Majors

Snivellus · 04-23-2008, 07:30 PM

One of the classes that I need to take for my possible major is Introduction to Organismal & Evolutionary Biology (BC1500/1501). I was wondering if I am required to take that specific class for the major, or if there is an equivalent course I can take at Columbia because of a possible scheduling conflict. According to the course directory, this class is only offered at 1 time during Fall 2008.. and I don't think I can fit it into my schedule.

I know I probably shouldn't be making up a schedule yet.. I just like to be prepared

Snivellus · 04-23-2008, 07:42 PM

double post

panda2 · 04-23-2008, 08:51 PM

i no nothing about science classes, and can't answer specifically. if you're concerned, email the department chair (here's the website for all the depts; you can take it from there: Barnard Academics : Departments, Programs & Majors )

when a course is listed as a fall course, it will usually be offered again the following fall (the only time when it's not is when the class is very specific and the one professor that teaches it exclusively is on sabbatical) so if you can't get into it now, don't worry about it. you have four more fall semesters to make it work!

also, another good resource for classes/profs (this is sort of random to your post, but you'll probably find it useful if you haven't already): CULPA - Columbia Underground Listing of Professor Ability

churchmusicmom · 04-23-2008, 08:55 PM

sounds like a good question for your advisor, who will be assigned to you some time this summer. Meanwhile, keep looking at the list of courses that should be available and listed in your subject area on Barnard's website. I should think any course equivalencies would be specified there, but again you can ask your advisor about this.

My d always, always has her schedule "worked out" well in advance of each semester, and she always, always has to change things up for some reason or another during the first couple of weeks...usually because of dance classes, or sometimes because a class is just too full and the prof asks for those who are not upper classmen to drop it (or the opposite if she was trying to get into a class that was already pretty full). Point is, it's fine to look at your schedule, just stay loose and go with it if you must change it up. There are lots of cool classes you can and will take!

panda2 · 04-23-2008, 08:55 PM

ps, if you want to search for a columbia equivalent:

CU Directory of Classes

panda2 · 04-23-2008, 09:04 PM

yea, def don't get attached to a class, and always have second or even third options because you can get screwed for the reasons churchmusicmom said. it's upsetting when that happens.

i find the scheduling process to be both exciting (because of the prospects of new classes/the change) and difficult. i start waaay ahead as well, just to be safe. if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. i remember when i got the freshman guide during the summer, i was lost. i have it down now, though.

oh, and to clarify, advisors are assigned the first day of orientation week.

Snivellus · 04-23-2008, 11:47 PM

Thanks for the help, guys! I guess it isn't really a problem if I don't take that class during freshmen year, because evidently it doesn't even fulfill the Biology requirement for pre-med (which I think people take their first year).

All these major requirements seem really overwhelming, by the way..haha

Snivellus · 04-24-2008, 10:19 AM

Scratch that.. it does fulfill the pre med requirement.. so now I'm stressed out once again!

panda2 · 04-24-2008, 06:45 PM

do you need to take it your first year though? i don't know anything about premed, but for other majors, rarely are the requirements set for a specific class level. you can just take it whenever you can fit it in.

aube88 · 04-26-2008, 05:06 PM

from the dep'ts web site it sounds like they want you to take the barnard one : Barnard College Department of Biological Sciences
but if it's a big issue or you want to make absolutely sure, e-mail the dep't head.

bad1017 · 04-27-2008, 11:50 AM

For pre-med, you're definitely going to want to take one of the sciences your first year. Otherwise, you'll have to double up on sciences both your sophomore and junior years, and that's just not fun. Many pre-med students choose to take Bio as their science first year. It is very time consuming, but you've got to take it sometime right? I would suggest taking it only because it seems like the hardest science to double up with.

Just a heads-up. If you're pre-med, you're almost always going to have a 9am class. It sucks but it's true. Also, that 9am class is going to probably be MWF, so don't fall in love with any other MWF 9am classes.