Class Planning Tips

While the ABI major only requires two quarters of organic chemistry, if you are going to take the CHE 118C series for vet school, we recommend taking 118C as well. Part of the purpose of schools requiring the 118C series is to see applicants take a full year of organic chemistry that is not otherwise offered by the 8 series.

Couldn't finish general chemistry before the end of your first year? Don't worry! CHE 2A and 2B are the only prerequisites for future chemistry-based classes. You can take CHE 2C any other time during your college career.

Plan what order you'd like to take the BIS 2 series accordingly with what your strengths are and what other classes you will be taking. BIS 2A is an introduction to cellular biology, BIS 2B is introduction to ecology, and BIS 2C is a class on the "tree of life" - phylogeny. These can be taken in any order with the exception that BIS 2B must be taken before BIS 2C.

Almost all students only need to take the MAT 16 series, unless you want to pursue another degree/minor that requires a different series! MAT 17 is intended for CBS and premed students, while MAT 21 is for students in engineering and related sciences.

Don't know where to put a year of physics? Consider doing it in one summer abroad!

Couldn't land a mentor/finish your proposal by the end of ABI 187? You have one year to clear the incomplete grade. So if you took the class in Winter, you have until the end of Winter quarter the following year to submit your proposal.

Always schedule required courses and/or those classes with the most limited time/quarter offerings first so that you can work the rest of your schedule around your most important classes.

Plug in all of your lecture times before looking at lab or discussion section times so you know when and where you have open time slots.

If you can, try to consider breaks and travel time in your schedule and be realistic - Are you supposed to go from SciLec 123 all the way to SocSci 1100 in 10 minutes? Did you leave yourself time to eat? - An hour gap can be awkward but may be necessary if you need to relax, study, or grab some food in between classes.

If you have a later pass time and are unsure about which classes/sections will be open by your pass, come up with back-up schedules so you don't get stuck during your pass time if a class/section is full.

Keep an eye on which classes/sections are still open in the days leading up to your pass time and how many spots are left so you can better gauge your chances of getting the class or section you want and adjust your schedule appropriately.

Look at your finals schedule early so you can address any conflicts (ex. three finals on one day) at the beginning of the quarter OR consider changing your schedule if possible.
Don't forget! If you need to make changes after your first pass has ended, you can still log on to Schedule Builder to make changes every weeknight after your pass 1 appointment from 8pm - midnight and weekends 10am - 6pm for the duration of pass 1. There's also open pass and second pass. The registrar's website explains it here.

If you have any additional questions, you can email abi-advising@ucdavis.edu