trying to decide on online course

[sunnex3]

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ok so long story short, i am trying to decide btw UNE's online medical biochemistry course vs. CSU's online biochemistry course vs. University of Minnesota's online biochemistry course for Spring 2012. It's one of the last pre-reqs I need to take, and all courses fit requirements for the schools I have applied to.

anyone have any comments, insights, etc. about any of these courses? i'm an online course first timer so i have no idea how any of these courses are so i'd appreciate any input 🙂

 

[jtom]

I took UMN's course and thought it was very good. The material is pretty straighforward, you can work at your own pace except for the fact that you have to take the exams during a window (about 1-2 weeks). I had all the exams sent to my proctor from the beginning so I didnt have to worry about any of them getting lost in the mail. The practice exams were extremely similar to the real exams. He also has all the lectures/powerpoints available from the beginning so you work as fast as you can but as I said you have speicific windows you can take the exams so you have to keep that in mind. Overall I was happy with how the course turned out.

 

[jemappellejane]

I'm planning on taking the online biochem course via UC Berkeley extension. It has open enrollment so you can start anytime and it's only $770. I think it'd be worth checking to see if your schools will accept it!

 

[macita183]

I am currently taking the one through CSU. You listen to pre-recorded lectures of the class (the professor also teaches an in-person class which he records from - the lectures I'm doing are from the Spring 2011 semester). There are quizzes every week, which I like since it gives a good gauge of how you are doing. There are proctored exams about every 4 weeks. They are proctored through Proctor U, so you can do the test at home but there is a person that watches you through a webcam while you do it to make sure you are not cheating.

 

[Emiloo4]

I am taking Oregon State's BB450/451 (which I guess is a mistake bc its a two semester course), but they offer an easier one also (BB350 I think) taught by the same guy. The professor, Kevin Ahern, is FANTASTIC!!! I actually look forward to watching his lectures! Just another option for you to look into. Good luck!

 

[WalkOn]

I also took the Oregon State University ecampus 450/451 biochem and thought it was a good class. I don't love their online page (blackboard) but the class itself was good. Adds up to more than a one semester class cost wise though.

Side question - does anybody know of an online endocrinology, parasitology, reproduction or toxicology class? Thanks!

 

[nontrad32]

Side question - does anybody know of an online endocrinology, parasitology, reproduction or toxicology class? Thanks![/QUOTE]

UF has some online toxicology classes. http://clintox.cop.ufl.edu/index.php/programs/cert

Has anyone take organic chemistry online at OSU? How was it?

 

[lionking101]

I'm probably going to take the Biochemistry online as well, but am unsure about which courses are accepted by vet schools. Do we just need to email each of the schools we are interested in and find out which courses they accept?

 

[WalkOn]

Thanks Nontrad32, I'll check those out.

I also took OSU's (if by OSU you mean Oregon State) OChem series. I actually liked OChem, so take it for what its worth, but I thought it was good. Very straightforward, though I can't remember if there actually were lectures. I think the course was done by sort of homework unit packet for each set of material. If there were lectures they weren't very memorable (unlike Kevin Ahern's for BB450/451).

lionking101- probably your best bet is either to check the school's website or email them with a specific class question. Some schools have a searchable data base (Western) though even if it isn't on there you can email them and double check. I would definitely check with the lower level classes, such as Biochem 350 instead of 450/451 (from OSU).

 

[PetPony]

I also took OSU's (if by OSU you mean Oregon State) OChem series. I actually liked OChem, so take it for what its worth, but I thought it was good. Very straightforward, though I can't remember if there actually were lectures. I think the course was done by sort of homework unit packet for each set of material. If there were lectures they weren't very memorable (unlike Kevin Ahern's for BB450/451).

Ochem can be taken online? I thought courses like gen chem, ochem, bio and physics won't be accepted if they were taken online?

 

[WalkOn]

Ochem can be taken online? I thought courses like gen chem, ochem, bio and physics won't be accepted if they were taken online?

