<p>So I'm currently looking at what my spring '15 schedule will look like. I am a second year student, although I'm still considered a freshman because of how many credit hours I had at the beginning of the semester. I also recently changed my major to environmental science, from chemistry (and before that, it was biology). Most of the classes that I need to catch up on are only offered at one time. I need to take a biodiversity lecture, along with a biodiversity lab. But the lab will interfere with two other classes, no matter when I'm looking at taking it, and the two other classes are only offered at those times, on those days. The lecture is 4 credits, with the lab being 1. I've known people who have taken summer lecture classes and then do the lab in the fall/spring. I emailed my advisor to set up a time to meet with him, but he hasn't emailed me back yet. Would it be advisable to take the lecture and lab in different semesters? Because right now, it wouldn't fit into the spring semester. Has anyone else been in this situation?</p>
<p>I’ve never been in that situation, but I could imagine it being a bit strange. Lecture/lab combination courses are usually structured so that they flow at the same rate. The things you’re doing in lab will correlate with what you’re doing in lecture. It’s structured that way because they mutually reinforce one another. While it’s certainly possible (assuming that it is allowed), I’d say that it’s likely better to take them concurrently. </p>
<p>Often times you are not allowed to take them separately; they are “co-requisites” that must be taken at the same time and sometimes have a combined grade for the lecture and lab. This is specific to the course and the school, though. There’s not much we can tell you here. You’re best off waiting to hear what your advisor has to say.</p>
<p>That has been my experience. There are often multiple lab sections for one lecture section, and you do typically register for the lecture and lab separately, but in my experience you MUST register for both. I’ve never had a class that would have even allowed taking the lecture and lab in different semesters. </p>
<p>I’ve done it before. It’s not a big deal. Just keep a book around to remind yourself of what you forgot.</p>