UC Berkeley Extension class registration?

[2ndthoughts]

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I'm looking to take Biology Lab I and II this coming Spring semester at the UC Berkeley Extension school. I'm just wondering how competitive it is to get a spot in Biology Lab I and II, and any classes at the Extension in general. According to the Extension website, registration opens in "early December." Will I need to sit on my laptop and refresh the registration page everyday starting Dec 1 to ensure I get a seat in the classes? Or is it pretty easy to get a spot in classes? I really don't want to be caught unaware and have to wait for Summer to take classes because they filled up on the first day of registration.

Thanks!

 

[HM3]

It's open Registration, as long as you have the money you can take the course. I would call and see when registration starts. Did I answer your question?

 

[2ndthoughts]

It's open Registration, as long as you have the money you can take the course. I would call and see when registration starts. Did I answer your question?

I would guess that there are a limited number of seats for each class though. Is that not that case?

 

[TriagePreMed]

I would guess that there are a limited number of seats for each class though. Is that not that case?

I haven't taken classes there, but from what I've been told, there's more than enough space. Very few people want to pay 1 thousand bucks for a course they can take at a community college or through their formal post-bacc. Not many people are informal post-bacc second career students worried about having to have 4-year units.

 

[init2winit]

From experience: you don't need to sit at your computer refreshing the enrollment page (a la undergrad) but I would recommend signing up relatively early. Courses at UBX do fill up, especially the types of courses required for pre-professional programs. So sign up for the course during the first week that enrollment is open.

Also, (this is true for regular classes, not sure about lab-only), if you choose to drop, you may do so after the 1st class and before the 2nd class with a full refund less a $50 processing fee.

 

[non trad]

The lab classes fill up fairly quickly because the need for lab equipment places a hard limit on the numbers. (The lectures are different: You can usually just show up on the first day without even registering.)

Because of this, they have early registration for people enrolled in their postbac. That costs $75 and takes a while to process, but also means that you can meet with their advisers and get the equivalent of a committee letter if you're taking multiple Extension classes.

 

[mehc012]

Good to know about the labs, thanks!

Think I'll forgo the early registration/comm letter on lectures, though. I always find that it's best to see the prof in action once before committing to the class. Maybe I got spoiled by my ug's drop/add period, but you can pretty much tell if you'll click with the prof's style within a few minutes, so if you can go to a class first, why wouldn't you?

 

[mspeedwagon]

For the labs, you want to sign up early (within a day or two of release). I can't speak for Bio lab, but I couldn't get into o-chem lab with my choice prof this past semester (his lab was full by Day 2). In all likelihood you would get a spot in a lab (especially is there are multiple sections), but if there is a preferred time and professor, I'd recommend signing up early.

Other than o-chem lab, I've never had a problem getting into any labs with extension. I'm currently in Physics I and II lab and there were people that signed up after the first class.

 

[shahcoco]

For the labs, you want to sign up early (within a day or two of release). I can't speak for Bio lab, but I couldn't get into o-chem lab with my choice prof this past semester (his lab was full by Day 2). In all likelihood you would get a spot in a lab (especially is there are multiple sections), but if there is a preferred time and professor, I'd recommend signing up early.

Other than o-chem lab, I've never had a problem getting into any labs with extension. I'm currently in Physics I and II lab and there were people that signed up after the first class.

Hi,

Did you have to pay $960 for lecture and an additional $960 (roughly) for the corresponding lab to the lecture course?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mspeedwagon]

Technically didn't take bio at UCB Extension, but the answer to your question is yes... it's about the same for the course and lab (so looking at a bill of anywhere between $1500-$2000 per course + lab).

UCB Ext does not charge on a per credit basis. From my understanding, they come up with their prices based on the amount of time they have to pay a professor for and hence labs and courses cost the same (even though labs are generally 1 credt... except o-chem labs... and courses are generally 3). It kind of sucks, especially since courses are so cheap at cc in California, but it is what it is.

If you have any questions about other courses here are the ones that I took at UCB: Organic chem 1 and 2 (plan to take one lab next semester as it's 2 credits and that should be all I need), Biochem, Molecular Bio, Physics 1 and 2 (took both the physics lectures and currently enrolled in both labs). I figured that this whole process (including a Kaplan MCAT / MCAT fee and applications would course me roughly $10k... we'll see how that goes). I haven't really kept a running list of costs, but I'll go back and do the math at the end of it for future non-trads.

