<p>I am thinking about applying to Davis next year but I have some questions. Firstly, I know they have a wonderful animal science or just science in general program. Approximately how big are their Biology and/or chemistry classes. I am guessing they are really big but does anyone have a general number?</p>
<p>Before the pepper spray incident this school was definitely in my top 20 schools to consider but now I am not so sure. Honestly I was really disturbed by the incident and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on it. Is there a chance it could happen again? It really is a wonderful school but I also wan to make sure I feel safe. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I just wanted to touch on the pepper spray incident… That in NO WAY should negatively influence your decision making when it comes to UC-Davis. The whole ordeal was completely blown out of proportion by the media, and quite frankly, though it conflicts with common belief, the cops were completely justified. The clips going around the internet show a very small portion of the events that actually took place. The students were demonstrating in a non-designated protest area and had been asked repeatedly to move their protest to a different location since it was interfering with classes, school function, etc. The students were warned that they’d be forcibly removed if they didn’t abide, and they disobeyed and faced the consequences.</p>
<p>As for whether or not it will happen again: NO. The occupy movement was a fad, and I don’t see something like that happening again anytime soon. Also, even if something like were to happen, you wouldn’t be affected unless you were one of the kids that got caught up in the protest and willfully disobeyed. You’re perfectly safe.</p>
<p>I figured there was more to the story. It’s difficult to get the correct information when all you have available is the media. Since I am not the protesting type it sounds like I will be fine. Thanks for the quick response!</p>
<p>Also, if anything, the pepper spray incident may make people more inclined to attend the university. It showed that there is an active voice on campus and a strong school spirit and a that the staff is willing to cooperate with the student body so that an individual could gain more than just an education from this top notch university.</p>
<p>The BIS 2ABC series are usually held in the SocSci lecture hall (for the lecture portion), and that seats up to 540 students. I think the CHEM 2AB series has around 270-350 students (I looked at the class schedule and just added up the caps for each section). The CHEM 0194 room is also really big.</p>
<p>Also, the Occupy thing isn’t going to crop up again. I think the protesters from last quarter tried to get everyone who participated last quarter back on the quad (since they all cleaned up and vacated the premises before winter break began), but that isn’t happening. It’s dead now, considering there’s only around 3-5 tents on the quad and no one else is joining them.</p>
<p>If you’re worried about safety, you might want to check the other incidents that occur and the university’s response to those. The student newspaper also runs police briefs from the city. Most of the briefs are usually pretty tame. Bike theft is of course a problem at Davis, as it is at many college campuses. Sadly, a student was struck and killed by a Davis resident recently.</p>
<p>Lately there have been some problems with hate and intimidation. The same week as the pepper spray incident, a yellow ribbon was found with the words “use me as a noose.” The administration responded immediately with a notice to all students. However, at the same time, there were swastikas spray painted on campus. The administration made no mention of these. More recently, the women’s center was broken into and the figure they use for educational purposes was hung with a noose. Again, there was no response from the administration. These incidents can also be found in the student newspaper.</p>
<p>You may also want to read up on the continued Occupy-related events as they are reported regularly. So far there have been no more reports of violence there.</p>
<p>The student was biking drunk and pulled out in front of a moving car. Context is important.</p>
<p>@Malixie: My chemistry lecture is huge (like 400+ students), but there’s definitely time to ask questions (although I find that really annoying.) You’ll have a discussion section with a graduate student, and usually only around 10 students show up to mine. On top of that, there is Chemistry office hours Monday-Thursday, so you can bring your specific questions there. I’m assuming biology classes are about the same.</p>
<p>With regards to safety, you really shouldn’t be concerned. The student’s pepper sprayed were asked to leave before action was taken. Although I personally believe the police used excessive force, the students did have the opportunity to leave.</p>
<p>yes, the lectures are huge, but the lab sections have about 35 students and as stated above, an additional ‘discussion section’ with an assistant where you can attend for small group help.</p>