<p>Yeah, I’m going to do both. If I’m deciding between IB and MCB, they both have the same requirements right? What makes IB easier? Also, do u think I should take chem 1A in the spring if the teacher has better reviews? Is there any reason to take it in the fall? I’m currently in physics 8A but I was told by another poster, who has been very helpful, that I can do it in either semester. So I just want to get a second opinion.</p>
<p>^
that’s a really long time for 1al, unless you were gunnin for the A+ (does it even happen in 1al?) I thought the 2 hours for part 1, and the 3-4 hours /week I put in for 1al was a lot for a 2 unit class.</p>
<p>for 1a i put in a lot of time the 7 days before (webcasting it all, lol)</p>
<p>i guess people just study/learn in different ways.</p>
<p>the nice thing about chem 1a in the fall is that around 1.5k students are in it, and its easy to fall on the right side of the curve. if the top 16% get As, as usual, it wont be too hard to be in the top 220 or so students.</p>
<p>@babydragon: so you put in roughly the same amount of effort then for your MCB classes compared to Bio 1A?</p>
<p>But how can u get better grades if the requirements are all the same? Sorry I’m just confused : / For instance, I would still have to take chem 1A, 3A, bio 1A, etc. so wouldn’t I get the same grades?</p>
<p>LH is talking about upper divs.</p>
<p>You don’t declare until about halfway through your four years and the lower division work is almost identical - incoming freshmen have a year or two to think about which bio major best fits them.</p>
<p>So there’s some confusion as to how much time one should put into a lower division class like Bio1A/AL vs upper division MCB to get a good grade. First factor in how many classes like this you are taking in one semester. For me I take 2 core classes pertaining to my major each semester, which means that I devote 1 hr each for about 2 hr/day or I can stretch it to 3/day. This does not take into account hmwk related to lab write-ups, Mastering Physics, etc… The key is to develop a study habit you find comfortable that makes sense in terms of what you can get done on campus and at home each and every afternoon. If you need a nap, take it. If you don’t understand something bring it up in discussion section. And if you fall behind, slap yourself. </p>
<p>For classes like Bio1A lab, MCB 102, 104, and other tough classes the secret to the A is really doing a little everyday, which eliminates the need to cram 30+ hrs the few days before an exam. Oh and since I will be a senior anyways I guess I have no more use of [url=<a href=“http://tbp.berkeley.edu/examfiles/]this[/url”>http://tbp.berkeley.edu/examfiles/]this[/url</a>]</p>
<p>@babydragon: i think you forgot to answer my question. :)</p>
<p>so did you study more for your MCB coursework or more for Bio 1A? i’m just trying to gauge how much time I have to put into MCB stuff as compared to Bio 1A.</p>
<p>MechRocket: </p>
<p>I put more effort in studying for MCB compared to Bio 1A because the material was new and conceptually challenging. Most people already took hon/AP biology in high school with the same Campbell edition, so it’s not really a new class. The lab on the other hand is comparable to most MCB classes in terms of amount of material you need to memorize, understand, and apply on free-response based midterms. </p>
<p>To make it clear, you are expected to get through the entire textbook in 15 weeks, so unlike Bio1A/1B Chem3A/3B where it’s split into two, MCB classes for the most part goes through that much material in one semester. </p>
<p>BTW, what is your emphasis?</p>
<p>either CDB Cell Bio or CDB Physiology, why?</p>
<p>if it’s like 1AL, i’m screwed. :(</p>
<p>How come you put up the midterms? Are they different for every class? Or did the teacher put it up and then u gave us the link? Just curious.</p>
<p>Over the years, kind students have posted real/practice exams to be used as study material. Whether you share this “confidential” information is up to you.</p>
<p>That’s awesome. Yeah, I like to use past exams because it’s the best way to study, especially if you cover up the answers and then try it…but the person’s work is always there so it definitely helps. Thank you! I saved it and I hope it works by the time I come to Berkeley.</p>
<p>The one difference between 1AL and MCB upper div classes is that 1AL keeps you on top of things (relatively) because you have quizzes every week. MCB upper divs usually only have 3 midterms and a final so most people don’t study until the last week before the exam and thus, the averages are often quite low (usually around 50-60%). If you’re able to stay on top of everything (go to lectures, do some reading on stuff that isn’t clear from lecture - which happens really often because most profs are really bad at lecturing, do the problem sets each week), you’ll be fine. If you’re not very disciplined about studying regularly, it’ll be challenging. The material is more difficult to master, but the courses vary in levels of conceptual vs. pure memorization (physiology comes to mind). But curves are still very generous, as much so as Bio 1A. Averages are usually set to anywhere between B- to B+ depending on the course.</p>
<p>Some professors put up old exams to even the playing field. Other students use their friends’ old exams or test banks online. There’s a lot floating around out there.</p>
<p>any IB info out there?</p>