Student:
Hi, Professor Jamison, I was hoping we could talk this week about choosing courses for next semester.
Tutor:
That sounds great! Any idea yet what you would like to take?
Student:
Well, I was hoping you could kind of tell me.
Student:
There are so many to choose from. I don’t even know where to start!
Tutor:
Sure. Well, first thing’s first. Do you know what you will major in?
Tutor:
It is important to take courses that are relevant to your career path.
Student:
Well, I think I want to major in Biology.
Student:
I want to go to medical school, so it seems like it would make sense.
Tutor:
I agree - if you like Biology, it is definitely a good idea to focus on that since so many of the requirements overlap.
Student:
Okay, so I should take a few Biology classes then?
Tutor:
Yes, Let’s start there. You should pick one or two Biology classes.
Tutor:
Not just any Biology classes, though!
Tutor:
If possible, read online or talk to senior fellows and find out about the structure of the courses.
Tutor:
You don’t want to end up signing for two classes that require labs in the same semester - you’ll spend so much time in the Biology Department that you won’t see the light of day.
Student:
Oh right, good idea. I heard labs can be as long as 4 hours.
Tutor:
That is true. And another thing - make sure the topic is either relevant to your major, or something you are interested in learning about.
Tutor:
It sounds obvious, but do not just take a class because you heard it was easy, or because it does not require attendance.
Student:
Of course not. Though it would be really nice to have at least one class, that’s a little bit less rigorous than the ones I’m taking this semester.
Student:
I barely sleep as it is with all this studying.
Tutor:
That may have more to do with your study habits, though I don’t disagree that your schedule is really difficult this semester.
Tutor:
So any idea which Biology classes you may decide on for next semester?
Student:
Well, I was thinking of taking Human Physiology - it sounds relevant and interesting.
Tutor:
I think it is an interesting class, but I would recommend against it.
Tutor:
You are already in Human Anatomy, which also covers Physiology so it would be repetitive, and probably not the best use of your time.
Student:
If I already know some of the stuff, I could take it to boost my GPA a little bit.
Tutor:
Um, you could maybe do that, except the professor that teaches it is famous for giving out the fewest A’s of any professor.
Student:
Oh wow. Nevermind.
Tutor:
Now, changing subjects, have you decided yet on your research topic?
Student:
Well, I actually decided. I don’t want to do a research paper.
Student:
I’m going to do a dissertation instead.
Student:
I think I will much more enjoy coming up with a thesis and finding all the details to support it.
Tutor:
I see. Didn’t you already do some of the research though?
Tutor:
What happened to that?
Student:
Well, I started doing research. Then the more data I collected, the more complicated things got.
Student:
I realised I would have to take a lot more steps to randomise the sample, and then I realised I would need to control for more factors.
Tutor:
I see. What kind of data collection did you do?
Student:
I interviewed employees at the water treatment facility after Professor Dickinson recommended it.
Tutor:
I understand. Well, the research paper could be much more outside work, but it may be worth it if that is what you are interested in.
Student:
No, I am a lot happier just doing the dissertation.
Tutor:
That’s fine with me. Just remember, you need to finish your first draft and send it in soon.
Tutor:
It’s already the middle of February!
Student:
Oh wow, it is, isn’t it? I just have to finish it by the end of March, right?
Tutor:
Yep, but don’t forget! The date will really sneak up on you.
Student:
OK, I’ll make sure to set reminders in my calendar.
Student:
And who do I talk to about registering my dissertation?
Tutor:
You should go to the Department Office, and then talk to the secretary.
Student:
I thought I needed to talk to the Department Head.
Tutor:
Not for registering. If you need help developing your dissertation, that’s when you should go to the Department Head.
Student:
Oh, I see. And who would I see about getting access to the database of past research on my topic?
Tutor:
That you can find in the computer lab, specifically in the office - you’ll have to ask a lab technician to give you access.
Student:
Okay, Well, I’ll go ahead and get started on that then. Thanks!
