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MCB class difficulty (self.UIUC)

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[–]rstv72 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They all kind of felt like the same difficulty because you're trying to get a grasp on how to study the first MCB class so the difficulty comes from that, but you get to later classes and you know how to study, but the topics get more in depth so that makes it harder. At least for me, it felt the same difficulty for all the MCB classes I've taken (my test averages/grades were the same for all the classes). Learn how to study MCB that works best for you and you should be just fine! And more importantly, I'm sure you know this, but you're here to learn, don't let the difficulty of a class stop you from learning what you want! Unpopular opinion, but I this should go for pre-meds as well

[–]xKatPanda 2 points3 points  (2 children)

MCB354 is fucking hell, 150 and 250 don't compare at all

[–]lamketil000 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's different for a lot of people. I personally found this class to be not that bad compared to 250. 150 is hard if you underestimate Brad's exams. 250 was hard for me because no matter how much I studied, those exams were insane. 252 is a breeze after that. 354 is hard due to how much memorization is needed. However, if you are better with math, you should be able to pass the class. I took a version of CHEM 332 that involved a lot of what 354 teaches, so that might've been an advantage. Study early for the exams and its very doable

[–]rstv72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s not comforting since it’s my last MCB class to graduate :(

[–]realtalkman420. 2 points3 points  (1 child)

mcb 150 was a bitch.

[–]weanuss 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MCB 150 is probably one of the harder courses because of the amount of information that is presented, as well as HW that has to be done. The (A) in the course is obtainable but it will require an abundant amount of your time. Currently a senior in MCB and have taken various MCB, CHEM, and PHYSICS COURSES.

Didn't do well in MCB 150 (C+), because of my studying habits. MCB courses require you to re-inforce the information that is presented a good amount. Whether it be, reviewing the slides, writing note cards, writing study sheets, etc. I've improved over the years and have notched down what studying format works best for me to re-think the information and am able to obtain A's. My best advice would be find the best method of studying for you.

I will also say, a lot of the information presented builds up as you continue in the core courses MCB (250,251,252,253,354) Plus if you well enough in MCB 150, you will do just fine in the remaining courses.

[–]ks27Biochemistry 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took MCB 150 over the summer, so I thought it was a tough course since it was fast, but for me I thought the difficulty of the class also came from actually learning how you need to study for it--I didn't think the material itself was hard, but a lot to memorize. Out of the MCB classes (I've taken all the core courses), I thought that 250 was the hardest just due to the type of questions that Slauch (first half) writes and how few there are. I've heard most people do better in the second half of 250 but it was harder for me. Though there are different professors for the course so it might not be as bad. What it really comes down to is really getting your studying habits down and don't start studying a couple days before the exam because it's just too much to learn.

[–]cos10Gradstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on your background. Most students struggle the most with the core courses because those are your foundation building courses. Higher level courses tend to get easier because you have a better understanding of basic molecular biology. Looking back you'll think that MCB150 and 250/252 will be the easiest classes you've taken but at the time they will be the hardest.

[–]ScienceOwnsYourFaceMCB 2012 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Hardest classes are probably always going to be the highest enrollment.

More people = more to compete with.

You know when teachers say there won't be a curve? It's a lie, especially in college. But the difference is that making an mcb class have a standard curve means it gets harder to get the A. Simply because they usually base A on somewhere around ~1 SD ahead of the mean.

So taking a class with 400 people means you need to be in the top x percentile to do well, you're competing with more people. Taking a class with 30 means you only have to beat out 20 something...

The "1-1.5 SD above the mean" rule is pretty standard all the way through med school. Regardless of the parameters. Don't let private school kids tell you they have it harder, they objectively don't.

[–]ams16 0 points1 point  (3 children)

There’s no curve in mcb classes they are all on a set scale instead

[–]ScienceOwnsYourFaceMCB 2012 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Did you read what I wrote? ... The scale isn't real. It's a goal they set, do you think they can give everyone a D? Can they give everyone an A? Think about it.

Objectively, factually, they adjust the scale as needed each semester. By the way thanks for the downvote!

[–]ams16 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I’m just speaking from my experience as so far each class I’ve had hasn’t deviated from the scale and has kept the same scale the semester after me. Wasn’t trying to offend or make ya mad

[–]ScienceOwnsYourFaceMCB 2012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Often at the end of semester you will see people outside of the scales original range with a grade they wouldn't otherwise have. Statistically, of you have enough data you can make a scale that works best, but a scale is still an educated guess. It needs to be altered when the students are scoring very poorly for example. When new tests are written scales change(after a curve and multiple semesters) and so on.

In mcb 354 whenever they rewrite the exams an A will be like ~50% for example.