Pre-Med Q&ACategory: Scheduling and Classestaking-math-116-chem-130-and-bio-172
AvatarC asked 3 years ago

I am a new sophomore transfer student!
I was wondering if it is doable to take Math 116, Chem 130, and Bio 172 at my first semester at UMich? I also got into the Changing Gear UROP Research Program which is 2-4 credits.
I am planning on taking them all online (if they have a remote option), so I wouldn’t be able to take any of the labs. For the labs, I would have to take them winter semester, Chem 125, Chem 126, and Bio 173. Is it doable to take three labs in one semester? (I never taken a lab before)
 
Thank you so much!  

1 Answers
AvatarLeen answered 3 years ago

Hi! Welcome to UM!
Your schedule is manageable but could be more optimal if you opted for taking the labs instead of MATH 116 in your first semester. 
 
Here is why I suggest that:
MATH 116 is generally more time-consuming than even higher level Calc classes and, from what I understand, there are team homeworks, quizzes, and exams as well as a general reputation for being a tough math class at UM. That is not meant to discourage you! However, you may feel you have more time to complete those tasks when you are not taking 2-3 other STEM classes too. You may also feel more comfortable seeking help from the MathLab (the Math department’s tutoring center) and other resources after you have adjusted to everything. I personally found the Math Lab to be very helpful when I took MATH 215, but I am not aware of how it will operate in the fall.
 
Other things to note involve the labs. Firstly, CHEM 125/126 are the same class, but listed under 2 names (for medical school purposes). Secondly, the labs, as of recently, do have remote options. If that aligns with your circumstances, it may be best to take them while taking CHEM 130 and BIO 172. Those labs won’t take up as much of your time as MATH 116 would. On the other hand, if you want to have the actual hands-on experience, you could easily delay them for the winter semester, in which case they would be manageable. Nonetheless, I would still suggest moving MATH 116 to the winter.
 
I hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.
 
Best,
Leen, PMH Advisor

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