Hi,

Did you have to pay $960 for lecture and an additional $960 (roughly) for the corresponding lab to the lecture course?

Thanks in advance!

 

[fugazi87]

I've been wondering about UCB Extension for a little while. I hesitated because the website doesn't seem to list the professors for the organic classes, so you have no idea who you're going to get. Have you found the professors there to be fair with grading for the most part? Any recommendations for Organic 2?

Technically didn't take bio at UCB Extension, but the answer to your question is yes... it's about the same for the course and lab (so looking at a bill of anywhere between $1500-$2000 per course + lab).

UCB Ext does not charge on a per credit basis. From my understanding, they come up with their prices based on the amount of time they have to pay a professor for and hence labs and courses cost the same (even though labs are generally 1 credt... except o-chem labs... and courses are generally 3). It kind of sucks, especially since courses are so cheap at cc in California, but it is what it is.

If you have any questions about other courses here are the ones that I took at UCB: Organic chem 1 and 2 (plan to take one lab next semester as it's 2 credits and that should be all I need), Biochem, Molecular Bio, Physics 1 and 2 (took both the physics lectures and currently enrolled in both labs). I figured that this whole process (including a Kaplan MCAT / MCAT fee and applications would course me roughly $10k... we'll see how that goes). I haven't really kept a running list of costs, but I'll go back and do the math at the end of it for future non-trads.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I responded via pm, but for the sake of finishing off this thread... I loved O-chem through extension. I had Bremer, but he doesn't teach lecture any more. I don't know who will be teaching next semester, but I heard great things about all the teachers except Dupont (I think that is her name). I didn't have her so I don't specifically know what people took issues with... but she has more mixed reviews.

I've been wondering about UCB Extension for a little while. I hesitated because the website doesn't seem to list the professors for the organic classes, so you have no idea who you're going to get. Have you found the professors there to be fair with grading for the most part? Any recommendations for Organic 2?

 

[shahcoco]

Technically didn't take bio at UCB Extension, but the answer to your question is yes... it's about the same for the course and lab (so looking at a bill of anywhere between $1500-$2000 per course + lab).

UCB Ext does not charge on a per credit basis. From my understanding, they come up with their prices based on the amount of time they have to pay a professor for and hence labs and courses cost the same (even though labs are generally 1 credt... except o-chem labs... and courses are generally 3). It kind of sucks, especially since courses are so cheap at cc in California, but it is what it is.

If you have any questions about other courses here are the ones that I took at UCB: Organic chem 1 and 2 (plan to take one lab next semester as it's 2 credits and that should be all I need), Biochem, Molecular Bio, Physics 1 and 2 (took both the physics lectures and currently enrolled in both labs). I figured that this whole process (including a Kaplan MCAT / MCAT fee and applications would course me roughly $10k... we'll see how that goes). I haven't really kept a running list of costs, but I'll go back and do the math at the end of it for future non-trads.

Thanks so much for the response! I signed up for Bio and Chem with their labs. Any more reccs on future profs to take? I prefer to learn the material vs. an easy A. I've used Rate My Professor but its always nice to get more input.

 

[mspeedwagon]

What chem lab are you taking (which prof, which campus?). I was planning to take G-Chem II lab thru UCB offered at Canada... but haven't heard any positive things about the prof.

Not sure if you are working or full-time. If you are working you are signed up for enough. If not, I'd throw in an easier class into the mix (not too many of the classes I've taken fit that category).

Thanks so much for the response! I signed up for Bio and Chem with their labs. Any more reccs on future profs to take? I prefer to learn the material vs. an easy A. I've used Rate My Professor but its always nice to get more input.

 

[shahcoco]

I'm taking the Chem I lab

But the lecture prof (Watkins) seemed significantly better.

I'm going to stick to bio and chem for now since I'm working and see if I can add a class in future semesters.

Do you think I should start looking for clinical and research internships now or can I wait a while? I haven't been in the industry like you and graduated with an English degree.

Also, how rigorous are the labs and how do they overlap with lecture if different profs teach lectures and labs at different locations?

