Heyy guys!  My summer so far has been about getting a job, and working out.  This is what bothers me:  not having a cellphone in Ontario, quite frankly i HATE rogers, my expected 55/month is always over 100, and they never want to help me when I call with questions..so much for customer service?  Pretty much I gave up on them, got frustrated and threw my phone somewhere in a pile of junk about a month ago..I have now retrieved it, and realized that I’m going to have to pay for the month of no use, and the coming up month.  I hope to cancel my contract or severely reduce my plan by the end of this week. sigh.

NOW back to School stuff.  As I posted earlier, I am going to be self-teaching Chem 233, Biol200, Phys102, and I’m thinking of throwing another course in there, I’ll see after this week.

Chem 233

This is the dreaded course that I’ve heard many horror stories about.  Because Chem 123 ended quite sadly, in that the organic portion wasn’t my specialty, I know that I must pre-learn in the summer.  The problem with me is that I love to learn things thoroughly, I don’t like jumping topics, or looking only at key points, and this is my downfall.  When I’m so nitpicky I run out of time, and end up having to cram.  This is what happened for ochem final, that combined with my own procastination led to many sleepless nights before the final.  The whole time I was studying I felt like I had no time and that learning concepts this fast is useless.  From what I’ve heard, chem 233 is a crammed course, most schools teach it for a year not a semester, and a difficult one to do well in.  Mostly because it requires many hours of studying, on a routine basis.  And this is all heresay from what i’ve read and heard, I havent taken the course.  So far this summer, I have focused mainly on Chem 233.  I have lectures from 2 professors so I was able to follow each lecture along with the book, and supplementary books as well containing more practice problems, specifically more difficult practice problems.  The first thing I covered was Chem123 Ochem stuff, because thats what is covered first couple weeks of Chem233.  So I did Nomenclature/Acids&Bases/Stereochem/Sn1Sn2 etc.  That stuff.  Then I went on vista, thankfully all the courses from last semester are still there so i saved the pdf files of the problem sets, and did them all to make sure I had Chem123 stuff down.  I wouldnt try a final though, I still hate that course lol.  After that I covered resonance with arrow mechanisms which was in the lecture slides and the supplementary books I used definitely helped me master that.  It is trick sometimes knowing which way to go with the arrows.  Now after doing that, my supplementary books and the lecture notes showed that I was about to begin mechanism/reactions starting with alkenes.  So I did the cis/trans, E/Z stuff, and now I am about to go into the real meat of Chem 233. Sounds weird, if chem 233 were a sandwich I’m guessing the mechanisms/reactions stuff would be the meat and nomenclature and chem 123 stuff would be the bread right? lol. ANYWAYS, I stopped there because I got tired and wanted a fresh mind going into it.  So far Chem 233 is looking pretty good, I’m hoping to complete the first Problem Set for the course by ~June 14th.

Resources

Organic Chemistry Bruice 4th edition

Organic Chemistry for Dummies Workbook

Organic Chemistry II for Dummies

Instant Notes Organic Chemistry

…so far the textbook and the workbook have been the most useful, but that was before mechanisms so I’ll see.

Biol 200

I have been lazy for this course.  I have minimal resources, but it’s probably because I didn’t seek that many resources, or look harder.  I have lectures, the textbook, and the objectives of the course.  I don’t know how else to prepare than to read the book and try the midterms/finals.  It’s just that reading for the sake of reading can get so boring, especially in the summer!  So I must try harder to focus, it’s hard for me to sit in one place focused on just reading for a long time without music, or tv, thats my weakness.  I remember in high school getting my homework done in my room in front of a tv, well that wont work anymore I realize.  It’s strange because I read so many books, last summer over 120 books, and I read fast, but thats entertainment.  Reading about cells and plants…isn’t very entertaining.  The Biol200 material seems like Biol112 more indept.  I looked through the objectives and readings and theres a section on microscopy…and it just looked boring.  *sighh* I wish I was more motivated with subjects like these that just require reading upon reading.  I think the reason I liked Chem/Math through last semester was that I can listen to music while studying for those subjects/doing homework.

