Not directed at me, but I’ll answer.
- Math 115/116 is the Life Sciences sequence. I didn't take it, but I think it's much better than the regular calculus sequence, which is very hit or miss depending on the instructor... although I always recommend for students to take more than the bare minimum of math - if not minor in it.
- Do you mean place out of Bio 141? It's not difficult to place into 141... It's the first class everyone takes. Unless you mean that it fills up quickly... which isn't a big deal since anyone who checks OPUS regularly will get a spot.
- I'll let Bernie handle that... He knows it better than me. But I think it's a flexible major.
- Simply put, they do a good job separating the hard workers from the lazier (albeit sometimes smarter) folks. If you don't drill concepts and practice problems, you won't do well. I think it's curved to a B-. Is that right, Bernie? The biggest piece of advice I give everyone on this is to do most of the recommended problems. There are a lot, but they're necessary to understand the material.
Also, Emory’s OChem instructors are superb. It could be the best lineup for a course in any department on campus.
I’m not sure how Oxford does things.
Overall, I think a lot of students get very worked up and stressed about this. I think the stress results in a lot of hyperbole (especially the “OMG, I can’t get into the class I want! My next 4 years are completely screwed!!!” - and, yes, I’ve heard several people saying that to their parents on the phone). College is supposed to be fun, and you’re not going to be thrown out to the sharks!