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FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE : NATURAL SCIENCE ADVISING TIPS

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, HEALTH SCIENCES AND PHYSICS MAJORS

• Evolution and Introductory Chemistry I are offered both Fall and Winter quarters. For both classes there are twice as many seats and resources available in the Fall as there are in the Winter. Most students, two-thirds, should plan to take these courses in the Fall.
• Introductory Chemistry II is offered both Winter and Spring quarters. But there are twice as many seats and resources available in the Spring than there are in the Winter. However, it will be important to have the Winter section near capacity.
• The maximum capacities of the introductory Biology and Chemistry courses are determined by the physical constraints of the number of work stations available in the labs. These numbers or course capacities cannot be increased. It is therefore important for students to plan schedules for more than one possible sequence in the event that a particular class is already filled during the quarter the student prefers.
• Past experience has shown that successful science majors are capable of taking two or even three math/science courses in the same quarter. At some point doing so will be a necessity for all students majoring in the sciences. Some science majors find a second science course no more challenging (and in some cases less intimidating) than a course requiring substantial reading and writing. Only students with weak academic performances or deficient backgrounds should be discouraged from taking two math/science courses concurrently. Discretion in which courses are chosen should be exercised.
• Students interested in exploring the sciences as a possible major should pursue this option at their earliest convenience. For example, students who want to major either in Biology or Health Sciences, and who do not take both Introductory Chemistry courses in the first year, will either need to take Chemistry during the summer between the first and second year or will likely to need to adjust their study abroad programs to complete the courses necessary for those majors.
• Students interested in a science major should take 3 or 4 courses in their first year, selected from at least two science departments. Students interested in Biology or Health Sciences should take Chemistry 110 and 120 and Biology 112 or 124 (or both). Students interested in Chemistry should take Chemistry 110 and 120 and Physics 150 and 152. Students interested in Physics or 3/2 Engineering should take Chemistry 110 and Physics 150 and 152. All students should take the appropriate Math placement exam and discuss the results with their advisor.

Please Note: It is extremely important for prospective Biology majors to start taking their science courses as early as possible. Prospective Health Sciences majors who would like to maintain Biology as an alternative probably should consider following the recommendations for a Biology major. It is not unusual (but not absolutely essential) for beginning majors to take both Biology 112 and Chemistry 110 in the fall of the first year.