LIFESCI 30A
Mathematics for Life Scientists
Description: Lecture, three hours; laboratory, one hour. Preparation: three years of high school mathematics (to algebra II), some basic familiarity with computers. Mathematical modeling as tool for understanding dynamics of biological systems. Fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus and development of single- and multi-variable differential equation models of dynamical processes in ecology, physiology, and other subjects in which quantities change with time. Use of free computer program Sage for problem solving, plotting, and dynamical simulation in laboratory. Letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
AD
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2023 - Honestly, she is a pretty good lecturer. It really is just the amount of people who annoyingly talk over her during lecture that take away from her lectures. Yes, she has a speech impediment, no that does not entirely affect how well you will grasp the concepts. Me, personally, realizing now how easy the class really was and how much I lacked in actually putting in effort into the class. There are office hours, problem solving sessions, and practice exams that help a lot. The TAs for this particular class do walk around and help if you need it. Don't fall behind, participation is graded through iclicker points so don't miss class. Sure you're going to feel inclined to not pay attention in class and stuff, I would suggest paying attention though, its seriously a class you can fall behind in real quick. The labs are helpful as well, you will go over concepts from class, and learn basic coding which then progressively get not as easy but definitely not hard. You're basically just learning how to code for things you are learning in class. Put in time for this class because it really is not hard, you just really need to study. Take it from me lol. Professor Shevtsov is from what ive heard nice and helpful in office hours so I'd suggest going to those, I didn't of course, but dude, I definitely should have. Also, if you're in AAP, enroll in PLF sessions, they're super helpful. Oh and homework is LONG so don't wait for the last minute lol
Winter 2023 - Honestly, she is a pretty good lecturer. It really is just the amount of people who annoyingly talk over her during lecture that take away from her lectures. Yes, she has a speech impediment, no that does not entirely affect how well you will grasp the concepts. Me, personally, realizing now how easy the class really was and how much I lacked in actually putting in effort into the class. There are office hours, problem solving sessions, and practice exams that help a lot. The TAs for this particular class do walk around and help if you need it. Don't fall behind, participation is graded through iclicker points so don't miss class. Sure you're going to feel inclined to not pay attention in class and stuff, I would suggest paying attention though, its seriously a class you can fall behind in real quick. The labs are helpful as well, you will go over concepts from class, and learn basic coding which then progressively get not as easy but definitely not hard. You're basically just learning how to code for things you are learning in class. Put in time for this class because it really is not hard, you just really need to study. Take it from me lol. Professor Shevtsov is from what ive heard nice and helpful in office hours so I'd suggest going to those, I didn't of course, but dude, I definitely should have. Also, if you're in AAP, enroll in PLF sessions, they're super helpful. Oh and homework is LONG so don't wait for the last minute lol
Most Helpful Review
Summer 2020 - I took Ls30A with Dr. V in Summer 2020 and here is my intake: - The class content is very easy and very manageable - Actually read the textbook and watch the videos recommended for you in the syllabus - Dr. V is not good at lecturing...like at all! going to lectures felt like a waste of time and I did not learn anything through her lectures and learned through reading the book - Super easy to get an A and she provides a lot of extra credit - Homework is manageable but can be a little hard sometimes - Coding is a little challenging but your TAs will help you out a lot so go to their office hours. - The midterm and final were open notebook take home, but were very open-ended so some of the questions were not clear. - Take this class if you want an easy A, but only if you are willing to put in the effort to self-study! - Make study groups!!
Summer 2020 - I took Ls30A with Dr. V in Summer 2020 and here is my intake: - The class content is very easy and very manageable - Actually read the textbook and watch the videos recommended for you in the syllabus - Dr. V is not good at lecturing...like at all! going to lectures felt like a waste of time and I did not learn anything through her lectures and learned through reading the book - Super easy to get an A and she provides a lot of extra credit - Homework is manageable but can be a little hard sometimes - Coding is a little challenging but your TAs will help you out a lot so go to their office hours. - The midterm and final were open notebook take home, but were very open-ended so some of the questions were not clear. - Take this class if you want an easy A, but only if you are willing to put in the effort to self-study! - Make study groups!!