.
.
Your First Classes at Rice

How many classes should I take?

An average course load for one semester is fifteen semester-hours. No new student is advised to take more than eighteen hours, and fifteen or sixteen is a realistic load.
An undergraduate must take twelve semester-hours to be considered a full-time student. The Rice student who is not an athlete can petition the Vice-President for Student Affairs to drop below a 12-hour load if he or she has academic difficulty, and can thus avoid a failing grade that might seriously hurt postgraduate plans. 
To take more than twenty semester-hours of classes in a single semester, requires special permission from the Vice-President for Student Affairs. 

It is possible (and common) at Rice for students to register each semester for more classes than they actually intend to take in order to try out different choices — to “shop around,” investigating course loads, schedules, and teaching styles before deciding on a final slate of courses. Since there is no penalty for adding or dropping a course in the first two weeks of classes, this is an accepted method for arriving at the best course combination. Actually, courses can be added for up to four weeks and dropped through the ninth week for a sliding-scale fee up to $10.

1.2 WHAT CLASSES DO FRESHMEN USUALLY TAKE?

When deciding on courses to take in the freshman year, it is wise for a student to consider which classes provide the best foundation for future study at Rice and leave the most options open. While new students (and their parents) are anxious to move quickly toward their four-year goal, students need not declare majors until they are almost halfway through their college careers in order to encourage them to explore in the freshman and sophomore years. Many students are not sure of their goals, are pursuing them for invalid reasons, or are unaware of their options. Trying a variety of subjects is almost always rewarding and frequently changes or solidifies the plans of those who discover a new fascination in an experimental or elective class.

Adding and Dropping Classes
It is possible (and common) at Rice for students to register each semester for more classes than they actually intend to take in order to try out different choices — to “shop around,” investigating course loads, schedules, and teaching styles before deciding on a final slate of courses. 

1.2.1 HPER
HPER 101 and 102 are intended for the freshman year. Although they are not given for credit, a grade is recorded on your transcripts. These classes are primarily attendance-based, but also involve skills tests, written tests, and input on attitude by the instructor. The classes typically cover one or more sports, and students taking these courses learn the rules of the sport and work to improve skills. Classes include: racquetball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, flag football, baseball, biking, fencing, dance, and conditioning.

1.2.2 INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY COURSES
The Chemistry Department offers two year-long courses in the Introductory Chemistry sequence, either CHEM 121-122, “General Chemistry with Laboratory,” or CHEM 151-152, “Honors Chemistry with Laboratory.”
CHEM 151 is directed in content to students who are considering majoring in a chemically-related science, (including Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Biosciences), and who have a good high school foundation in chemistry, physics and calculus. This course covers some material in greater detail than CHEM 121 and may skip over material that students mastered in high school.
CHEM 121 is recommended for students with backgrounds less strong in chemistry, physics and calculus but who are interested, nonetheless, in majoring in a chemically-related science. This course covers the same topics as CHEM 151, but at a more basic level. CHEM 121 is also recommended for students in other science or engineering fields, humanities, social sciences, music, or architecture.
In order to be admitted to the honors course, CHEM 151-152, students must: (1) have taken an AP chemistry course in high school, (2) have received credit for two years of high school chemistry, or (3) receive specific permission from the instructor. An appropriate background for CHEM 151-152 would include some knowledge of physics and calculus. Physics information valuable for CHEM 151 includes elementary mechanics, e.g. Newton’s laws, Coulomb’s law, and the concepts of work, potential and kinetic energy, force, pressure, etc. Regarding calculus, students should be able to perform integration and differentiation of standard functions.
Even if a student feels he or she has chosen the wrong course, switching to the other course is no problem before the fourth week of classes. Furthermore, one exam in each class will be given, graded, and returned before this deadline, so students can gauge how they are doing in these classes.
Most students who qualify will accept AP credit rather than take Chemistry 151-152. However, because Chemistry 151-152 is presented at a higher level than advanced high school courses, some students may find it valuable to enroll in Chemistry 151-152 rather than accept AP credit, especially if they took no chemistry in their senior year.
All students who register for either CHEM 121/2 or CHEM 151/2 must sign up on the internet for one of seven 2 1/2 hour laboratory sections. Work performed in these laboratory sections will illustrate the concepts presented in the lectures. 
Laboratory sections will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30-5:00 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-3:00 p.m., and from 3:30-6:00 p.m. The on-line sign-up process can be accessed at http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~Chem121. 

1.2.3 INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS COURSES
There are four different levels of introductory physics offered at Rice. PHYS 101 and 102 are calculus-based courses exploring mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. PHYS 111 and 112 are advanced courses covering the same material at a somewhat higher level. These courses lead into sophomore-level physics, PHYS 201 and 202, and are designed for students who plan to major in science or engineering. Laboratory work is included as an integral part of the 100-level courses. A separate laboratory course, PHYS 231, accompanies PHYS 201.
PHYS 125 and 126 are calculus-based survey courses primarily intended for students intending to major in the biosciences. Lecture and laboratory topics will include mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Previous or concurrent enrollment in MATH 101-102 or MATH 111-112 is assumed. Because laboratory exercises are an integral part of PHYS 125 and 126, students must enroll in a laboratory section when they take the class.
For students taking physics for distribution, PHYS 141 “Concepts in Physics,” is a one-semester elementary introduction to several areas of physics.

