1Hello... are you Professor Van Diezen?
2Yes, I am. And who might you be?
3Oh! Sorry, my name is Tina. I'm a freshman here.
4They told me I should ask you for advice in choosing courses.
5Well, that's part of what I'm here for.
6Please come in and sit down.
7Now, what are your questions?
8I, I almost don't know!
9Everything is so confusing!
10Like what is a specialised course?
11Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory,
12meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular,
13so you can't place out by taking a proficiency exam.
14That sounds pretty strict.
15Then what are all these general courses?
16I seem to have to take so many.
17Nothing to be alarmed over.
18These are courses open to all students and not directly related to your major.
19The university offers these general courses to choose
20so that you can become more well-rounded individuals.
21For example, I see you're a Microbiology major.
22So it might be a good idea to take some literature or history courses
23so that you can know something besides all science.
24You mean these courses are, like, for fun?
25That might be one way to look at it,
26but don't tell the literature professor such a thing.
27Think of a general course as the opposite of a specified course.
28A specified course is one that pertains directly to your major.
29So can I take any Microbiology course I want?
30Let's see.
31Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only.
32The good thing is, now it's open to students on a flexible schedule,
33so it's not only for full-time students.
34So the answer is yes, if you have the instructor's permission.
35May I ask you why you chose Microbiology?
36Well, I also like plain old Biology, too.
37You know, full sized animals.
38I might even become a veterinarian.
39Could I take some Biology classes?
40Well, they are open to full-time students only,
41which I believe is what you are.
42I don't know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though.
43I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus.
44Off-campus?
45Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police detective.
46Why did you choose Microbiology, if I may ask?
47I don't think you've quite answered that.
48Well, eventually I want to be a doctor.
49At least my dad tells me so.
50If I may say so, young lady, you seem a little uncertain.
51Still, I think that might be a good idea for a career.
52Of course, if you're thinking about being either a doctor or a vet,
53you should take some Medical Science classes before you even think of applying to med school.
54Great! What should I take?
55There is one small problem.
56The new Medical Sciences building is under construction,
57so there are no experimental facilities available until next year.
58I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
59But don't forget to take those courses at the first opportunity!
60Oh, bummer.
61Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?
62Well, since you seem to like animals,
63have you ever thought about looking into Environmental Science?
64No, I never really thought about it before.
65Is it worthwhile?
66Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus.
67I'm sorry, I couldn't help noticing the long list of classes you've written out there.
68May I have a look?
69Oh, sure.
70Medical Science, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques,
71Medicine, Mathematics, Computing.
72My, my, a bit of everything here.
73Is it too much?
74For your first semester, yes.
75What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses.
76Like we said before, the Medical Science can wait.
77Consider taking that in your sophomore year.
78I think I'd put off Computing, too.
79I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to
80to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible,
81so take that one.
82It'll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year,
83and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques.
84Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Math classes,
85and no doubt you should take that.
86Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based.
87Oh, of course and your Environmental Science class if you're interested.
88The others can wait, though I think Computing is definitely a good idea,
89even though it's not required.
90I see too, on your paper there, you seem to have had high marks on the entrance exam.
91Uhhh, yeah. I guess so.
92Don't be shy! Have you thought about applying for a scholarship?
93Do they have any?
94I mean, my dad is always complaining about how much money it costs him.
95In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available.
96They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash.
97$1,500 cash?! Party!
98Please, Miss. The money is intended more as a textbook allowance, not party money.
99If you promise to behave, I'll show you how to apply.
100Great, and thanks!