<p>I am in the CoE as an EECS major. Is it common to take a seminar in my first semester to decrease the overall workload? Furthermore, in which phase are freshman seminar courses picked? I would think phase 2 because classes such as Phys, Chem, and Math etc. usually tend to fill up quick. Am I right in thinking this? Lastly, can someone comment on the quality of Eng. 98? That is the The Survival Guide to Berkeley Engineering" class.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure E98 is a decal and not a seminar. My roommate took it his first semester and he said it was “a big waste of time because all you do is play tag and talk about stupid ****.”</p>
<p>Thanks. I’ll take your friend’s experiences into account. Can someone comment on the other questions I’ve posed? What are some good seminars to take in my first semester?</p>
<p>What type of engineering are you? Some engineering departments require that you take certain seminars. Since in phase 1, you can only sign up for up to 10.5 units, I sometimes sign up for a seminar after picking two 4 unit courses. Seminars are more exploratory classes. Take something in a subject you’re interested in. I had to take BioE 24 and BioE 25 for my major but outside of that I took Math 24 with Professor Harrison, which I loved.</p>
<p>So I’m gonna pick the two core classes that are 4 units each. Then I’ll look into the seminars I guess. I’ll see if the EECS department (my major) requires any, and if they don’t, I’ll just pick up something I’m interested in.</p>