Questions about Sciences at UR

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Rochester
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<p>I was accepted to UR and I have some questions about science at UR. </p>

<p>I'm planning to major in biochemistry or molecular genetics (I LOVE SCIENCE!!) and really want to do undergraduate research. At the moment, I think that I'll probably end up going to grad school for some sort of PhD.<br>
How have your experiences been in the sciences?
How easy is it to get undergraduate research? Is it possible to get it as a first year?
How big are the intro level bio, chem, and calc classes? How challenging are these classes? What are the placement policies based on APs, etc? Do the classes get smaller as time goes on? How many courses do most students take (4 or 5)?
How strong is the chemistry department?
Are most people in the life sciences premed? Do many aspire to go to grad (not med) school? How is grad school placement in the sciences?
What is the environment like in the sciences? Collaborative? Competitive?
How is the grading? Deflation? Inflation? (just curious, not a major cause for concern)</p>

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<p>D has been very happy with her experience in the sciences (double major in math and bio/neuroscience track). She has gotten wonderful mentoring and has found most of the professors very approachable. </p>

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<p>From what daughter has said, basically, if you want to do research, and you’re diligent about pursuing it, there are lots of opportunities. Nearly all her science-major friends (she’s a sophomore) who wanted to do research have found positions.</p>

<p>It is possible to get a lab position as second semester freshman. But the beginning of sophomore year is more typical. Although as one prof joked to the parents: Profs cherish freshman lab assistants-- afterall,someone has to get up at 4 am and feed the hamsters.</p>

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<p>Intro bio and chem classes are large lectures–I think there were as many as 300 in the intro bio/chem classes. But students are also required to attend recitations for the large lectures. Recitation sections are much smaller, typically 15-30 students.</p>

<p>Calc classes are similar to the bio and chem. Large lecture with smaller recitation sections.</p>

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<p>The courses can be quite challenging, but just how much so is going to depend upon a number of factors, including: your high school preparation, your diligence in attending the lectures and recitations, your willingness to slog through the assignments and homework, and your natural ability in the area.</p>

<p>My d found the courses ranging from pretty easy to challenging, but not impossible. That said, Intro Bio and Intro Chem are weeder classes. Lots of people who started out as bio or chem majors aren’t at the end of their first year.</p>

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<p>AP placement policies are here:</p>

<p>[Advanced</a> Placement Credit : Center for Academic Support](<a href=“http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/AdviserHandbook/AP.html]Advanced”>http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/AdviserHandbook/AP.html)</p>

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<p>yes, upper levels science classes have smaller lectures than do the intro classes.</p>

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<p>First semester freshmen may only take 4 classes. If you have a strong GPA (3.0 or higher), you may request an overload and take 5 classes/semester.</p>

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<p>Strong; however biochemistry is within the BIOLOGY department, not the chemistry department.</p>

<p>[University</a> of Rochester: UPBM BS Biochemistry](<a href=“http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/UPBM/majors/upbmbsbch.htm]University”>http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/UPBM/majors/upbmbsbch.htm)</p>

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<p>Many life science majors are pre-meds, but not all. And yes, there is a significant group of bio majors who are headed to grad school, not med school. </p>

<p>Grad school placement is excellent, provided you are a strong and dedicated student.</p>

<p>(IOW, poor grades and lackluster GRE won’t get you into grad school, but if you’re strong candidate with a good GPA, with good personal contacts with you professors–for letters of recommendation, and with a good GRE score, then you won’t have a problem. D has talked about some of the really fascinating programs that some of the upperclassmen she knows have gone to.) </p>

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<p>Collaborative. </p>

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<p>Grading depends upon a great deal upon the professor. Most of the lower level courses are curved-- so there will be a normal (i.e. bell curve) distribution of grades.</p>

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<p>thank you!!!
your response is very helpful!</p>