<p>Hey guys,
I was looking up the Spring 2010 course listings for PHYS161…
eg. listing:</p>
<p>0103(57319) D. Hammer (FULL: Seats=30, Open=0, Waitlist=10) Books
TuTh… 2:00pm- 3:15pm (PHY 1410)
F… 9:00am- 9:50am (PHY 1219) Dis</p>
<p>Now I’m confused about the meeting on Friday with the word ‘Dis’ written against it. Can anyone clarify what does that mean?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot</p>
<p>P.S. Even CHEM and MATH have this ‘Dis’…</p>
<p>That’s just the discussion section. They’re clarifying that the other one (TuTh) is the large lecture, and that the “Dis” (F) is your discussion section with the TA. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. :)</p>
<p>Haha that’s funny! Aw you cute freshies ;).</p>
<p>Yes, “dis” stands for “discussion” </p>
<p>Usually classes with discussions will meet twice a week in large lecture format, and then once a week with the teaching assistant, where you will be a smaller group of people and the TA will go over lecture, answer questions, give quizzes, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot both of you! 
Just one more silly question: Is it mandatory to attend the discussion section or one only needs to go if he/she (can’t be a sexist :P) has any doubts or questions?</p>
<p>Typically yes, but it depends on the class. In some classes the discussion is more of a “if you have questions, now you can ask them”. In others the TA actually gives quizzes and collects assignments. Schedule your classes (if possible) so that you can attend the discussions… this is why when one course is listed 5 times, with discussion time being the only difference, the later discussions typically fill up first.</p>
<p>Ah, I see!
Thanks a lot for the help :)</p>