Resources

The textbook for the course..forgot the name (probably shows how many times I’ve read that -__-)

Lecture slides – I don’t have all though just a few, so when I’m done Ill have to go on the hunt

Phys 102

I hate physics, I just needed to get that out of the way.  This is a course I nearly pulled my hair out for in high school.  Taking AP Physics in Grade 11 was a horrible experience, though I came out with an A (oh high school..) it was a huge struggle getting there.  I stayed up late nights with my dad, and read Physics for Dummies during christmas break.  That was definitely what saved me.  However, I still hate physics.  So When I heard I had to take it at UBC I was not thrilled.  Phys101 was pretty bad, even though I look back and realize how easy it was.  I didn’t do well in the beginning because I didn’t know how to study for the course point blank.  I learned the course pretty much a few days before the final, and felt like an idiot for knowing nothing the whole semester.  Now I thought that would be my last experience with Physics, nope! Due to some restriction, and also not wanting to screw myself over for MCAT Physics, I’m taking Phys 102.  So far it’s really easy, plug and chug stuff, my favorite.  I’m doing radioactivity right now, and it’s still just simple concepts and plug and chug, I know that will change soon, but for now I’m taking it easy.  I actually found a old UBC Phys 102 site that has all the lectures, tutorials, etc.  So I downloaded everything for backup in case it gets taken off, but I use the site.  If anyone wants it its: http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~rikblok/phys102/lecture/index.html

I’m using the current Phys textbook which is the same as the Phys101 textbook.  And then following the lectures, and tutorials.  It’s pretty good so far!  But that website is for a summer session, and you can clearly see how fast summer sessions go!  I’ll talk about that another day.

Resources

http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~rikblok/phys102/lecture/index.html amazing so far.  The lectures are great and clear, and the tutorials allow you to confirm what you know.

I was thinking of adding another course, but I think this is enough, I’m at a good pace, and I have all summer to learn everything.  I plan to only add a course if I find out I’ll be taking an extremely difficult low average course…hope I won’t though but who knows, depends on my specialization/plans.  Bye!

My most recent UBC drama: specializations!  I remember always hearing how your first year is to experiment, people can change their minds.  But that logic doesn’t really follow through at UBC, atleast Science from what I’ve experienced.  If you make a mistake, or change your mind then credits are wasted that you paid for, and then you have to make up classes for your new intended major.  What this translates to is make sure you know what you want and stick with it, or pay!  Literally you’d be paying for the new courses, and you’d be losing money for the unneeded courses.  But I guess it’s a means to end right?  It’s an investment in your future.  This leads me to the specialization applications

Specialization applications are right around the corner, and right when I think I’ve chosen one, I research more into the specialization and change my mind.  I worry about my average because though MicroBio was 82 last year I believe, my guess is that it will be higher this year.  So I don’t know what my chances are.  Microbio is pretty much what I decided on since last year, when I got admission lol.  But I had second thoughts based off Bio 112.  The course was good, but the last part on microbes was so boring that I literally tried to do the reading for a week and failed.  Ended up doing it the day of my final…hehe.  It was just so boring, Bio 112 is usually interesting but something about microbes does not interest me, and it’s focused on in “Microb”iology I hear (correct me if I’m wrong)…so I realized that Physiology was a better fit for me.  I took Physiology in Grade 12 and it was my favorite course and best grade, and something about physiology makes you feel like your learning something very relevant to the human body.  I looked into it, but it only admits 3rd year and its only available as Honors, which is fine since I intend to do honors anyway.  But its so competitive, and theres limited seats.  Also what would I do during the 2nd year if it only admits in 3rd?  General science, and limit my options in terms of other specializations?  This is where it gets complicated.  I thought biochemistry (*cough*90%chemistry*cough*) would be a good choice, cause its what i majored in at UCLA (you get into your major when you apply from high school *sighhh*) but then i saw that chem 233 wasn’t required, but instead chem 203/213 which is indeed the harder version!  I took a look at some chem 233 midterms and they looked doable, chem 203 on the other hand just looked like a hassle!  Chem students and Intended Physio students also have to take chem 211, analytical chem which is just *groann* Just by loooking at the syllabus, and notes I can tell its one of those courses you just want to get over with (eg. Bio140) So imagine doing Biochem going through all that, and then applying into honors physio 3rd year just to have most of those credits turned into at most electives?  This is where those sayings like “you dont need to know what your doing the first couple years, you have time”  become invalid.  I’ve heard of those spending their 7th year at UBC because they switched specializations, I cant have that happen to me.  And I really really dont want to do Chem 203/213/211.  I’d much rather do Chem 233/205/211 and call it a day, especially Chem 205 which is physical chem.    If there are older wiser 2nd+ year students out there who know how to deal with this, please do share.

