UCSD class schedule help!?

Question

I'm working with the class planner online and I signed up for a Math class. I'm a freshman and I'm pretty much clueless with this whole college thing so... could someone please clear this up for me?

The class says it meets up:

# MWF 2:00 PM–2:50 PM

# W 5:00 PM–5:50 PM

So what does that mean? We meet up TWICE on wednesday? Or that he gives the same lecture twice that day? I don't understand that. HELP.

Answer 1

Large universities in general have two sections unlike high schools. First you have the lectures designated by the symbol "LI" at UCSD.  It is a class led by an instructor where the professor (almost always a PhD), will hold the class with usually very little opportunity for direct interaction.  There may be more interactions if the class size is small.  However, this is what you are paying for and you should never miss them.

The discussion sections, designated, "DI", often led by the TA or a graduate student, is much more informal where you will get to ask questions.  The discussion sections are usually optional to attend but if you want a grade of B or better, you should attend them.

In fact, UCSD is a very academically competitive school.  If you want A grades, not only you have to attend all the lectures and discussions, you have to study hard on your own and in a groups.  The single most important thing I can emphasize is that you make some friends that are academically dedicated.  You can also make friend socially whom you can hang out.  But seriously, unlike in high school where you study a few hours will not get it done.

I am going to spell this for you because you will hear them.  But you will hear things like DIs are optional and my professor is bad so I am going to skip lecture.  I do not care how smart you are or what kind of background you have.  Do not skip any lectures or discussion sections.  Otherwise, you will end up somewhere like Yahoo Answers giving advice to newbies.

Answer 2

I think that W 5:00-5:50 pm is the lab. Many times math has lab hours that are required and since it is only 50 minutes on Wednesday it's unlikely to be a lecture.

Answer 3

On Mondays Wednesdays, and Fridays your professor lectures a class of about 200 from 2:00 - 2:50.

Then on Wednesdays from 5:00 - 5:50, you meet with about 20 other students and work on the homework or whatever the GSI (Graduate Student Instructor) has planned.

Hope I helped. Good luck :)