The Big Difference Between Taking Lower & Upper Division Classes
When you first come to UCI, there are so many exciting experiences and adventures awaiting you. You might have a major that you are passionate about, but college is not only about studying one field or topic. College is all about shaping your personality and defining your own path in life by customizing your academic experience, and by exposing yourself to different disciplines.
You have probably already heard about “lower” and “upper” division classes. If not, then you’re learning something new — yay! In short, lower division classes refer to mostly introductory classes or series of classes designed to be taken in students’ first two years of college. Most of them also count as general education classes if taken by a professor outside the department that they are offered by. Upper division classes, in turn, offer a more specific and deep exploration of the topics they are covering. It is usually only available for students with related majors because there is a long list of prerequisite lower division classes. You can expect upper division classes to be smaller in size.
UCI makes it easy to differentiate between the upper and lower division classes. Any time you see a course number above 100, it’s a sign that you’re looking at an upper division class. Similarly, lower division classes are those with numbers under 100. For example, ECON 20A is a lower division class, while IN4MATX 133 is an upper division class.
Now, that we covered the main differences between the two types of courses, let us figure out how this division thing affects you, as an incoming first-year, and what are some of the tips for success that upper class students are willing to share with you!
First, know that your first two years will most likely be spent only taking lower-division classes, unless you have some extra college credits coming in as a first-year. Lower division classes let you explore different fields and areas, while providing you with the essential foundation for your future studies. It is very important that you treat this time seriously, despite the fact that it might feel a little daunting due to the material being mostly theoretical. Some students complain that whatever they study in lower-division classes is never used in life and is nothing different from high school. But don’t get fed up, as things turn around once you become a junior! Enjoy the abundance of free time, explore different subjects, and make plans for the future!
As you enter your junior year, you will have completed most of your lower division and general education classes, which will drastically change your experience. Upper-division classes are likely to feel intimidating at first, but as you get used to it, you will enjoy them even more than your first two years. Upper division classes contain a lot of hands-on projects and team collaborations that simulate the workplace environment. You get a chance to experience what you might be doing at your work in the future, which is a great headstart to your career!
As someone who has been through both of the stages, I advise you to make sure you approach every class with high priority and responsibility. Every bit of information that you are given in the lower-division classes is useful when transitioning to the upper-classmen status. Don’t be discouraged when it feels like the material you're studying is not relevant. Just keep working hard and it will pay off when you realize that you can apply the knowledge from lower-division classes when you are finishing up your degree in your junior and senior years!
