EPS SCI 103A
Igneous Petrology
Description:
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2020 - This review is for EPSSCI 106 (Physical Geochem) w Prof Young: I took this class as a non-EPSS major, with fairly weak background in math & physics. There was some linear algebra, and quite a bit of conceptual calculus and derivations, but it was not the focus. If a non-physical science background is a big concern in taking this class, I'd say still go for it, it will be a little difficult but not impossible. There was no real grade breakdown, the professor appears to have given grades for effort so just turn in the ~4 problem sets, midterm and final with your best attempt and you'd be set. The prof posts pre-class notes that he makes himself (extremely useful for me as it succinctly explains key concepts and thought process in calculations exactly as he covers in class) and relevant materials e.g. textbook chapters. Bruincast and lecture notes are available as well. There is a lot of digestion to do per class as compared to many others I've taken, but that might be because I personally found it challenging to make sense of the more conceptual material. Definitely recommend first making detailed notes and then summarizing the key points of each lecture (i.e. final derivation, layman explanations for terms and objectives) and regularly use the summary to quickly 'relearn' and refresh your grasp on things. The professor is very clear and detail-orientated, which I appreciated a lot. He defines every variable, doesn't assume you have prior knowledge of things (as the material is fundamental and it would be easy to have misconceptions or slips of mind), regularly reminds you what is going on in the middle of derivations (it's easy to lose track), and covers content in a systematic and logical manner. He also goes through examples which is extremely helpful because that's where I feel the pieces clicking together and figure out how to work through problems. Also empathetic and understanding, and accommodates for students. In general, the class was pretty cool as the material was very fundamental and conceptual. I felt that it gave me a more solid understanding of the properties of matter, knowing what are all the variables that go into calculations and adjusted approximations for certain measurements and being able to apply it to some extent on real-life systems. I believe there is considerable overlap between this class and CHEM 110A, so taking either first would be helpful for the other in future (I'll be taking 110A after this which might make it less painful).
Spring 2020 - This review is for EPSSCI 106 (Physical Geochem) w Prof Young: I took this class as a non-EPSS major, with fairly weak background in math & physics. There was some linear algebra, and quite a bit of conceptual calculus and derivations, but it was not the focus. If a non-physical science background is a big concern in taking this class, I'd say still go for it, it will be a little difficult but not impossible. There was no real grade breakdown, the professor appears to have given grades for effort so just turn in the ~4 problem sets, midterm and final with your best attempt and you'd be set. The prof posts pre-class notes that he makes himself (extremely useful for me as it succinctly explains key concepts and thought process in calculations exactly as he covers in class) and relevant materials e.g. textbook chapters. Bruincast and lecture notes are available as well. There is a lot of digestion to do per class as compared to many others I've taken, but that might be because I personally found it challenging to make sense of the more conceptual material. Definitely recommend first making detailed notes and then summarizing the key points of each lecture (i.e. final derivation, layman explanations for terms and objectives) and regularly use the summary to quickly 'relearn' and refresh your grasp on things. The professor is very clear and detail-orientated, which I appreciated a lot. He defines every variable, doesn't assume you have prior knowledge of things (as the material is fundamental and it would be easy to have misconceptions or slips of mind), regularly reminds you what is going on in the middle of derivations (it's easy to lose track), and covers content in a systematic and logical manner. He also goes through examples which is extremely helpful because that's where I feel the pieces clicking together and figure out how to work through problems. Also empathetic and understanding, and accommodates for students. In general, the class was pretty cool as the material was very fundamental and conceptual. I felt that it gave me a more solid understanding of the properties of matter, knowing what are all the variables that go into calculations and adjusted approximations for certain measurements and being able to apply it to some extent on real-life systems. I believe there is considerable overlap between this class and CHEM 110A, so taking either first would be helpful for the other in future (I'll be taking 110A after this which might make it less painful).
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