How difficult is it to take 3 science classes in 1 semester?

<p>Hey everyone - I'm transferring in the fall and hoping to declare MCB-CDB by end of the semester. I'm also hoping to graduate in two years, but as I did not complete IGETC, nor finish the physics sequence at my CC, the prospect of graduating in two years seems unlikely. It looks like the only way for me to graduate in two years is if I take 3 science courses in one semester at least once in my junior year. So... I was wondering if anybody here can shed light on how difficult it is to take more than two science classes in just one semester. I know it can be done but is not encouraged (the MCB handbook says: "Protect your GPA: take only two science classes per semester" or something to that effect). However, I am sort of planning on taking Phys8A, MCB102, and possibly an elective - maybe Chem C130. How difficult would this be? Would taking those three science classes above - or any three (or more) science classes - be suicidal? Or do MCB students attempt this often?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>BTW, I'm going to CalSO on the 9th. :)</p>

<p>2 is certainly doable, 3 + a decal should be ok</p>

<p>The MCB handbook says that because so many of their students are premeds. Engineering, physics and chem students take more than two every semester and survive. I agree with h*** about the three + a decal deal.</p>

<p>Ok, thanks for the input, guys. I'm probably going to pace myself first this semester, though, and do 3 + decal in the Spring. I'll find out tomorrow in CalSO from counselors/other students how feasible it is. Thanks again!</p>

<p>Update on this:</p>

<p>I went to CalSO last Thursday, and the MCB advisors were rather adamant that incoming transfers take only ONE science class their first semester at Cal, and to take no more that 15 units overall. They even offered "evidence" of the negative effect of taking too many science classes.</p>

<p>Oh, I don't know. I registered in both Phys8A and MCB102, along with a PE class and MCB98 (Pre-Med 101). I need to take two science classes every semester if I want to graduate in two years, and yes indeed I do want to get out of Cal in two years, so I didn't follow what I'm certain is their well-intentioned advice. I hope I don't regret it.</p>

<p>MCB is EXTREMELY tough. Be warned. </p>

<p>Physics 8a is not very hard, but the class requires you to do a lot of homework online.</p>

<p>Thanks for the warning. I do consider myself warned. I really hope I don't kick myself in the butt later. :P</p>

<p>i just wanted to bring up this old topic, becuase i didn't want to make a similar topic that would waste our precious webspace.</p>

<p>i'm in the same situation, and i need to take 3 upper-div courses either this coming spring or the next spring... so, i'm CDB and i'm thinking about taking MCB 115 (Virology, 2 units) and one of the cancer courses (3 units), along with physics 8b next semester. The units seem intriguingly small... anyone here take these classes?</p>

<p>mcb 102 and physics 8a are very chill at the moment, but too bad it won't stay this way.</p>