Definitely check with your schools. The OSU ochem course has an in class lab section that requires you to be on campus (for that section only). I also have different circumstances because I took a full ochem with labs course 14 years ago and was repeating it (as both refresher, prereq for biochem, and for schools that needed a more recent grade).

 

[finnerma]

Definitely check with your schools. The OSU ochem course has an in class lab section that requires you to be on campus (for that section only). I also have different circumstances because I took a full ochem with labs course 14 years ago and was repeating it (as both refresher, prereq for biochem, and for schools that needed a more recent grade).

Did you think online chem was helpful? I would worry about not being able to ask questions, etc. Although I guess there are always a zillion youtube videos you could watch....

 

[Trilt]

Did you think online chem was helpful? I would worry about not being able to ask questions, etc. Although I guess there are always a zillion youtube videos you could watch....

I looveedd my online orgo course. Way, way better than my organic 1, which I took in a traditional setting with the same professor. Being able to pause and step back during lectures was really nice if I didn't understand something, and my prof was super good about responding to emails if I sent questions (but she explained things really well to begin with, so it wasn't really much of a problem in the first place).

Different schools tend to have different opinions about online classes, so as usual, check with the school you want to get into to see what their policy is.

 

[sunnex3]

I took UMN's course and thought it was very good. The material is pretty straighforward, you can work at your own pace except for the fact that you have to take the exams during a window (about 1-2 weeks). I had all the exams sent to my proctor from the beginning so I didnt have to worry about any of them getting lost in the mail. The practice exams were extremely similar to the real exams. He also has all the lectures/powerpoints available from the beginning so you work as fast as you can but as I said you have speicific windows you can take the exams so you have to keep that in mind. Overall I was happy with how the course turned out.

how much time did you spend on the course per week?
was it difficult to get at least a B in the course (curving, no curving?) i'm asking this b/c my acceptance to RVC for c/o 2016 is conditional upon me completing biochem with a B or higher 🙄

and where did you find a proctor? can you take exams online, or do they have to be in a "hard copy" format?

thanks 🙂 i already signed up for BIOC 3021 at UMN as it was the course I was leaning towards but still making my final decisions right now...

 

[Emiloo4]

how much time did you spend on the course per week?
was it difficult to get at least a B in the course (curving, no curving?) i'm asking this b/c my acceptance to RVC for c/o 2016 is conditional upon me completing biochem with a B or higher 🙄

and where did you find a proctor? can you take exams online, or do they have to be in a "hard copy" format?

thanks 🙂 i already signed up for BIOC 3021 at UMN as it was the course I was leaning towards but still making my final decisions right now...

I just got my grades back in biochem and got a B+ with BB450 at Oregon State online... Without sounding like a pompous ass, I was pleasantly surprised at my grade considering the amount of time I spent. His tests are multiple choice, but kind of difficult (A, B, C, A&B, B&C, all of the above, or none of the above). If that helps you make a decision based on how you test the best. The grades are on a PURE curve! So as long as you tend to get above average grades compared to everyone else, I would definitely recommend that class. Not to mention you can take your exams online at your own house with ProctorU! And it was decently priced! I would recommend the BB350 though.... I took the wrong, much more difficult one. (Make sure bb350 is adequate though).

 

[jtom]

thanks 🙂 i already signed up for BIOC 3021 at UMN as it was the course I was leaning towards but still making my final decisions right now...

If you have any questions let me know, I liked the course.

 

[rainsoup]

I'm in the online biochem class at CSU and to tell you the truth, I hate it. I don't know if it's the teacher or the subject or what, but it's HARD! I got As in Orgo I and II and majored in biology, but this class is definitely a struggle. It's definitely not an easy course so if you're worried about it, and need to get a B+ maybe take it elsewhere? Not like it's an easy course to take anywhere...

Good luck 🙂

 

[pritomd]

I was thinking about UMN or OSU for biochemistry...although I think UMN biochem is full :X How can an online class be full?! Is the 6000 level course the same thing, just used for masters credit?