1.2.4 INTRODUCTORY MATH COURSES
Introductory mathematics is offered in three classes: one for distribution credit, another for science and engineering majors, and an honors section. Science and engineering students should take Math 101 and 102, which cover continuity, limits, applications of calculus, techniques of integration, sequences and series. These subjects are applied almost immediately in other scientific classes and are helpful in understanding those classes. In the sophomore year, engineering and science students usually take MATH 211 and 212, which cover ordinary differential equation solving, linear algebra, and multivariable vector calculus.
For more advanced students, MATH 221 and 222 are honors-level courses covering linear algebra and multivariable calculus in greater detail than 211 and 212. These two courses satisfy requirements for other majors requiring MATH 212, but do not substitute for 211. Those students taking math for distribution sometimes take MATH 111 and 112, which emphasize problem solving and applications. They are not intended for science and engineering students, but together they may help struggling S/E students by leading them more slowly into MATH 101 or 102.
Often, students enrolling at Rice will have had some calculus in high school. Those students considering going straight into MATH 102 or 211 may find the sample questions in Appendix A helpful in making a decision.

1.2.5 SHOULD I TAKE “THE BIG 3”?
It is normal for those planning to study engineering or the sciences to attempt “The Big Three” (math, chemistry, and physics) during the freshman year. This decision should be a matter of considerable deliberation since taking these three in tandem presents a hurdle that discourages many would-be scientists and engineers, particularly those with inadequate backgrounds and/or poor work habits — students who could succeed eventually if they took the courses at a slower pace. On the other hand, there is complementary interaction at the same level in the three subjects and, if a student handles the load well, he or she will have more flexibility in the sophomore year. Students should discuss this matter with advisors and leave themselves open to adjustment during the first semester. 

1.2.6 INTRODUCTORY COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES
Although computer science has not traditionally been included in “The Big Three”, computing expertise is becoming essential in an increasing number of occupations. Several majors require computer science courses. Moreover, familiarity and experience with computers is beneficial to all engineers and scientists, as computers are increasingly utilized in these fields. Lower level courses in computer science are intended as general introductions to computing, while higher courses, intended for scientists and engineers, involve serious programming and algorithm analysis.
COMP 100 is a computing skills course — targeted at Managerial Studies majors; no previous experience is assumed. The course introduces students to the world of information systems and the computational tools used in management including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and graphic packages. Students also learn how to create internet websites.
COMP 200 addresses the question “What is Computer Science?” giving a broad overview of some of the main concepts in the field. It is aimed at non-technical majors who want to know more about what computation is, and why people study the notion of computation.
COMP 210 does not presume any background in computing and is designed to teach the fundamental concepts of computation for the intended audience of freshman and sophomore science and engineering students. It presumes some familiarity with calculus and elementary algebra and uses Scheme, a sophisticated programming language supporting a more elegant and flexible approach to computation than conventional languages like Pascal. COMP 210 covers the rudiments of scientific computation, including floating point arithmetic and some simple numerical methods.
COMP 212 is the second semester of this sequence and introduces object oriented programming in Java. This course includes programming methodology, object oriented design, data structures, introduction to analysis of  algorithms, and sorting techniques.
Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering majors should take 210 sometime during their freshman year. Students with a heavy freshman load, such as a “The Big Three,” often take 210 in the spring of the first year and take 212 in the sophomore year. Computer Science majors are further recommended to take COMP 280 and 320 in the sophomore year.
Note: Students who intend to major in Computer Science, even those with AP credit, are required to take COMP 210 and 212 and it is suggested that ELEC 326 be taken.

1.2.7 INTRODUCTORY ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES COURSES
ENGL 101(F) and 102(S) are open to all students who have passed the English Composition Test. Although Rice has no required freshman composition course, all students, whether they plan to major in engineering, physics, or economics (or even English), will find English 101 and 102 useful in their programs.
ENGL 101 and 102 enable students to acquire, develop, and refine writing skills indispensable to success in their college careers. Students in ENGL 101 and 102 will write frequent essays, stressing analysis and argument, and classroom instruction will be augmented by individual conferences. Students should also feel free to utilize the tutoring services at the Writing Center. 
ENGL 101 and 102 are basic introductions to literature and give students the chance to read, speak, and write critically. Classes are small, ordinarily kept between twenty and twenty-five students, and discussion is usually lively. Reading lists for this semester are posted on the third floor of Rayzor Hall. 
Over the years, sections of ENGL 101 and 102 have consistently received high marks from students, and a great many students who continue in fields very different from English say reading a novel by Faulkner or a play by Stoppard provides a respite from the equations of “The Big Three,” while satisfying the practical need of training them to become college-level writers. 
ENGL 103(F) and 104(S) prepare students to write university papers. Individuals are required to attend weekly tutorial sessions at the Writing Center. Enrollment is limited to students who do not pass the composition exam and others whose record shows a need for the course. 
HUMA 101 and 102 are a study of representative works in the Western tradition in literature, philosophy, history, art, architecture, and music. Students will read works from Homer through Martin Luther King, and write frequent papers. Students may substitute HUMA 101 and 102 for English requirements. 
ENGL 210 and ENGL 211 are sophomore-level courses required of all English majors. Freshmen who have passed the composition exam and feel confident of their skills in composition and literary criticism may choose to take ENGL 210 and ENGL 211 — the ability to write critical essays is assumed. ENGL 210 is a survey of the major English writers of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the eighteenth century from Chaucer to Samuel Johnson, and ENGL 211 continues the survey of major English writers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Both courses are taught in sections of between twenty-five and thirty students rather than in a large lecture. 
ENGL 260 is a sophomore-level course required of all English majors. Freshmen who have passed the composition exam and feel confident of their skills in composition and literary criticism may choose to take ENGL 260—the ability to write critical essays is assumed and the permission of the instructor is required. ENGL 260 is a survey of major American writers from colonial times through the twentieth century.

