<p>I am toying with the idea of a Biology minor... One thing I am really concerned about is the air of competition that often occurs in science courses (at least in my experience.) Does anyone have any insight or experience with Biology courses at Smith? Is this a valid concern?</p>
<p>My daughter is a neuroscience major. She has experienced no cut-throat competition among the students in any of the sciences she has taken. Students do not compare grades nor do they sabotage experiments nor “help study” by giving intentionally wrong answers – at least, not that my daughter has experienced. </p>
<p>The upper level courses are competitive in that you have to work hard to get good grades.</p>
<p>My daughter is a biochemistry major. She has taken biology and chemistry courses. She has experienced no outward competition (let alone sabotage) among classmates. On the contrary, she has found great collaboration and support. Organic Chemistry was a beast for many of the women. I hear there was a lot of commiserating, hand-holding and real help offered. </p>
<p>I experienced firsthand a cutthroat mentality in weeding classes as a premed at Northwestern back when the dinosaurs still roamed. I understand your fears. When it comes to Smith, I think you can put your mind at ease. I hope some other Smith students will weigh in.</p>
<p>I must echo what momwaitingfornew mentioned. You will have to work very hard to get good grades.</p>