Hey everyone, hope everyones semester is going well. This is probably my busiest semester since 1st year, in terms of workload alone. I am taking 5 courses and a lab. Why?? Because I am here next year and cant even risk something going wrong next year. I have to take FNH 451, MICB 407/408 next year and I could push my MICB 325 to next year but what happens if FNH 451 and MICB 325 are on the same time, or something else like that going wrong. Being my 5th year I cant take any chances, and my ISCI mentor advised me to do MICB 325 this year..so I am taking 5 courses, and a lab, to make matters worse, my midterm schedule is something else!
Midterm dates:
February 13, 2014 11am – 12:30pm FNH 351 Midterm
February 13, 2014 6pm – 7:30pm PHYS 102 Midterm
February 14, 2014 10am – 11am MICB 325 Midterm
February 14, 2014 12pm – 1pm MICB 308 Midterm
I have no words lol. I have emailed my FNH 351 prof to postpone my FNH midterm, that class is an incredduloous amount of memorization, Bioc302x2 to me. And MICB 308 is memorization based as well. I just think its the most reasonable to postpone, there should be midterm hardship like exam hardship. PHYS 102 isnt worth too much, but the others are 20-30%. If the prof denies my request I will ask if I can take FNH 351 earlier, i’d prefer taking it a few days earlier to this situation.
Anyways a summary of how my classes are going at the moment. I am taking MICB 325, MICB 308, PHYS 102, FNH 351, AND ISCI 330B
MICB 325
Love the style of this course, class goes by quickly because your actually thinking/problem solving the entire class. Class is mostly based on clickers, and I don’t think studying for the midterm will be too bad, because going to class is the same as studying/learning. Theres homework 2 times a week, and its super doable, quick, simple and to the point. And even better this class i’snt really memorization based. Taking BIOL 234 in the summer definitely helped me reinforce some of the more difficult topics.
MICB 308
On the other hand, this class is memorization based. Taking MICB 302 beforehand is a good idea. I’m not a fan of the pop quizzes, it prevents a situation of cramming near the midterm but I like to learn on my own time, but I always feel like I have to be completely up to date because of the pop quizzes. So far material seems interesting, but still just a lot of memorization. I do like how her notes are organized though, very clear and concise, but still a lot to take in.
PHYS 102
Really dreaded taking this class. WISH i did Phys 100/101 because I could have! I never took Grade 12 Physics I don’t know how I even got into Phys 101 to begin with. Took Phys 101 2010W..so pretty much forgot everything lol. Whats worse is its been so long since math that a lot of the basic math is gone as well. The new textbook isn’t great, I got Physics for Dummies just to dumb it down for myself lol, and I was able to do the problems, and understood everything a lot more after reading the Physics for Dummies. Also because they switched textbooks, no more mastering physics, also means never finding solutions online, which may be a good thing cause then I’m forced to try everything myself.
FNH 351
TOO much memorization. We had one quiz, and the multiple choice options were soo similar literally one word differentiates them all out of a list of vitamins. Its just ridiculous, and whenever I find myself in a class like this, I kind of detach myself. Because I remember Biol 204 where it was a lot of memorization, and I tried the whole understanding thing, didnt work, with these courses better off just memorizing everything. I cant fall behind, I didn’t think it could get worse than FNH 350, but 351 is worse. I try taking minimal minimal notes in class because the content is overwhelming enough without adding a lot.
ISCI 330B – Science and Culture
This is one of the ISCI courses, and I was a little worried because the prof said this was the first time them trying this particular course, but I like the structure, and the class is definitely more engaging than most of my other courses. I have a group, and our presentation falls on “my hellweek” lol so its the tuesday before my midterms. That week is going to be crazy stressful.
Hi Binta, hope your midterms went well!
I’m a 2nd year who’s also in ISCI and I’m planning on integrating MICB+IMM and Nutrition like you as well. I’m still working on my application right now and I was wondering if I pick your brain about courses and such? I’m just so overwhelmed with all the options right now, lol.
If you could that’d be awesome! Feel free to email me at kellerbee (@) ymail (dot) com
Thanks 🙂
Hey Binta!
I just came across your blog and I must say it has been extremely helpful ( I belong to the Integrated Sciences world also).
I also had questions regarding your job as an ER Scribe; it seems like an amazing job that is nevertheless quite beneficial in terms of experience and knowledge. I was wondering whether you know of any opportunities such as this that are available currently and I would appreciate any further information you have regarding this position.
Thank you! 🙂
Hello! I’m a student in ISCI and wondering if I should take MICB 308 in third year. How was the final exam and any other comments regarding its difficulty?
Thanks!
thought the final exam was pretty rough my grade dropped a good 10-15% after it. During the term it was fine, the midterm wasn’t bad at all.