<p>i saw it online that every course has a Lecture section and Discussion section. I want to know what are they. Which part is taught by the GSI? And is it possible not to attend the Lecture part of the course??</p>
<p>Thankss for the help!</p>
<p>1) Not every course has a lecture and disussion. It is mainly the larger courses where extensive professor/student interaction is not feasible.</p>
<p>2) The discussions are generally taught by GSIs and the lectures by professors or in rare cases someone else. The intro lectures are usually quite large and discussions are generally about 20ish students.</p>
<p>3) You can skip lecture if the professor allows you to, generally they don't take attendance in lecture. You must remember that your education is entirely in your hands now. Nobody really forces you to do anything.</p>
<p>The usefulness of discussion sections usually widley vary amongst classes. Attendance of lectures decreases as the year goes on as well. However, I recommend you go to every single discussion and lecture even if your gsi or professor isn't up to par. The reason is that it is a good habit to keep and you will actually learn things despite what you may think. It is the lectures you really are paying for, not so much anything else. Just go.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. More question. Is the discussion links to the lecture? In other words, do the GSIs teach students new stuff or just answer whatever question we have. And do we get a grade from GSIs?</p>
<p>the discussion section is usually where GSI's go over last lecture's material and answer questions. Sometimes, though, lectures fall behind and the discussion sections move ahead, to keep with schedule.</p>