Style of Lectures at UW?

Colleges & Universities University of Washington
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<p>Hey Guys,</p>

<p>I’m currently an undergrad in Australia at the University of Queensland studying biology and I’m possibly going to be attending UW for the fall semester this year. I’m just have some questions about what to expect from lectures.</p>

<p>Here at UQ it’s standard for science lectures to be presented via powerpoint slides, and the slides are available online in PDF form prior to the lectures. Because of this quite a few students (myself included) choose to download the slides and take notes on our laptops during lectures. Most other students print the slides out and write on them.</p>

<p>One of the reasons I ask about this is because I actually find it very hard to take notes by hand for extended periods where as I can type quite fast. A combination of sports injuries to my wrists and having worked for several years in a job where I never had to pick up a pencil has made handwritten notes a painful experience (yes, I just about require a cast for my right hand when end of semester exams are over).</p>

<p>Anyhow, my questions is, is note taking on a laptop a practical way to approach things for most biology courses at UW? Or is it essential to take a pen and paper for reproducing diagrams in your notes? (obviously drawing diagrams is never an issue here as the slides are provided).</p>

<p>I would never let such a thing deter me from going on exchange but I would like to know what I’m in for!</p>

<p>Oh, and please tell me if I have posted this in the wrong section of the forum.</p>

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<p>Lectures here are exactly as you described at UQ. Laptops are fine and a lot of people take notes on laptops. Some take handwritten. It’s whatever works best for you.</p>

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<p>Awesome, thanks for the info.</p>

<p>How standard is that in the US? Is it correct that at some universities like Berkeley they give lectures on a blackboard with chalk instead?</p>

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<p>with my classes (non biology) it depends on the professor. One professor only lets you sit in a “laptop zone” area so the ta’s can watch to make sure you aren’t on facebook.</p>

<p>another professor said if he hears 10 complaints about laptops being distracting from other students he will ban them for everyone.</p>

<p>some of my professors uses slides, and some just talk. two provides a website with a wealth of resources…one does not</p>