Are you a freshman that is confused about what you want to do in the future? Knee deep in those physics, chemistry, biology courses? Or are you in that sophomore slump? And looking for some interesting, less stressful and less intense classes to take?
As a second year, I've had plenty of experience of not knowing what classes to take and just picking out what seemed most interesting to me. It was my luck that not only did I choose classes out of not knowing what to do, but I also really enjoyed these (easy) courses:
1. PSC 1 - I took this course during my first quarter as a freshman. Even though it was not advised to do so, because of the "level of difficulty" I still took the course. It was super easy and enjoyable! Not only did I learn the psychology of one's decisions, but I also learned the biology of a person too! I got the best of both worlds without having to know much about biology itself. What was really useful was that my professor (Seelke) used iClicker questions during every lecture and 100% of the time the questions she asked were on the midterms and final.
2. NUT 10 - I took this class virtually and it was the best decision every! Professor Applegate is so enthusiastic about the subject that she lectures, it makes the 1.5 hours fly by really fast! She offers so much extra credit, it's hard to not get a B or better in this class. Tip: If you miss a lecture or don't have time to sit down and watch the lectures virtually, don't worry about it. If you study the study guide and attend the exam reviews you will do peechy keen with the midterms.
3. PLS 21 - I'll explain this course in three bullet points:
- You don't have to go to lecture
- Virtual midterms (google answers)
- Lab is 90% of the course, attend your section each week and pay attention and you will get an A in this course
4. CMN 3 - I can't say much about this course because I didn't attend lecture that often... Well, let's be real: I attended the first lecture, the lecture right before the midterms, and I did fairly well in that course. There is a discussion section where you have to work in a group and present at the end of the quarter, but I'm pretty sure no one got a grade lower than 90%.
5. DES 1 - Took this course thinking it would be an easy A, but truth be told, it took a lot more effort than I thought. Daily sketches counted for points, three quizzes that quizzed you on information that was only needed for the quiz, a group project and process book. I put a lot of hard work and hours into this course, and if I had the option to do it again I wouldn't. But it's on my top eight classes that I have taken so far, because I thoroughly enjoyed being creative in this class and using my imagination.
6. STA 13 - Now you would think why in the world would a math class be an easy GE... well Stats 13 is. You get a cheat sheet for the midterms and finals. As long as you know what questions apply to what equation and how to calculate the equation, I say it would be hard to end the quarter with a grade poorer than a B- and with full knowledge and understanding of intermediate statistics.
7. ECM 1 - A few blurbs to say: attendance during lecture isn't really needed because the information the professors lecture you about is also taught in lab and in your lab manual. Lab is super fun because you can taste coffee. To me this is a watered down chemistry and chemical engineering course. It makes me feel like I could be a well rounded student who attempts to discover different subjects that I could excel in. So far, I have an A.
8. Aggie Ambassador - Now this really isn't a course, but more of an organization you're in that you can receive credit for. Based on how many units you want you have a minimum amount of "events" you have to attended to promote the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Super duper easy to accomplish and it also looks good on your resume!
Hopefully some of these courses sound interesting to you folks here at UC Davis. I know that spring quarter course pass times are fast approaching, so if you need any advice feel free to ask around. There are surely other Aggies out there willing to share their experience with classes too!
Always,
Your Business Economics Major
