as needed for review

Chemistry - I'm an ******* so I never read the textbook so go lecture, do the practice problems, watch/attend the friday review, do the friday review problems, do the homework problems, attend section. The key is doing the practice problems on your own prior to section. I also had success doing the friday review problems on my own before watching the video
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How is Chem E-1a structured? Is it similar to physics in having 2 midterms, one final with homework and lab problems in between? I'm trying to get a concrete gauge of the workload and the realistic amount of study time I have to put in.

Thanks!

P.S. Please do tell us which section you will be TFing for -- you have been a wealth of information and knowledge on this site, so thanks!
 
LAnative said:
How is Chem E-1a structured? Is it similar to physics in having 2 midterms, one final with homework and lab problems in between? I'm trying to get a concrete gauge of the workload and the realistic amount of study time I have to put in.

Thanks!

P.S. Please do tell us which section you will be TFing for -- you have been a wealth of information and knowledge on this site, so thanks!
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Chem has 3 midterms and a final, a HW due each week and a lab each non-test week (more or less). There are 2 grading schemes; one gives more weight to the midterms, the other gives more weight to the final. If you answer a certain % of the in-class clicker questions your lowest 2 problem sets (even if they're zeros) are converted to a perfect score.

I'll keep you informed on my physics section and lab. Hopefully it's a good time slot that works for everyone.
 
I'll be taking Chem and Physics in the fall as well 🙂
On an unrelated financial aid note - from what I've read here the maximum I'm expecting to get from government loans is around $5,000, how does one take loans out for living expenses? Should I be starting the paperwork for that now? Or is that something I'll deal with after HES reviews my financial aid app?
 
BlueFoxAZ said:
I'll be taking Chem and Physics in the fall as well 🙂
On an unrelated financial aid note - from what I've read here the maximum I'm expecting to get from government loans is around $5,000, how does one take loans out for living expenses? Should I be starting the paperwork for that now? Or is that something I'll deal with after HES reviews my financial aid app?
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I just got my financial aid papers today, they estimated that I would need $30k @ 24 credits hours a year. I could only take out $12.5k in government loans though according to the paper. So I think they expect you to take out private student loans for the rest of the $17.5k. The rate you get will vary greatly depending on your credit score.
 
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Smiley, Jscans, et al.

Can I get some Orgo syllabus love? I already messaged Smiley - no response.
 
Jennet said:
Smiley, Jscans, et al.

Can I get some Orgo syllabus love? I already messaged Smiley - no response.
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What is this?! You think I'm holding out on you? Never! I didn't get a pm from you. I don't know your email or else I'd send it to you now. I sent it to jscans so maybe he can give it to you. Or else try pming me again.
 
smiley27 said:
What is this?! You think I'm holding out on you? Never! I didn't get a pm from you. I don't know your email or else I'd send it to you now. I sent it to jscans so maybe he can give it to you. Or else try pming me again.
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Sent a PM! I realized I didn't have your email either which is weird - I swear I've emailed you before...Please tell me you got this syllabus through dastardly ends.

On an unrelated note:
Don't forget that registration for those in HCP starts July 26th
General registration starts the July 30th
 
Jennet said:
Sent a PM! I realized I didn't have your email either which is weird - I swear I've emailed you before...Please tell me you got this syllabus through dastardly ends.

On an unrelated note:
Don't forget that registration for those in HCP starts July 26th
General registration starts the July 30th
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As dastardly as you can get.
 
Jennet said:
Can anyone explain how Bio labs work? The syllabus says "Labs will meet on designated days". Is this during class time or do we have sections for labs like in Chem and Physics?
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During class time on either Mon or Wed (you choose the day). There is no lecture during lab weeks.
 
Jennet said:
Can anyone explain how Bio labs work? The syllabus says "Labs will meet on designated days". Is this during class time or do we have sections for labs like in Chem and Physics?
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During class times. Also, I'm 95% sure that on weeks with lab normal classes do not meet (I'm not certain though).
 
Sciengee said:
During class time on either Mon or Wed (you choose the day). There is no lecture during lab weeks.
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Oh wow, awesome. I know that all this free time will be used to study, but I'm pretty overwhelmed by the gaping holes in my schedule as of now. They do a really comprehensive overlap between Bio and Orgo. It is going to be nice to have some free time to hit up the library during the week and do the problem sets progressively.
 
I was wondering if Dr. Fixsen will be sending us our DCE ID/Harvard ID numbers by email. I tried to pre-register for IDs etc and it found that my I've already been registered!
 
Jennet said:
Oh wow, awesome. I know that all this free time will be used to study, but I'm pretty overwhelmed by the gaping holes in my schedule as of now. They do a really comprehensive overlap between Bio and Orgo. It is going to be nice to have some free time to hit up the library during the week and do the problem sets progressively.
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I'm hoping that A&P and Orgo will afford me similar free time. I would not complain if I had 1 night off per week 🙂
 
bigbros2 said:
I was wondering if Dr. Fixsen will be sending us our DCE ID/Harvard ID numbers by email. I tried to pre-register for IDs etc and it found that my I've already been registered!
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If you click one of the the "I don't know my......." on the log in page it will tell you.
 
Hi everyone,

I'm looking to enroll in a upper bio or science-related course this fall at HES to bring up my mediocre sGPA. I would be very appreciative if anyone can give me any advice as to what course(s) they would recommend worth taking. I realize there is no easy 'A', but admittedly I am looking for the closest thing to it, only because I am working and have other responsibilities. Any suggestions on such courses, esp. if you have had prior experience in them, would be super helpful!

Some classes I had in mind: Human Pathophysio II with Sieber and Shore. Maybe Neurobio with Murphy, but judging from his syllabus and lectures online, there seems to be an information overload of stuff he includes in his lectures and outlines. Those are the only two I can think of right now.

If anyone knows other places where I can take continuing ed classes near Boston, that would be good too!
 
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Buying my Bio/Orgo materials on Amazon and I need a little advice.

1) Anyone have a good recommendation for the model kit? I'm eyeing the Prentice Hall for Organic Chemistry.
2) I've heard good things about "Organic Chemistry As a Second Language" by Klein. Thoughts? Probably going to go ahead and buy.

These materials are EXPENSIVE. Even buying used online is like a gut check. Thanks for the help!
 
Jennet said:
Buying my Bio/Orgo materials on Amazon and I need a little advice.

1) Anyone have a good recommendation for the model kit? I'm eyeing the Prentice Hall for Organic Chemistry.
2) I've heard good things about "Organic Chemistry As a Second Language" by Klein. Thoughts? Probably going to go ahead and buy.

These materials are EXPENSIVE. Even buying used online is like a gut check. Thanks for the help!
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I will be buying the second language books as well. Also, I've been told to just get the cheapest model kit you can find. Anything good on amazon?
 
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