 

[virtuoso735]

I will be taking physics lab 2 next semester, and my section will be taught by a graduate student. How is physics lab (particularly 2nd semester physics lab) run at Berkeley. I'm not too worried about my grade since I've already been accepted, but it would be nice to have some insight before the class.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I haven't had either Liu or Watkins, but I was honestly hoping Liu would teach Chem II lab this semester as I have heard good things about her. Was very disappointed that she is not. Can't speak to Watkins as I haven't heard of him (let alone anything about him).

And, yes, I'd start adding any clinical shadowing/volunteering/internship work early. That way you can do a few hrs a week.

I think my situation is unique in that I'll have more clinical / shadowing than most seeing that I've worked in hospitals or pharma going on 7 years now. I wouldn't use me as benchmark for that.

I'm taking the Chem I lab at Cañada with Dr. Jennifer Liu (ratings here http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=1587644).

But the lecture I'm taking at Berkeley because the prof (Watkins) seemed significantly better.

I'm going to stick to bio and chem for now since I'm working and see if I can add a class in future semesters.

Do you think I should start looking for clinical and research internships now or can I wait a while? I haven't been in the industry like you and graduated with a b.s. anthro from a 2nd tier school.

Also, how rigorous are the labs and how do they overlap with lecture if different profs teach lectures and labs at different locations?

 

[mspeedwagon]

Austin is good. I had him for Physics I lab this semester (I also concurrently tooks Physics II lab with Stephanopoulos). I'd say Austin is easier, but S really drills you on the material and preps you for the MCAT. Since you are already in, enjoy an easier semester with Austin.

I realize I didn't give any details about the workload.

Austin: Very friendly and enthusiastic. Younger with limited prior teaching experience. Workload outside lab is light (a pre-lab consisting of two questions generally). We do all the work in lab and had only one group project. I rarely thought about this class other than the day I had lab. We had a short quiz for 5 pts (which is very easy to do if you read the lab before hand) and we did all write-ups in class. I wish we did a few more worksheets to drill concepts home. While I feel I learned physics, I don't feel I learned as much as I could have (coupled with a weak physics I lecture that I had with a different prof, I still don't know many of the concepts at MCAT level).

Prof S: Very experienced teacher and challenging. He broke up his lab into worksheets / labs and quizzes. The quizzes were from hell (really made you think, but really taught you the concepts). The worksheets were hard, but you did them in groups. I got lucky and worked with two people that complemented me well. In areas I was stronger in they were weaker in and vice versa. The labs were the easiest part, but he wanted very detailed write-ups. I spent A TON of time outside this class doing physics, but I really learned physics.

Virtuoso: I noticed you studied for the MCAT with BR review books. Were you able to drive and pick them up or how did you obtain them? I'm using EK and PR now, but figure I could supplement my weaker ares with BR books after I give my currents ones a run through. I really need to make sure I break 30 (with most of my top choice schools have 31-32 as their average MCAT scores).

I will be taking physics lab 2 next semester, and my section will be taught by a graduate student. How is physics lab (particularly 2nd semester physics lab) run at Berkeley. I'm not too worried about my grade since I've already been accepted, but it would be nice to have some insight before the class.

 

[virtuoso735]

Austin: Very friendly and enthusiastic. Younger with limited prior teaching experience. Workload outside lab is light (a pre-lab consisting of two questions generally). We do all the work in lab and had only one group project. I rarely thought about this class other than the day I had lab. We had a short quiz for 5 pts (which is very easy to do if you read the lab before hand) and we did all write-ups in class. I wish we did a few more worksheets to drill concepts home. While I feel I learned physics, I don't feel I learned as much as I could have (coupled with a weak physics I lecture that I had with a different prof, I still don't know many of the concepts at MCAT level).

Virtuoso: I noticed you studied for the MCAT with BR review books. Were you able to drive and pick them up or how did you obtain them? I'm using EK and PR now, but figure I could supplement my weaker ares with BR books after I give my currents ones a run through. I really need to make sure I break 30 (with most of my top choice schools have 31-32 as their average MCAT scores).

Thanks for writing about your experience with physics lab at Berkeley extension! I'm glad I chose Austin H's section then; it sounds like it'll be a relatively easy course.

As for the BR books, I ordered them online from their website. I tried calling and emailing multiple times to see if I could pick them up, but they never returned my calls or emails. However, they didn't take very long to ship out. I got them a lot sooner than I was expecting them (less than 2 weeks from ordering, I think).