| Hello... are you Professor Van Diezen? |
| Yes, I am. And who might you be? |
| Oh! Sorry, my name is Tina. I'm a freshman here. |
| They told me I should ask you for advice in choosing courses. |
| Well, that's part of what I'm here for. |
| Please come in and sit down. |
| Now, what are your questions? |
| I, I almost don't know! |
| Everything is so confusing! |
| Like what is a specialised course? |
| Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory, |
| meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular, |
| so you can't place out by taking a proficiency exam. |
| That sounds pretty strict. |
| Then what are all these general courses? |
| I seem to have to take so many. |
| Nothing to be alarmed over. |
| These are courses open to all students and not directly related to your major. |
| The university offers these general courses to choose |
| so that you can become more well-rounded individuals. |
| For example, I see you're a Microbiology major. |
| So it might be a good idea to take some literature or history courses |
| so that you can know something besides all science. |
| You mean these courses are, like, for fun? |
| That might be one way to look at it, |
| but don't tell the literature professor such a thing. |
| Think of a general course as the opposite of a specified course. |
| A specified course is one that pertains directly to your major. |
| So can I take any Microbiology course I want? |
| Let's see. |
| Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. |
| The good thing is, now it's open to students on a flexible schedule, |
| so it's not only for full-time students. |
| So the answer is yes, if you have the instructor's permission. |
| May I ask you why you chose Microbiology? |
| Well, I also like plain old Biology, too. |
| You know, full sized animals. |
| I might even become a veterinarian. |
| Could I take some Biology classes? |
| Well, they are open to full-time students only, |
| which I believe is what you are. |
| I don't know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though. |
| I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus. |
| Off-campus? |
| Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police detective. |
| Why did you choose Microbiology, if I may ask? |
| I don't think you've quite answered that. |
| Well, eventually I want to be a doctor. |
| At least my dad tells me so. |
| If I may say so, young lady, you seem a little uncertain. |
| Still, I think that might be a good idea for a career. |
| Of course, if you're thinking about being either a doctor or a vet, |
| you should take some Medical Science classes before you even think of applying to med school. |
| Great! What should I take? |
| There is one small problem. |
| The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, |
| so there are no experimental facilities available until next year. |
| I'm afraid you'll have to wait. |
| But don't forget to take those courses at the first opportunity! |
| Oh, bummer. |
| Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me? |
| Well, since you seem to like animals, |
| have you ever thought about looking into Environmental Science? |
| No, I never really thought about it before. |
| Is it worthwhile? |
| Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus. |
| I'm sorry, I couldn't help noticing the long list of classes you've written out there. |
| May I have a look? |
| Oh, sure. |
| Medical Science, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, |
| Medicine, Mathematics, Computing. |
| My, my, a bit of everything here. |
| Is it too much? |
| For your first semester, yes. |
| What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses. |
| Like we said before, the Medical Science can wait. |
| Consider taking that in your sophomore year. |
| I think I'd put off Computing, too. |
| I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to |
| to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible, |
| so take that one. |
| It'll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year, |
| and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques. |
| Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Math classes, |
| and no doubt you should take that. |
| Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based. |
| Oh, of course and your Environmental Science class if you're interested. |
| The others can wait, though I think Computing is definitely a good idea, |
| even though it's not required. |
| I see too, on your paper there, you seem to have had high marks on the entrance exam. |
| Uhhh, yeah. I guess so. |
| Don't be shy! Have you thought about applying for a scholarship? |
| Do they have any? |
| I mean, my dad is always complaining about how much money it costs him. |
| In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available. |
| They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash. |
| $1,500 cash?! Party! |
| Please, Miss. The money is intended more as a textbook allowance, not party money. |
| If you promise to behave, I'll show you how to apply. |
| Great, and thanks! |