A bit about me: I'm basically entering life science I next year, have a sister entering chemical biology second year, and reading the Faculty of Science Level II Program Options, I basically hit a hurdle after having selected my classes early this past week, and realizing that on the Admission Notes for some of the programs, it basically mentions that Physics 1BB3 and Math 1BO3 are "strongly recommended".

So my first question to you: Are those two courses truly useful or is this booklet pulling my leg? (they are not required)

Secondly, after reading about Math 1AA3, I've come up with the impression that Math 1BO3 and Inquiry are easy first year courses... but reading about Math 1AA3, the contrary. I am aware that it is referred to as killer calculus, but I'd like to know some more of your personal experiences with the course and whether or not it is a useful first year course to have, I am thinking of minoring in math in which case I'd be stuck with it.

For now though, my immediate problem is whether to take:
a) Math 1AA3 and Math 1B03 (no Inquiry)
b) Math 1AA3 and Inquiry (no Math 1B03)
c) Math 1B03 and Inquiry (no Calc II)

or
d) Math 1B03 and Physics 1BA3 (no Inquiry, no Calc II)

I don't have a preference, currently, it's option B, likely changing it to c) but I need some advice.

Thank you internet .

I'll also be looking forward to seeing some of you at welcome week

Originally Posted by macsci

A bit about me: I'm basically entering life science I next year, have a sister entering chemical biology second year, and reading the Faculty of Science Level II Program Options, I basically hit a hurdle after having selected my classes early this past week, and realizing that on the Admission Notes for some of the programs, it basically mentions that Physics 1BB3 and Math 1BO3 are "strongly recommended".

So my first question to you: Are those two courses truly useful or is this booklet pulling my leg? (they are not required)

No, you won't be asked to compute matrices, geometry of vectors and lines in space, quantum mechanical wave functions of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom in the life science program. The program is very basic compared to the rest. The only skill that you can carry away from those courses that might be useful for you is good problem solving. However, if you are considering biophysics, I would suggest taking those, or if you are considering med school, you should take physics 1BB3. Try to determine what you'd like to do after you enter the life sci program, you may need those later on.

Secondly, after reading about Math 1AA3, I've come up with the impression that Math 1BO3 and Inquiry are easy first year courses... but reading about Math 1AA3, the contrary. I am aware that it is referred to as killer calculus, but I'd like to know some more of your personal experiences with the course and whether or not it is a useful first year course to have, I am thinking of minoring in math in which case I'd be stuck with it.

Math 1B03 was relatively simple, and inquiry I found to be ridiculous (i.e. you don't learn anything you can't pick up using common sense). I would suggest not to waste 3-6 units of courses in first year on inquiry. Take courses you enjoy, and keep your options open. This is exactly what I did; I dropped my 6-unit first-year science inquiry course (yours might be 3 units), and took two classes I enjoyed; ie. Astronomy. Don't take classes because they are easy - something easy for one person may be complicated for another. I did not want to waste my money learning how to ask the right question, but I would rather spend that money learning about cosmic radiation and black holes.

I also took calc 1AA3, and it wasn't horrible. It was definitely more challenging than calc 1A03, but I liked it and walked away with a high mark. If you like math to the point where you want to minor in it, you shouldn't be scared off by calc 1AA3. You get to do some really cool stuff, like learn the series functions to solve problems (how your calculator works), and work with 3D surfaces.

For now though, my immediate problem is whether to take:
a) Math 1AA3 and Math 1B03 (no Inquiry)
b) Math 1AA3 and Inquiry (no Math 1B03)
c) Math 1B03 and Inquiry (no Calc II)

or
d) Math 1B03 and Physics 1BA3 (no Inquiry, no Calc II)

I don't have a preference, currently, it's option B, likely changing it to c) but I need some advice.

Thank you internet .

I'll also be looking forward to seeing some of you at welcome week

You must take math 1AA3 and math 1B03 if you plan to minor in math.
Similarly, you should take physics 1BB3 if you plan to apply to med school.

Let us know if you have any more questions,
Good luck,
Paul A

Thanks a lot Paul, perhaps I should've just gone into physical sciences instead of Life Science (limits my electives since there are two compulsary psychologies). I guess I'll reconsider switching out of inquiry. Thank you sir.