<p>i'm trying to figure out what to take first semester... i am definitely taking math 103 (yes, i know it is going to be insane)</p>
<p>i have to take it since i am a BME major (premed as well)</p>
<p>i don't want my first semester of college to be insanely difficult... is it possible for me to take eng 53 and writing 20 first semester? then i would only need one more... also, how are those two classes? </p>
<p>my main question is how second semester science classes are (bio 26, chem 22, and phys 62).... i will take one or two of those three (probably not physics though) first semester... how are each of those classes?</p>
<p>which ones would be the best to do first semester considering that i'm doing math 103 and don't want to die... i do realize that all science courses are hard at duke... but i'm sure some are tougher than others......</p>
<p>That's actually what a lot (most) freshmen do first semester is to take:
*EGR 53 (Eng is english)
*Writing 20 (or an Soc Sci if you can't get any good Writing 20s)
*Next Math
*Next Chem</p>
<p>It's not a bad schedule to get adjusted to because Math 103 isn't as bad as you think its going to be (107 and 108 are the ones that are hard), most Writing 20s aren't that bad if you had a decent English program in HS, and everybody (like >80%) take EGR 53 first semester so you can meet everyone you'll be spending 4 years with. Oh and you only have 2 labs this semester (53 and Chem).</p>
<p>As for those second semester classes... I didn't take Bio 26 or Chem 22, but I've heard they're pretty hard. Just know that everybody has to get through Chem 22 and Physics 62. You don't "have" to take Bio 26 to graduate, only 25.</p>
<p>well, the order of difficulty of the upper level math classes probably goes...
math 108 > math 103 > stat > math 107.</p>
<p>I dont think you can take bio26 or chem 22 in the fall. You could take chem 23 (21+22 crammed into 1 semester) or physics 62, and out of those I recommend chem 23, as you have not taken math 103 yet. spacial reasoning is really important for physics 62, and you get that from math 103 (surface integrals).</p>
<p>Egr 53, writing 20, math 103, chem 23, is a pretty standard first semester schedule if i remember correctly. Its tough, but it really depends on you as a student - work ethic + aptitude + exposure to topics coming in. some people are really advanced when they get to Duke and that particular schedule is a walk in the park - others struggle greatly.</p>
<p>My advice is to objectively figure out where you stand academically and personally. You seem hesitant to take a hard schedule - why is that? Do you think it will be too hard or do you just not want to do the work first semester? Would you rather work hard now or later?</p>
<p>If you are willing to put in the time, take the schedule above.</p>
<p>i know i'm going to have to work hard either way... i'm going to duke in BME so that's a given... people have just recommended to not take on an insane schedule, for college will be a huge adjustment as it is....</p>
<p>i might have not been clear in my first post... i have every math/science credit possible for pratt (except for physics C: E&M... or physics 62)... each of these i had finished by last year (all 5s) so i'm pretty comfortable with the material in those classes</p>
<p>if i can take both egr 53 and writing 20 int he first semester, i will definitely do that... i heard that u take one first semester and the other one second though... guess that's not true...</p>
<p>should i take chem 23 even though i already have chem 21 credit? would it be harder/easier than chem 22 for me?</p>
<p>same deal with phys 62 and 63... should i take 63 instead of 62?</p>
<p>ranking some of the science classes in order of difficulty would definitely be helpful... </p>
<p>also, i think i have to take bio 26 and chem 22 since i'm BME/premed, HiWei... i'm not positive though</p>
<p>so bio 26 and chem 22 are never offered first semester? chem 23 and phys 62 will be for sure?</p>
<p>Bio 26 AL is offered first semester as well as Chem 22. Chem 22 is just much smaller in the fall (roughly 80-100) than in the spring (~400). BIo 26AL I've heard is a great class. It's a nice small class where you learn a lot.</p>
<p>Not a big difference. You get Chem 19 credit for AP (equiv to 21, but no lab). Most people in your boat take Chem 23 first semester (that's what I did). Since you are pre-med and have to take Chem 151 and 152 (orgo) anyways, you might also think about starting in 151 if you want to get it done quickly. Being BME and pre-med requires you to take difficult courses - you really can't strategically plan an easy semester. Just follow the example schedules.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=]
same deal with phys 62 and 63... should i take 63 instead of 62?