1.3 HOW DOES AP CREDIT AFFECT MY CHOICE OF CLASSES?
Students who took the Advanced Placement (AP) tests in high school and who scored a 4 or 5 on those tests may receive Rice credit for the following courses: (LINK – AP CREDIT)

The designation “X” in a course listed in the table corresponds to no specific Rice course, but denotes general elective credit. 
If a student subsequently takes a course for which he or she received AP credit, the AP credit is removed from the student’s record.
Students may request that the College Board (AP Exams, CN6671, Princeton, NJ 08541 (609) 734-3800) send scores to Rice or may present copies of the scores to the Registrar in person.
Holders of the International Baccalaureate diploma can get AP credit for some of their advanced courses. Usually this requires, in addition to the diploma, a 6 or 7 on the higher level examinations. Check with the Registrar’s Office (EMAIL LINK) for further information.

1.4 HOW DOES WHAT I WANT TO DO WHEN I GRADUATE AFFECT MY CHOICE OF CLASSES?
1.4.1 I THINK I WANT TO GO TO MED SCHOOL

MEDICAL SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS 
• English, one year 
• General Chemistry, one year plus lab 
• Organic Chemistry, one year plus lab 
• Mathematics (usually calculus), one year 
• Physics, one year plus lab 
• General Biology, one year plus lab
• Additional advanced Biology courses may be required 
For more information about which courses specific medical schools require, check with one of the Pre-Medical Advisors, Dr. Nicholas K. Iammarino (LINK) or Dr. Stephen Subtelny (LINK), in Academic Advising. 
1.4.2 I THINK I WANT TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL

The admission requirements for law schools are simply a bachelor’s degree, without any qualification as to courses or major. No particular courses are specified nor is a preferred major designated. 
Anyone entering the legal profession should have the ability to communicate easily both verbally and in writing. Students intending to study law must develop an excellent grasp of the English language as well as a clear and concise style of expression. They should seek out courses, in whatever department, which require substantial writing assignments and provide a thorough critique of their efforts. Basic accounting courses are also useful. Courses such as constitutional law provide a historical overview to law not usually taught in law school.
Dr. Patricia Bass (LINK), the Pre-Law Advisor, can be consulted at the Academic Advising office by appointment. 

1.4.3 I THINK I WANT TO GO TO BUSINESS SCHOOL

The only formal requirement for admission to a graduate business school is a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field or courses taken. If a specific school feels strongly about courses in particular areas of study, this will be mentioned in the school’s brochure. Including some economics, mathematics, accounting, and computer programming among his or her electives would be wise. A course in public speaking or professional writing would also be a good idea.
Dr. Stephen Zeff (LINK), the Pre-Business Advisor, can be consulted at his office at 352 Herring Hall. 

1.5 WHAT COURSES MUST I TAKE IN ORDER TO GRADUATE?
General announcements
In order to graduate you must comply with the general announcements (LINK) that are in effect either at the time you matriculate (2000-2001) academic year, or at the time you graduate. 
Distribution
Undergraduate students must complete at least 12 credit hours (12 hours of Distribution courses – are all courses distribution?????) in each of the three Distribution groups: Humanities (Group I), Social Sciences (Group II) and Natural Sciences and Engineering (Group III). (LINK to each group as below?????)
•  In most cases the Distribution requirement in the major field is satisfied by the major requirements. For example, science majors satisfy their Group III distribution requirements by taking the introductory courses in their major.

Note: majors in Human Performance and Health Science must take 12 hours of courses approved for distribution in Group I in addition to their major requirements.

All students, regardless of major, must take HPER 101 and 102. 
Language requirement
UPDATE*****Sheet from Noreen/John
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~lrc/placement.html
English
The English Composition Test is a required test for all who plan to receive a Rice degree. 
3 or 4oo level 
to get a major
refer to the requirements for a particular major

1.6 HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A CLASS?
There are descriptions of most courses offered in the General Announcements
Departmental web pages
Talk to student advisors during O-week
Contact the professor – listed in Course Schedule
Course evaluations