<p>to all who are current ucsd students, do you recommend incoming freshmen to take science classes in our freshmen year? i am a biochemistry major, so idk whether or not to take science classes in my freshmen year. i keep getting advice that i should avoid science classes during my freshmen year.</p>
<p>Ummmm if you’re a biochem major and intend on graduating in 4 years, you don’t really have a choice. At the very least you should complete the Chem 6 series.</p>
<p>Yeah, you pretty much have no choice but taking a bunch of science classes. I have no idea where you heard that advice, but whoever said it is sadly wrong.</p>
<p>Sorry, just one more thing to add - if you’re that apprehensive about science classes perhaps changing your major would be a good idea, cause they will kill your GPA if you’re not completely into them.</p>
<p>i’m presuming you want to be a biochem major because you find the chemistry of life processes interesting – and not because of some great job prospects out there (because there really aren’t that many). college is only four years long. spend it doing as many enjoyable things as you can. whether this includes science classes is up to you.</p>
<p>and um yeah, i might disregard any other “information” from this source of yours.</p>
<p>That’s disappointing to hear there aren’t many job opportunities for a biochem major. I was leaning towards that on my way to pharmacy school, but it would be nice to have a BS I can actually use in the likely chance I don’t get in immediately.</p>
<p>I would love to hear someone familiar with the issue elaborate on this topic.</p>
<p>It’s funny you mention this, I was just talking about this very same issue with my dad over dinner yesterday. He also happens to be a professor of Biochem and he told me to take classes that I like freshman year and to explore my interest. After all, you only have one freshman year.</p>
<p>Near-guaranteed way to get a job in a biochemistry lab post-graduation:</p>
<p>Start working in a lab as soon as possible. (Dish-washing doesn’t count.)</p>
<p>There are many college grads who focus on classes and grades and don’t pick up any practical lab skills. This isn’t something an employer particularly wants. They’ll train you for the specifics of the job, but if they have to teach you how to pour gels and use pipets, it’s likely they’ll pass over you in favor of a more experienced applicant.</p>
<p>Astrina, I just gotta say, you give some really awesome advice. </p>
<p>If you avoid science classes freshman year, you’ll be behind everyone else. That has its ups and downs but basically you won’t be able to graduate within 4 years. And look, it’s not about “enjoying” freshman year, because you’ll enjoy it either way (unless you somehow plan to take 4 science classes in a quarter). A lot of people pick certain majors because of the possible bank they can make after graduation. But if you hate what you’re majoring in, how can you know until you take some classes in it? Granted, taking some classes doesn’t mean you’ll love or dislike it, but it’ll give you an idea about what it’s all about.</p>
<p>If you’re prehealth or prescience you pretty much have to take science classes starting your first year (unless like others have mentioned, you plan to take longer than 4 years to graduate).</p>
<p>Taking science classes does not preclude one from having fun or exploring interests.</p>
<p>(And for some, taking science classes is fun and a good way to explore scientific interests.)</p>
<p>Not all sciences are the same.</p>
<p>I took the PHYS1 series and BIPN100/102 for fun, but can’t imagine myself taking any Chem or Microbio for the life of me. If you figure out what you like, be it in the sciences or other discipline, stick with it. It’s much easier to study for and succeed in something you like learning about.</p>