</p>
<p>Varies greatly depending on professor. I personally think you should try to pass out of as much as you can as there is no point in taking it twice and it is often harder the second time around (since it's at Duke and not your high school).</p>
<p>
<p>Again, varies by prof. For me, math 103 harder than > 108 > 107 > stats, while somebody else above had a different opinion. Physics harder than chem 23 harder than bio 25 for me.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=]
also, i think i have to take bio 26 and chem 22 since i'm BME/premed, HiWei... i'm not positive though
</p>
<p>You have to take an additional bio course besides 25, but it doesn't have to be 26 (118 is popular). Since you get credit for Chem 19, your only requirements are chem 151 and 152. You can also elect to take Chem 22 or 23, but they aren't required. 151 and 152 are for med school.</p>
<p>Course Duke Equivalent
English 1 yr WRITING 20 and one ENGLISH or LIT course
Chemistry (Intro) 1 yr with lab CHEM 21L/22L or CHEM 23L
Organic Chemistry 1 yr with lab CHEM 151L/152L
Physics 1 yr with lab PHYSICS 61L/62L* or 41L/42L
Biology 1 yr with lab Two BIOLOGY courses with labs
* See also Physics requirements for all BME students described above.</p>
<p>there are the premed requirements... they all require a year of LAB classes... my ap credit is just for the class without lab... does that mean that i have to take them all over again with the lab?!?!</p>
<p>i only have mechanic credit... i can take either course... it looks like i need to take both 62 and 63 (well, 63 is strongly recommended)... could i just do 63?</p>
<p>above is the undergraduate requirements for BME at duke... i still don't get how bio works... cause the BME/premed course outline they have only lists one bio class... (25L)... and a life science course at the very last semester....</p>
<p>it looks like i need chem 22 and chem 23 as well... idk which one for that either....</p>
<p>yah, dude, so i'm also pre-med BME. uh, i'm not taking any bio classes until sophomore/junior year. i'm not a big fan of bio classes (straight up memorization; i mean, thats boring), so i'm only gonna take the minimum bio classes needed for med school (i think it's two). </p>
<p>yah. uh, and i'm gonna take orgo (chem 151L) cuz chemistry is definitely my thing.</p>
<p>oh, and i also only have physics c: mechanics credit and i'm gonna take physics 63 next year. i also like physics a lot more than bio.</p>
<p>Hmm I think you're getting mixed up in the science classes a little bit. I don't know about Bio (I think its just two courses with labs and Bio 25L will count as one so you can go ahead and do 26L too), but for Chem and Physics, you wouldn't have to take Chem 22 AND Chem 23 or Physics 62 AND Physics 63.</p>
<p>The curriculum goes you have to take Chem 21 and 22, but if you feel advanced enough you can take Chem 23, which is just 21 and 22 in one semester. You should probably take Chem 23 because you'll get both 21 and 22 out of the way first semester leaving plenty of time to take Chem 151 and 152 (Orgos) when you feel like it and not be rushed.</p>
<p>For Physics you have to take Physics 61 and 62, but if you have AP credit for BOTH and choose to use them for placement (or apparently if you just really really like Physics), you can take Physics 63, which is just a supplemental class that ensures you take one Physics class with lab at Duke. Physics 63 is in no way required if you just take Physics 62 having credit for 61 already.</p>
<p>If you have AP credit for chemistry (which gives you credit for 2 semesters of gen chem), I strongly suggest taking Chem 151 (Organic Chemistry I) in the fall. It will be a freshmen only section and is curved to a B+ (as oppose to if you took it later, where it will be curved to a B-/C+).</p>
<p>A lot of people do take Writing 20 in the fall with Egr 53 and do just fine. I took Writing 20 Spring semester and found it more convenient. Egr 53 is not really a difficult class, but it does require a lot of time. If you feel confident taking the two simultaneously, go ahead, but I might suggest you take a humanities class (preferably one that doesn't require too much writing) first semester and save Writing 20 for the Spring.</p>
<p>Chem 22 - I'm not sure how hard it is in the fall, but it tends to be easy in the Spring (especially if Dr.Lyle is teaching, he's great)</p>
<p>If you're BME and premed (I am too), unless you are double majoring or minoring in Biology, there is no need for you to take Bio 26. I would actually advise against it. The material will not be all that relevant for the MCAT or Med School. If you have AP bio credit, you have a Bio credit, but not the lab. The nice thing about BME is that one of the BME courses' lab component counts towards the lab requirement for med school requirements. So instead of having to take 2 Bio classes with Lab in college to get those 2 labs, the only Bio you need to take is any class with a Lab. (I'd suggest Bio 151L ... it has a lot of physiology that will be on the MCAT).</p>
<p>Math 103 can be a tough class for some, especially since a lot of people have taken a multivariable calc class in high school. But it is do-able, just be prepared to work.</p>
<p>You won't Have to take Physics 63. Its recommended because it does contain some material that isn't covered in 61/62 but is on the MCAT. Just take Physics 62 at some point (probably Fall of Sophmore year), and you will be fine.</p>
<p>So fall semester should look like</p>
<p>Egr 53
Math 103
Writing 20 or a Humanities class
Chemistry (whether it be 22, 23, or 151)</p>
<p>I understand how to get my Premed out of the way for biology now.... I will probably take your advice, sillyface, and take bio151L... how is that class?</p>
<p>I still don't get how to get my premed credit for chemistry... with my ap credit, i will need still need a lab credit in general chem even after 22L or 23L b/c my ap credit only give me 22, not the lab portion as well... same goes for physics....</p>
<p>is only one lab required for chem and physics for premed? it seems like 2 are required for each... the premed requirements with ap credits are what confuse me</p>
