<p>How hard is the Math 21ABC series? I’m going into Davis as a Biochem and molecular biology major. Are there many bio majors who take this, or do most take the 16 or 17 series?</p>
<p>I took Calc BC in high school but I’m not very skilled in math and I only did ok on the AP test, so I’m not sure if I am fit for Math 21…however, I am very interested in improving my math and I might want to double major in physics as well, which requires Math 21.</p>
<p>Also, I am considering the pre-health track, so would it be better to take the lighter 16 or 17 series for the sake of obtaining a higher GPA?</p>
<p>I only did Calc AB in high school, and still the majority of 17A and 17B was old stuff. If you did BC then it should be a a lot of review. But then again, I don’t know how much harder 21 is, but if you’re going for physics, I don’t know if you really have any choice.</p>
<p>Zizi, most bio-related majors take the 17 series. It’s in the title- Calculus for Biologists…</p>
<p>Anywho, the 21 series is probably the most difficult of the series because the teachers grade more rigorously and expect more out of you. That being said, it won’t really get too hard until 21C but even though if you come to class, do your homework, and prepare well you can very well get an A. I slacked off in 21B and 21C, never went to class, studied the day before midterms and finals and still pulled off B’s. </p>
<p>But for your major I would recommend taking the 17 series because you learn a little bit of biology too. 16 is fine too but you don’t get as much credit for it. One of my friends who took 16, he was very intelligent, I might add, told me he took it instead of 17 or 21 because he wanted to do better, and that the 17 series is overrated.</p>
<p>The 17 series isn’t worth it, imo. I think it’s a weeder course for bio majors, personally. Harder than 17 series without the perks of the 21 series. Yeah, you get Bio applications… but really? It’s just an unnecessary headache if you haven’t taken calc before. Final for Spring quarter – saw friends staying up until 4 AM (with an 8 AM final) because they didn’t get a portion of it. Not cool.</p>
<p>Take the 21 series if you’re confident in your math skills AND have taken calc before. It’s hard, but it’s worth it – I wish now I had taken the 21 series because it keeps your options open, which is the most important thing! :]</p>
<p>I took the 16 series. Definitely the easiest classes I had my freshmen year. If you had a great Calc teacher, you will be fine. Definitely drifted off in 16A, 16B, and part of 16C until we hit 3D shape-volume-thingmajigs (yes, your high school calc knowledge WILL get you that far). Easy A, great way to de-stress, annnndd… yeah. Gives you some buffer during finals week as well – winter quarter, had 2 finals on the first day (without a dead day!), and 16B acted as my buffer – used that time I didn’t study on 16B for Chemistry. LOL. :]</p>
<p>It’s really up to you. But I’d recommend the 21 series, simply because you might doublemajor in Physics.</p>
<p>Thank you so much you guys. Your answers are really helpful. I actually got to see some final practice worksheets for 17 and there was a lot of bio related stuff on there…looked sort of like statistics, but yea. </p>
<p>I’m still split between the 16 and 21 series though. Easier class and higher GPA, or challenging class and possibly lower GPA?</p>
<p>I’d say go for the harder class. Push yourself. It will be more rewarding. Plus it’ll get you more ready for other tough subjects and you’ll learn a lot from the 21 series.</p>
<p>I was looking up all the professors on ratemyprofessor.com. It seems that none of the Math21 professors received good ratings, but Math 16 and 17 has Kouba, who everyone seemed to love. AHH! This is frustrating!</p>
Harder than 17 series without the perks of the 21 series. Yeah, you get Bio applications… but really? It’s just an unnecessary headache if you haven’t taken calc before.