Hi Aska,
So I’m currently a first year student at UTM, in the psych program. I just transferred to UTM this semester after doing quite badly in a different program at a different university.
Anyways, because of my academic history, I’m on academic probation for this year and only allowed to take 3 courses per semester for my first year. So far, at the end of my first semester, I’m getting above 80 is all three courses, and very much enjoying my program.
If everything continues as it is, I will have 3.0 credits with a CGPA of 3.8 – 4.0 at the end of second semester. Now this is where things get confusing for me….
I’m interested in the specialist program in the psych department called “Behavior, genetics and neurobiology”. The requirements of which are on the website and which include CHM110/120, which I am not taking at the moment because I can only take 3 courses. My plan is to take it in the summer. However, this course, while being a UTM course, is only offered at the St George campus over the summer, and I know you have to have a minimum number of credits at your “home” campus before being allowed to take courses at one of the other campuses. So, my question is, will I be able to take it over the summer with only 3.0 credits?
Also, I don’t understand the whole subject PosTs thing. The minimum requirements for the specialist program are 8.0 credits, and a CGPA of 3.0 and some particular courses have to be taken. My question is, if you need a minimum of 8.0 credits, how can you declare it is a subject POST on ROSI after first year? Wouldn’t you have to wait until the end of second year to have enough credits? If that is the case, then why do you have to declare your subject POSts at the end of first year?
Also, if I am allowed to take CHM100/120 during the summer, is it a very difficult course to complete in the compressed time period?
Another question, I’m supposed to be taking a stats course in second year and I’m not sure which one to take: PSY201 or BIO360. Any idea on which prof is better or which one is slightly easier? Math is not my favourite subject so I would prefer to take the one with the better prof that will give me a better chance of getting a good grade…
Thanks
Confused First Year UTM student
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Yo yo!
Nice grades there, bro. I take it you enjoy showcasing them? Don’t worry, I’m sure anyone getting As would be just as shameless. 😉
Now onto your matter: if you only have 3.0 FCE, then no, unfortunately, there will not be any studying at St. George. You need at least 4.0 FCE from UTM to take anything at the St. George campus. So what can you do for now? Well, unfortunately, wait. Or you can stock up on some courses for next semester!
And as for your POSt questions, it is exactly as you read it. I know it sounds weird, but basically from what I’m reading, the Behaviour, Genetics and Neurobiology program seems to be something you enter after your second year and after you’ve taken all the required courses, which adds up to a good chunk of that required 8.0 FCE. That means that in the mean time, take their listed first and second year course requirements.
But you will still have to declare a POSt. You always do. Why? So that you can register. But not to worry, a lot of people finish their first year, don’t get into the program they want, and just list something they know they can get into as a placeholder. For you, I would recommend perhaps going into a Psych specialist in the mean time.
As for summer school… well, it requires discipline. Lots and lots of discipline. Are you willing to study while your friends go out every single night, enjoying the warm summer nights and lovely patios?? Are you willing to flip through textbooks when there are pools to be swam in, beaches to lay on, and tanning to be had? And what about sitting in a dank classroom when the sunshine creeps into the windows? It’s up to you whether or not it’s “difficult.”
Lastly, the stats question… I guess the best option for you is to do a little research. See who teaches it and consult one of my personal favourites: ratemyprofessor! While not necessarily accurate, you at least get a little bit of insight.
too long but had to read,
aska