I also considered doing Biology, but the amount of Biology courses scared me away.  Thing I like about chem/math courses is that you just do problems, as much as possible, not a lot of memorization is needed.  Biology on the other hand can become that way, and countless Bio courses just makes me cringe.  And after looking at the Biology page on the calendar I saw cell and developmental biology which looked really interesting.  It’s only honors and only 3rd year.  Great.  So now I wonder if I should do Biology 1st year and then take the extra chem 211 because thats required in physio not biology, and then apply to physio and cell&developmental. Wheeww.  I feel like I’m making this more complicated than it has to be, but its because I don’t want to make a huge mistake that sets me back.  And also because I want a specialization that I am interested in, not just one that I can get into.

So as of now my possible plans

these would be scenarios of 2nd year leading into 3rd year

Biology —> Either Physio or Cell& Developmental    [worst case I’m stuck in Biology]

Microbiology?    [too competitive this year, everyone and their moms seem to be applying]

General Science –> Physio or Microbio

Cant wait to talk to the counselor!

I am currently in the GTA because I felt that it would be easier to get a job here than in Vancouver.  Am I having second thoughts?  Absolutely!  UBC has proposed a tuition increase, and some people have ranted about it, but I expected it, and I expect one the year after and the year after, almost every school does it unfortunately.

Many students pay off fees with job money+savings+parents+loans.  I’m the oldest of six, and my younger sister starts school next year too, so I have to find another way to replace the parents part.  I’ve been told how dangerous loans are, and paying them back.  I have had the mentality thus far, if I pursue medical school, I’ll be taking out enormous loans anyway so might as well.  Now after watching shows like ‘Till Debt Do Us Part’ I’m having second thoughts.  I’ve been on the prowl for a job since April 24, my birthday and the day I landed in the GTA.  And so far no luck, I was excited at getting my first call back to be an assistant soccer coach, but got stood up!  Now I’m scrambling, and desperately looking everywhere and anywhere.

Earning money is at the top of my list, but I can’t help but drool over the Hospital for Sick Children Volunteer Positions.  The problem is location, it’d take me a train to get there, and I’d be losing a lot of money, when I have to earn money.  My dream job is to work there, so volunteering would be a great step to seeing the inner workings of the Hospital, and to hopefully meet alot of the kids!  Optimally if I get a job, then I can apply for volunteer positions and use part of my earnings for transportation, but that seems like a dream right now, because finding a job seems impossible.  By now, I must have applied to 70+ places in my area.  To those who have work experience, please comment with tips!!

School is over, grades have rolled in, and summer is starting!  For some it means more schooling at UBC doing a summer session, for others, like me, it means trying desperately to find a job.  I have been looking for 2 weeks or so nonstop, applying almost everywhere.  So far its been unsuccessful.  I actually came to the Toronto area, for the summer to stay with some family and get a job, so if anyone has tips, give me them!  Haha on to my review of courses I took this semester

Chem 123

dun..dun..dun….this course couldn’t have been more different from chem 121.  After 123, you realize how organized and doable chem121 was!  Why do courses only seem easy after you’ve taken them!  Well my first midterm for chem123 was bananas, my word for awesome.  Being the average student I am, I was shocked at its easiness that I thought the average had to be like high 90’s just because it was easy for me.  Found out some found it difficult and the average was 72, which is still high.  All I know is I was tooo excited after it, and this was the beginning of my downfall.  I wasn’t going to the problem set solving sessions anymore and I wasnt paying attention in class anymore, and this completely screwed me as I prepared for the final.  I had an amazing 1 day and a half to prepare for this final and those were some painful hours of cramming.  The problem with chem123 is sometimes you get things and then suddenly it doesnt work for one question (eg. enantiomers, or identical, or etc kill me now).  This is extremely frustrating when your running out of time, and concepts aren’t working.  Luckily my midterm 1 and my lab grade helped me pull out a good grade in the class, and the final didn’t do too much damage.  Even though I found it harder than chem121 I got a substantially better grade. To anyone taking the course, when the ochem portion starts go to office hours (especially if you have sammis, what i did know, i learned in office hours), do all the prereadings before class, and the problem sets!