Also, Does UC Berkley's biochem really work? I'm worried cause it says *Intro* Biochem, and most schools need *general* biochem, do they not?

 

[jtom]

how much time did you spend on the course per week?
was it difficult to get at least a B in the course (curving, no curving?) i'm asking this b/c my acceptance to RVC for c/o 2016 is conditional upon me completing biochem with a B or higher 🙄

and where did you find a proctor? can you take exams online, or do they have to be in a "hard copy" format?

thanks 🙂 i already signed up for BIOC 3021 at UMN as it was the course I was leaning towards but still making my final decisions right now...

There was curving but i do not know by how much, I was not told the class average so I cannot say how the rest did. Based on how I felt about my performance and the score I received, I would say my grades were increased 10-15% points based on the curve (but that is just by how I felt I did, he doesnt give your grade before the curve). I found a proctor at a local university testing center and it has worked out great, I actually just finished an animal nutrition online course and used them as well. I spent about 8 hours total a week, I worked a few jobs so I did all my studying on sundays. The practice exams are almost identical to the types of questions on the exams so I really feel if you put in a decent amount of time that you will at least get a B. Also, if you decide on this course, there is no need to buy the textbook, I never once used it, the course is taught through powerpoints and the book is never referenced. If you want my book you can have it.

 

[jemappellejane]

I was thinking about UMN or OSU for biochemistry...although I think UMN biochem is full :X How can an online class be full?! Is the 6000 level course the same thing, just used for masters credit?

Also, Does UC Berkley's biochem really work? I'm worried cause it says *Intro* Biochem, and most schools need *general* biochem, do they not?

I wasn't sure about UC Berkeley.. I just kind of figured it would work. I'm looking into UMN instead now...

I emailed the professor about the differences between the 3000 level and 6000 level. The only difference is that the 6000 level graduate students have to write a paper at the end of the course. However, it is WAY more expensive. I asked the prof for a permission code to sign up for 3021 and he's giving me one! So, if you still want in, I suggest you shoot him an e-mail 😀

 

[Minnerbelle]

I emailed the professor about the differences between the 3000 level and 6000 level.

Holy crap, what is up with these space odyssey like numbers? whatever happened to like the classic 101 type classes?

 

[jemappellejane]

Holy crap, what is up with these space odyssey like numbers? whatever happened to like the classic 101 type classes?

Right? The actual course number is 3021... I guess it gets more complicated with online courses 😕 Or, it just makes them feel important

 

[kaydubs]

Told you those numbers are relative🙄. What if they get to the million number course level? Should we just run for cover?

 

[jemappellejane]

I am also looking for an online Cell Bio course... Anyone have any suggestions??

 

[finnerma]

I am also looking for an online Cell Bio course... Anyone have any suggestions??

Jane -- I am taking Cell Bio online at UC Denver this coming semester and I have heard good things about it. No proctored exams being one of them.

Also -- for those of you who need some extra upper division science classes, UC Denver offers Behavioral Genetics online and its awesome.

 

[jemappellejane]

Jane -- I am taking Cell Bio online at UC Denver this coming semester and I have heard good things about it. No proctored exams being one of them.

Also -- for those of you who need some extra upper division science classes, UC Denver offers Behavioral Genetics online and its awesome.

Hmmmm. I actually found one on UMN and signed up for it (haven't paid yet, so it's not final). I may check out Denver. What are the exams like then, if they're not proctored?

 

[finnerma]

Hmmmm. I actually found one on UMN and signed up for it (haven't paid yet, so it's not final). I may check out Denver. What are the exams like then, if they're not proctored?

Basically you take them online during a certain window of time. I would guess that a lot of people cheat their a** off.

 

[Megascops Asio]

Is anyone familiar with a university that offers an online genetics course? I have a real gas guzzler of a car and would love to have a semester where my commute was considerably less.

 

[macita183]

Oregon State has an online genetics course. I took it and wasn't a huge fan. The class consisted of 2 midterms and a final. The exams weren't proctored, which was nice, but I prefer classes that consist of more than just 3 tests so that I can feel more involved.