Division of Biological Sciences

Strategies for Success: First Quarter Transfer Student Seminar

BISP 191 - Fall 2011

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Tuesday 1:30pm-3:30pm in York 3010 Section ID # 727708

Wednesday 11:00am-1:00pm in York 3010 Section ID # 727709

Goals

This seminar course will address the "first quarter transition" issues and will help students to connect to the Division of Biological Sciences and UCSD.  Specifically, to help students know about:

  • academic resources and services
  • student life/student resources and services
  • logistical resources (shuttle system, commuter centers/lounges, etc.)
  • the culture and traditions of the UCSD campus and its community

Furthermore, the seminar will help students to express their educational goals which will provide the basis for guiding them in how to achieve those goals while here at UCSD.

Schedule of Topics

1)  Getting to know each other, Division of Biological Sciences, UCSD and...how do I find what I need at this huge campus?

Guests: TBA

  • Who are we? (a) getting to know each other (b) getting to know ourselves
  • Who is UCSD? (a) UCSD student profile (b) UCSD traditions
  • What's different about UCSD? (a) quarter vs. semester (b) large classes; faculty; TA's; students
  • Important Places to Know (a) Biology Student and Instructional Services (b) on campus resources
  • How to get around campus
  • How do I find what I need?

Course Assignments (a) places to know: food, study, hang out (b) faculty interview (c) expression of your obstacles (d) career portfolio

2)  How to find advice and support?

  • Academic Advisors
  • Faculty Advisors
  • BSSA

Assignment Due: Important places to know...

3)  Transfer Student Panel and mixer

  • Top 10 things to know as a transfer student

4)  The Libraries

Guests: Dominique Turnbow (dturnbow@ucsd.edu)

**Meet at Library

  • Geisel Library
  • Biomedical Library
  • CLICS

Assignment Due: Faculty interview

5)  What Resources are available to prepare for a career?

**Meet at Career Services

6)  Small group advising for Winter quarter enrollment

7)  How do I get into Medical School or Professional School?

Guests: Professional School Advisors and/or School of Medicine

8)  How do I get involved in Research and Internships?

Guests: Assistant Undergraduate Advisor, AIP and AEP

9)  Reflection, Wrap-up, and party (Location TBA)

  • Students invite the faculty who they interviewed earlier in the quarter.

Course Assignments

Places to Know Reflection-Choose one place that was discussed in class.  Visit that location for at least 30 minutes.  Based on your observations, please describe your experience in a two page reflection paper.  Examples of questions you may want to ask yourself: What type of students frequent this location?  What is the feeling I get being here?  What does it look like?  How does it reflect the culture of UCSD?  How does it fit into UCSD?

Faculty Interview-Choose one faculty member who you want to learn about.  Schedule an appointment with the faculty member or visit the faculty during office hours.  Prepare questions to ask this faculty member.  Be sure to ask meaningful, purpose-driven and open ended questions.  Write a three page paper summarizing your experience interviewing the faculty member.  What did you learn?  What was it like scheduling the appointment?  How did you feel during the interview?  What was the response from the faculty?

Career Portfolio-After the presentation given by the Career Services Center, please begin your own career portfolio.  Come prepared to present your portfolio to the class.

For More Information

Please contact Dr. Wienhausen at gwienhausen@ucsd.edu