Bio112

WAYYYYY better than the most horrible course on the planet: Bio 121.  Though this course was much harder, I enjoyed it for the most part.  My first midterm was good, well above average but disappointing.  One of those cases where the work your putting in doesnt seem to pay off.  If you are in Bio 112, make sure to know the details, because those details are what let you get the tricky questions!  When you know everything, you can better analyze the trickier questions.  Spiegelman was my favorite prof this semester and I was part of his last class.  This course went downhill when the metabolism stuff hit, and the microbes *ughh* I put off reading microbes until the day before the final just because it was unbearably annoying and boring.  I’m glad we learned it though because its made me re-evaluate the specialization I want.  Apparently microbiology and immunology has a lot of this microbe jumbo, so I need to pull off some ‘A’mazing grades next year so I can apply to physiology as well, I hear the acceptance rate is low.  As for Bio112, the final appeared easier than both midterms, and the participation helped my grade as well.

Eng112

Certainly my last english course ever.  Thank goodness!  Its a hassle, and theres no definite way to get the grade you want because you dont know what your prof wants.  Unlike science courses, this class really purely depends on your professor, some profs will take crap writing and give it a B, some will take that same writing and give it a D.  Its really different through the sections ( same with Bio121, probably why I hated Bio121 so much).  For my final research paper I chose a great topic, preimplantation genetic diagnosis.  I wont go into it, but its a great topic, from my oral presentation alone many seemed interested.  I have my own writing style in terms of essays and I changed it dramatically to fit my professors own preferences.  The time I thought I wrote my worst inclass essay I got a good/okay grade.  When I spent weeks perfecting my final essay paragraph by paragraph, I get virtually the same grade.. Well then again, I chose Science for a reason, I will never be one to love an Arts course at UBC.  My final grade in the course was expected, and I was somewhat satisfied. :\

Math103

*sighhhh*   I seriously love math, everyday when I study, I look foward to studying math because then I can listen to music, do problems at peace.  I don’t know, its just a course I’m always comfortable with because problems are systematic, you follow the same rules, and some are tricky but its still the same rules.  Unfortunately the professors decided to completely obliterate our gpa’s with the first midterm.  It was extremely hard, and infinitely harder than the practice exams from previous years, and definitely harder than the homework.  The average for my class was a 45 I believe, other sections were around this average as well.  I was above average, but my grade was still disappointing, considering it was one of the courses I really stayed on top of.  The second midterm, everyone expected it to be much easier.  It wasn’t.  The average was like 50 this time.  And the final, I wont go there.  Overall it was a hard course.  As you go along, and do the homework, everything seems fine, until you take a test and its like WOAH.  I knew it had to be scaled unless half the class would fail, so my grade wasnt as bad as I expected

Bio 140

Avoid at all costs.  If you dont need to take this, DONT.  As foolish as it sounds, Bio 140 is the primary cause of my downfall in Bio112 and Chem123.  I give all my classes a fair amount of time, but suddenly Bio140 assignments were taking days, nights away from me.  The assignments were always crazy back to back, and left no time for anything else.  I wouldn’t give it so much time, if the TA’s weren’t so picky with grades.  Now I realize it doesnt matter, an 80 or a 70 in the course will virtually affect your gpa the same way because its only 2 credits.  I literally danced in my room for 10 good minutes celebrating the end of this course.  🙂

Cens202

What could have been…this was my arts elective I dropped the last night to drop classes.  I actually enjoyed the course, my professor was awesome and I enjoyed the readings.  I actually regret dropping it now, because it was such a great class.  At the moment I didn’t want to deal with readings when I had other classes to worry about.  I had Allison Beringer I think, or amy, who knows, she was great!  I liked her teaching swag if that makes sense, ha!  If I pull off what I’m trying to pull off this summer( I’ll explain in another blog entry) then I’m definitely giving this course a second chance!!

Awards

Fave Course:  Bio 112!  Spiegelman is the man!

Least Fave Course:  Bio 140 !!!!!

Could Have Done Better *sighhh*:  Chem 123

Could Have Done Worse :  Bio 140