<p>i will take either chem22 or chem23... and either physics62 or physics63... as of now, i am thinking of chem23 and phys62.... any recommendations? </p>
<p>also, sillyface, are you serious about taking orgo first semester freshman year?!? would that not be suicide with math103???</p>
<p>what is chem151?</p>
<p>if it matters to anyone trying to help, i'm considering a minor in psych as well.....</p>
<p>Chem 151 is Orgo I (152 is Orgo II). You'll need both for Premed. Chem 151 is taken by many freshman first semester; due to this one section every year is dedicated to only freshmen. The curve is generally considered to be more lenient, but there are some intense Chem people in it. </p>
<p>I took Math 103 with Chem 151 (along with a Writing and EGR 53) first semester. It's not as bad as you would think and certainly not suicide, but you do have to work for it. Chem 151 for freshmen also has a special option provided by the Chem department where if you feel overwhelmed in October (well after the drop/add date), you can do a special drop and drop into Chem 23.</p>
<p>writing 20 all have different subjects and come in a variety of intensity levels, unfortunately its hard to figure out which ones will be easy before hand.</p>
<p>check Schedule</a> of Courses to see if egr53 was offered this spring. my hunch is no, as they now want all freshman to take it first semester.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I took Math 103 with Chem 151 (along with a Writing and EGR 53) first semester. It's not as bad as you would think and certainly not suicide, but you do have to work for it. Chem 151 for freshmen also has a special option provided by the Chem department where if you feel overwhelmed in October (well after the drop/add date), you can do a special drop and drop into Chem 23.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Do you know if Dr. Hong still teaches 151? He was a pretty nice guy.</p>
<p>is math 103 usually offered in the spring term? </p>
<p>i was wondering because freshman can't have more than four courses in the first semester. i want to take econ 51 in the fall and econ 55 in the spring, so i can't fit math 103 in the fall. anyone know the answer? thanks a lot</p>
<p>oh, and bsbllallstr, the schedule doesn't have 2009 spring term. does anyone know if egr 53L can be taken in the spring semester?</p>
<p>Let's try to clear things up for you poor BME/ premeds:</p>
<p>Chemistry- If you're BME you only need Chem 21 and 22. If you're also premed then you need Chem 151 and 152 (Orgo 1 and 2).
AP Chem credit gives you credit for 21 and 22 but you are required to take at least one class at Duke if you're BME so you can take 22 or 23 (21 and 22 combined) during first semester. You can also wait until the Spring to take 22 with everyone else. If you are pre-med and you have AP Credit, you should take 23 or 151 first semester.</p>
<p>Physics: 61 is mechanics, 62 is E & M, and 63 is modern physics. For premed and BME you are required to take 61 and 62. You are required to take one semester of physics at Duke no matter what, even if you have AP credit for Mechanics and E & M so most people either take 63 in the spring of freshman year or 62 in the fall of sophomore year if they have AP credit. If you only have credit for Mechanics, then just take 62 sophomore year.</p>
<p>Bio: For BME you are only required to take Bio 25 plus one Bio elective. If you are premed you are required to take two bio labs. If you have AP Bio credit then you just need to take one more bio class. If you are premed you'll probably want to take more than that to do well on the MCAT so most people take Bio 118 (Genetics) and then another Bio class with a lab. If you're only BME you can wait until Junior or Senior year to take an easier Bio class.</p>
<p>Math: I took Math 103 first semester freshman year and then took a semester off before take both Math 107 and 108 sophomore year. I think it was a good decision since it was helpful to know Math 103 for Physics and it was good to take 107 and 108 in the same year since they are similar. Whatever you do, DO NOT take Math 32 if you got a 4 or 5 on Calc BC. It will NOT be an easy A. Just go straight into 103 because you'll have to take it anyways.</p>
<p>EGR 53: I highly recommend taking this first semester because you'll have 300 other freshmen engineers taking it at the same time so you'll all be going through it together. If you wait until the spring there will only be around 40 people taking it and there will also be less office hours to get help.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you have any more specific questions!</p>
<p>A lot of the same as what the person above me mentioned. Take EGR 53 in the Fall because that's when most others do it and you want to meet as many people as possible first semester. </p>
<p>Writing 20: It's not just one specific class that teaches you how to write, but rather a plethora of choices exploring different fields (and teaching you how to write at the same time). The classes range from science fiction to monsters to science to Shakespeare... These classes are also pretty unique because they're mandated to have fewer than 12 people. The caveat then is that the "good" ones are taken up pretty quickly. By "good" I mean classes that you would think sounds interesting... Genetics and Society just naturally sounds more interesting than... Writing on Durham. Plus there are a few that have been passed down from class to class which are known to be really really easy (I think the Postcard one is supposed to be, but I dont know what the actual title is... urban legend maybe). I personally took one called Hope and Fear in Science Fiction and it was all about cyberpunk and how the world is going to end up in dystopia if we keep heading down our path. Pretty interesting and a good relief from Latex, Green's Theorem, and SN2 reactions...</p>
<p>I'm looking at the list of Writing 20 classes for Fall 08 and some look very, very interesting. Go on ACES and see for yourselves! :)</p>