my first few weeks: classes

As I start my journey through my first year, I thought it would be nice to establish some thoughts I’ve had on various aspects of the student life. I hope to have a few posts written on my experiences throughout first semester, so here is my first one!

Here are just a few tips, observations and musings, all from a newbie’s perspective!

Classes 

This semester I have five courses, which is the typical course load for a full time student. I’m taking Math 102, Chem 121, Physics 100, Bio 140 and English 112 this term, so here are just a few things I’ve observed about them!

1. Math 102 Differential Calculus with Applications to Life Science

(Eric Cytrynbaum)

So far this class hasn’t been overly bad. I’m not super strong in calculus, but Cytrynbaum is engaging and the short class time (50 minutes) helps to keep focus. As far as assignments go, there is a lot, but they all help to keep you on track, and if you do them before the deadline, you will keep up in class and have a good idea of whats going on. So far, it’s been mainly review (at least with regards to Math 31 in Alberta), but I don’t mind the class as far as a math class could go. There’s a lot of available resources online, so that’s definitely a perk.

2. Chem 121 Structural Chemistry with Application to the Chemistry of the Elements

(Dr. Angela Crane)

This class is easily one of my favourites. Dr. Crane is engaging, funny and her lessons are well designed in terms of notes and continuing reference to the ChIRP (textbook). The material is new for me, but if you pay attention and put in time at home to review, you should be able to keep up. I definitely recommend taking advantage of the online material, as it is informative and the practice quizzes help to give you an idea of what you need to work on.

3. Physics 100 Introductory Physics

(Mayra Tovar)

In terms of material, this class should be fairly easy as long as you have taken Grade 11 Physics. I haven’t found any of the curriculum overly challenging yet, but then again, we aren’t even a month in. The class is very large which does make it a bit more difficult, but overall, Tovar seems like a very nice prof who is invested in seeing everyone succeed. That being said, I feel like a lot of class time is wasted using Learning Catalytics, a internet alternative to the iClickers, and that definitely takes away from my enjoyment.

4. Bio 140 Laboratory Investigations in Life Sciences

This is probably my least favourite class. I find it rushed and the lab work difficult, especially when it is only worth 2 credits. That being said, I find the material we’re learning about really interesting, and I can’t complain about being able to observe live marine organisms, as I hope to major in biology. I just get the feeling that my TA doesn’t really want to be there.

5. English 112 Strategies for University Writing

(Gillian Jerome)

In comparison to the last class, my least favourite, this is probably my overall favourite class. Prof. Jerome makes everything interesting, and the course material is stimulating and thought-provoking. However, I have a bit of a soft spot for the humanities, and will admit that coming from a science student point of view, this class may be challenging and frustrating for many. I however, am enjoying the challenge and always look forward to this class.

That’s pretty much all I have to say about my classes for now, as my accompanying labs have only happened once or twice. Hopefully someone finds this useful one day.

Miranda 🙂

 

 

 

 

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