Science classes at UNC

phonyreal98 · 06-26-2008, 09:43 PM

I know there's a thread already semi on this stuff, but it doesn't really answer all my questions and I don't want to hijack someone else's thread either. I will be a freshman at UNC in the fall and I'm thinking of doing premed, so my grades are really important...but I really do enjoy learning a lot (thinking of doing MD/PhD, but not sure yet).

So...how does physics 104 and 105 compare to physics 116 and 117? I know you can't take both, but having taken AP Physics B and having done reasonably well (got a 4 on the exam), what can I expect from Physics 104-105 vs. 116-117?

Also, how do the honors chemistry courses (102H, 241H, 261H, 262H) compare with their non-honors counterparts (102, 241, 261, 262)? Can I take 102H after taking 101 at UNC?

Also, if I have taken AP Biology and if I get a 5 on the exam (I did very well in the class, but my AP score hasn't come in yet, however I did score 5's on my practice exams) does that adequately prepare me for 200-level biology (as in, would I be able to take these classes w/o taking Bio 101@UNC and have the knowledge necessary to make A's in these classes and beyond, or should I take Bio 101@UNC)?

Thanks for your help!!

cloying · 06-26-2008, 10:04 PM

Take Honors anything 101 that you can. It's more difficult but they give out As more readily. I've heard, and think that it IS true, that in Bio, Chem, and Econ 101, they do not give less than B minuses. Weirdly though everyone in those classes works their butts off.

phonyreal98 · 06-26-2008, 10:16 PM

Is there honors for Chem 101? I've only seen a course listing for Honors Chem 102?

Thanks for the heads up about the grading in Bio 101 and Chem 101 though!

Oh and anybody taken Bio 201, 202, 205, 252, and/or 276? What should I expect out of those?

egghead9033 · 06-27-2008, 11:22 AM

Chem 102H is usually recommended for people who have chem credit for the AP test, even if you have credit for 102 in order to make a transition into UNC's chem classes. Otherwise, 241 and 261 will probably smack you in the face.

karipac07 · 06-27-2008, 11:59 PM

Egghead said it right, chem 241 AKA Analytical and chem 261 Organic I will smack you in the face if you haven't taken any other chem class at UNC. I know this isn't a science class but I took a higher level honors spanish class and I had taken a regular spanish class at UNC as a senior in high school and the honors class was easier. I've heard everyone say that honors classes are overall easier, even if more work is given.

Non-honors science classes at UNC are all bell-curved. Most teachers won't admit it but that is how they break down. If you get a pick a prof account you will be able to tell with the grade distribution graphs. So you need to work hard for that A or B.

Good luck!

phonyreal98 · 06-28-2008, 01:01 AM

are the classes naturally designed to have a bell curve or do teachers actually manipulate grades so they are bell curved?

cloying · 06-28-2008, 11:30 AM

I think it's a little bit of both.

phonyreal98 · 06-28-2008, 12:20 PM

Thanks, anybody know anything about 200 level bio classes...would taking AP bio prepare me adequately to skip bio 101 and take something like bio 252 or 202, or should I take bio 101? (I got a 5 on the exam btw)

phonyreal98 · 06-29-2008, 05:37 PM

Also, if I'm not in honors can I just sign up for honors classes anyway, or do I need a professor's permission? I thought I heard you could just sign up, but I can't remember for certain.

ArmandoChavez · 07-02-2008, 02:23 PM

You just need to go to the honors office and as long as you got a 3.0 or above you can register if there is any space left over.

I got a 5 on AP bio and I've taken 2 upper level bio classes already and they are pretty tough you gotta study everyday but they're not impossible. Plus I heard 101 is really hard and annoying.

phonyreal98 · 07-03-2008, 12:26 PM

Ok...cool...so it's not like I'm going to be completely lost in upper level bio by not taking bio 101 at UNC?

divinevalley · 07-08-2008, 01:14 PM

so wait, if we placed out of chem 101/L & 102/L, is it a bad idea to go on to 241?

I saw that the chem 102H teacher is morse, and someone said to stay away from her

cat119 · 07-08-2008, 03:26 PM

divinevalley- I would not advise taking 241 your first semester at UNC. It will most likely be a huge slap in the face. I'd take 102H; check out Morse on pickaprof.com.

Phonyreal98- I don't think you will be lost in upper level Bio if you don't take Bio 101 at UNC. Bio 101 is a pain in the ass and I would avoid it if you can. : )

danny_125 · 07-08-2008, 05:07 PM

Cat,
why is Bio 101 a nuisance?

leah377 · 07-08-2008, 10:13 PM

it's basically just tons of memorization as opposed to learning overlying concepts and you have to invest a lotttt of time in it to do well.

at least, so i hear/observe.