Difference between Lower division courses and Upper Division Courses?
So what's the main difference between them? are upper division courses more difficult? more time consuming? more geared towards your major? Are lower division courses the basic/foundation courses?
Anyone explain?
Thanks
lower div courses are foundation classes i guess. all upper div courses have their corresponding lower div courses as prereqs. also, students in lower div courses are likely to come from a wide range of majors.
Difficulty wise, I don't think there is as big a difference as you think. Before I took upper-div classes this semester, I thought they were going to be much harder than lower-div classes, but they turned out just as easy. So, don't let the word "upper-div" scare you. =)
Depending on the class your work may be easier but the grading is not. With lower divs the curve can save you. With upper divs it seems that to get a good grade, you just need to get good scores (amazing concept, I know). The curve becomes one such that > ~90% ends up being an A and there's no way around it.
Just from my experience in MCB, upper div classes have harder material and similar curves to lower divs.
The material is more in-depth but more fascinating. It requires more critical thinking and thorough understanding of the material as opposed to rote memorization. There is also more emphasis on scientific thinking. For example, you will see a lot of questions that ask for experimental designs.
They are more reflective of your major, is what I think. If you're really into your major, you'll actually prefer them a lot. I think in the math department, there aren't really annoying curves anymore; kinda depends on the professor. Smaller classes.
Yeah, the higher up you go, the better classes get in my honest opinion.
So..I've gotten C's on chem 3a midterms.. but with curve im like 1 SD above mean. which is maybe B+/A-? and when i get to upper divs a C would literally mean C o~
So..I've gotten C's on chem 3a midterms.. but with curve im like 1 SD above mean. which is maybe B+/A-? and when i get to upper divs a C would literally mean C o~
Well, the more advanced courses I've taken are such that you don't even know what a "C" or "A" is. You just do your best, and you kind of have an idea if you're absorbing the material well. It's very possible to think the assignments and all are quite challenging, not feeling like you're acing them, but ending up with an A or A+ or something. Be sure to pick reasonable professors though.
