I will be a freshman at ucla. I want to be a bio major and do well so I was wondering how I should plan out my classes since I’m not going to orientation… I’ve heard that taking chem in the winter is easier because part of the pre-meds have already been weeded out. So, should I wait to take chem? Also, what is better to take if I’m not a great math student Life Science 30 or math 3a? Any advice? Thanks
When I went to orientation we were told that the Ls 30 is good for the life science pre meds who have had taken the AP calc bc exam because they need a full year of math. They aren’t allowed to take the beginning calculus classes (3a and 3b), which would make them not have a full year of math at ucla, so they are advised to take 30a 30b and stats. This makes me wonder if a lot of math whizzes will be in the 30 math. Also, the 30 series teaches Python programming and how to apply it to life science math. As far as Chem, I’m starting this fall with 14a. I didn’t want to fall behind with Chem because we also have to do all the LS classes, which they don’t allow us to enroll in first term.
I hope you get what classes you need. If you aren’t able to go to orientation, I would contact your counselor to see if they can set you up. I know that the available spots in high demand math and Chem classes are divided evenly among all of the orientation sessions. Just in case they are all taken at orientation, I think it would be good to be proactive and contact them.
I have and I am meeting with a counselor. I just wanted advice from others who have already gone through this process. Thank you.
Another tip is if you’re feeling a little iffy about Chem ( for ex. you learned the material a long time ago/ never took AP Chem) there is the possibility to take Chem 17 instead of jumping straight into the Chem 20a series or 14a series. You won’t receive units toward graduation for it but it does give you some basic backround in Chem.
Hi @Bananamonkeyabc ! My UCLA freshman just completed her orientation session. Like you she is a Bio major. She enrolled in Math 3B, Chem 14A and chose one of the Writing II classes over a cluster. The Math 3 and Chem 14 series is totally appropriate for the life sciences (and an aspiring premed student). If you are absolutely sure that Biology will remain your major, then stick with this series. If you are not sure, then the 30 and 20 series will offer more flexibility and transfer to other majors (let’s say Bioinformatics…)