<p>I am going to be attending Duke in the Fall '08 semester as an incoming freshman. Whooooo! I'm interested in a Chemistry Major with Pre-med as well. If anyone with similar interests (or even not) could give me some advice as to what professors are good to take and which aren't that would be great. I'm kind of overwhelmed as there are so many options for each course and college in general. It's all kind of a scary feeling as I'm coming from Western New York and will know no one at Duke. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Well, what classes are you planning on taking next semester. It is kinda hard to advise you with just a vague recommendation. I can say that when it comes time for you to take some biology, look for Dr. Grunwald if you can. (he's awesome) I'd can't really give much advice on chem professors because despite getting a minor in it I really never had a super great experience with any of the professors. (classes were just a little too big) I did like Dr. Sebehar but I think she moved.</p>
<p>So sorry I can't be too much help. (I'm an Engineer so I haven't taken too many trinity classes)</p>
<p>Yes- Dr. Sebahar moved across the country. Very very sad, and a great loss for Duke, in my opinion.:(</p>
<p>Do you know what Chemistry class you're going to be taking? If you have AP credit, you can do 23 or start with Organic depending on your scores, but there is only one section of each, 23 being taught by Toone and freshman Organic by Hong, as usual. If you're taking 21, Gen Chem 1, it looks like Roy is teaching both sections and he is WONDERFUL...that will be a great class.</p>
<p>The other professor I really enjoyed for Chemistry was Dr. MacPhail who I took Physical Chemistry with, as well as Gen Chem (he usually teaches one semester "baby" pchem, so if you're a BS major with a concetration OR a BA you'll eventually take class with him anyway). </p>
<p>I've also taken classes with Palmer, Crumbliss, Coltart, and spent 2 weeks in a class/lab with Dr. Liu and Dr. Woerner, all in the Chem department, so if you have more specific questions about professors when you decide which class you're taking, let me know.</p>
<p>I would advise you to skip on a Biology this semester, if you're thinking Chemistry. You'll definitely have time to take all the classes you need later, and they're challenging. They also grade relatively harsh (there are some other threads about this on the main Duke board...look for other threads dealing with class scheduling).</p>
<p>Here are courses I would consider: Foreign language, since you need to anyway, an ALP class (perhaps a class like English 51, since it's a) easy and b) you need it anyway), a math class, perhaps consider a psychology class or another "soft" science that fulfills a requirement you need to graduate (start those graduation requirements now!! it will make your life less hectic when you get into the "killer" pre med classes like Bio 118). You also need a Writing 20 or seminar. </p>
<p>For me, I was a pre-med Chemistry major (no longer pre-med), and this was my freshman year schedule:</p>
<p>Fall:
Chem 21
Writing 20
Econ 1
Spanish 63</p>
<p>Spring:
Chem 22
History seminar
BAA 93
Math 103</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me with any questions!</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your detailed response! It is awesome to know there are people out there who love Duke so much, they're willing to help out others who will be attending. I really do appreciate the responses.</p>
<p>No problem at all:) Good luck!</p>