<p>Does anyone know if the books required are actually used / helpful? I'm taking math 1210 (kwasik), physics 1310 (shakov), and chem 1070 (jacobsen). Any feedback about those profs?</p>
<p>Will I be needing a TI-84+ calculator for math? What other technical stuff will I be needing for school (I'm taking up engineering)? Is it okay if I get a Mac?</p>
<p>This sounds stupid, but just to make sure, there are no finals for labs right? I'm booking a return flight already so I need to know when my exams end.</p>
<p>You can always check RMP for more opinions, but I’ll tell you what I know.</p>
<p>I had Jacobsen and while he’s a cool guy (even wrote me a LOR for my Summer Research Internship), he is not very good at teaching. His tests are really wierd/random and hard to prepare for. I had Koplitz second semester who was MUCH better. If you’ve had AP chem you should be fine, but if not you will probably have a hard time.</p>
<p>I’ve heard mixed things about Shakov, but I’m taking physics (non-calc based, I think 1210 or something like that) with Tipler because he doesn’t give homework :)</p>
<p>Some labs have finals (cell 211-lab you take after you’ve taken cell 101) comes to mind. You won’t have a final for general chemistry lab, but you might have one for physics lab.</p>
<p>You will need books for all 3 classes (at least for calc and chem, both of which i’ve taken).</p>
<p>Do you know if Schmell is better for chem? I don’t think Koplitz teaches chem 1070 And I didn’t take AP chem.</p>
<p>What exactly have you heard about Shakov?</p>
<p>This is a bit off topic, but when will I get my bill for tuition, room, board, etc? Does the DHS cover the academic support fee or is it just for flat tuition?</p>
<p>Just tuition, you still pay the fee (bummer, I know). Even when you study abroad you pay the fee, although they do wave things like the athletic fee and similar ones you couldn’t possibly use, but I guess they use the rationalization that when you are studying abroad you are still utilizing Tulane advisors and the like. Obviously they just want the money.</p>
<p>I believe the bill comes in early to mid August. Naturally if you have the DHS the tuition will show as a credit.</p>
<p>Schmell didn’t teach when I took Chem either semester. His ratings look the best on RMP, though, so if it works for your schedule you might want to consider switching. </p>
<p>I do know a few people who got A’s in Jacobsen’s class who hadn’t had AP chem, but they worked VERY hard and I don’t think they came out with a better understanding of the material than those who had other professors.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that Shakov gives these HORRIBLE in class clicker quizzes that are really hard. Apparently he also gives weekly homework that takes a long time. My friend seriously can’t stand the guy and frequently complained about him (she took non calculus based physics). On the other hand, one of my upperclassmen friends who is really good at math said he wasn’t as bad if you’ve had calculus 3 (he took calculus based physics).</p>
<p>Keep in mind these are all opinions based on my own and my friend’s experiences. For some people a professor might be easier or harder than others.</p>
<p>Oh god I have a REALLY bad feeling about this I looked through RMP and Shakov already had the best rating. I need to take calc-based physics already and I haven’t even taken calc in high school yet. I’ll be taking math 1210, which is calculus… </p>
<p>Is a B possible at least (for either Jacobsen or Shakov)? Aren’t the classes graded on a curve?</p>
<p>Also, I’ve been looking for cheap textbooks, and like for math, the cheap ones are usually the instructor’s edition. Will that do? WHat exactly is the difference?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry too much about taking the “hard” professor for a class. Of course, if you can get recommendations to take a certain professor, that’s always great. But I’ve been forced to take some profs with negative RMP reviews, and sometimes I’ve found that I’ve actually liked the professor or teaching style that was so heavily criticized. You never know who is writing reviews on RMP and why they have such strong feelings toward a professor.</p>
<p>Also remember you can always get extra help at the tutoring center if you’re really struggling. Go AS SOON AS you feel like you’re falling behind. I’ve only personally been a few times, but each time has been very helpful. Of course a B is <em>possible</em>, but it will all depend on the work you put in! Try not to stress too much about it now, just get your brain in gear to work hard in the Fall. Find study buddies and some inner motivation, and you’ll do great :)</p>
<p>You should definitely invest in a graphing calculator like the TI-84+ for math and physics, and I don’t see any reason why a Mac wouldn’t be okay.</p>
<p>One of the Tulane Ambassadors told me that Jacobsen was a really good teacher. She recommended that I sign up for Jacobsen’s chem. class.<br>
I have taken AP chem. though.</p>
<p>I agree with the above that people can have mixed opinions. I was just saying that my experience with Jacobsen was that he doesn’t really teach. I guess it could almost be a plus to take him because you can save yourself 2-3hrs/week by not attending his class and just reading the book. I think your own personal learning style comes into play a lot. I’d rather have a teacher who really engages the students and is capable of presenting material in a way that I can comprehend over someone who stands up and reads random facts off of a powerpoint. Just my 2 cents… </p>
<p>The tutoring center is kind of hit or miss. I know a few upperclassmen who teach there and they don’t seem like the brightest students. On the other hand, I’ve gotten awesome help by using the writing center and having someone proof-read my paper.</p>
And I didn’t take AP chem.</p>