Grant, ‘11

Kachaa! This week has been a whirlwind of confusion and euphoria, the cataclysmic beginning of what I can only imagine will rock me to the core. What in blazes am I talking about? Academics, naturally. On Monday, courses started up with a growling vengeance, effectively ending orientation for good. The show is on the road, and by jingers we’re rollin’ now. Let me give you my day in pieces, so as to help you avoid premature cranial detonation.

Intro to Genetics:

At 8:15, there is nothing I’d rather do than sleep. However, in the absence of sleep, a lecture on genetics can prove refreshing. In all seriousness, my professor is considered one of the better biology teachers, and her PowerPoint slides are extraordinarily helpful at helping us avoid confusion and visualize the material. The mental exercise of waking up for a lecture is sure to build my character.

Intro to Chem:

What’s better than a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart? Well, nothing, but chemistry comes pretty close. My chemistry professor emits rays of inspiration. He doesn’t just tell us about the periodic elements, he introduces us to them like friends. His stories and enthusiasm penetrate the mind like gamma radiation. In truth, he’s known to expect a lot of his students- but in the words of Thucydides, ‘He is best who trains in the severest school.’ I’m pumped at the prospect of learning chemistry backwards and forwards, front and back, until I can chew through physical chemistry like a woodchipper.

Scientific Calculus:

There are two types of math teachers in the world: those that multiply your thirst for knowledge, and those that make you want to jump out of a window in terror/despair. I had both in high school, but I am pleased to say that my professors for scientific calc are of the former type. One thing that has always nibbled at my frontal cortex is that calculus seems so symbolic and hard to connect to real life. Luckily, as the name implies, the course is heavily focused on my useful real-life applications.

Core:

Core reminds me of the First World War. Even though our professor is really cool and comes up with really good questions to start discussion, only a few people are willing or able to make intelligent comments, so the class becomes an exercise in trench warfare. When faced with public speaking, the majority of the class puts on a blank stare and hunkers down in their chairs as if trying to survive a mortar attack.

One thing I will say is that I’m looking forward to the books we’re reading- Nietzsche, Marx, and all the rest, important readings that if left to my own devices I would probably put off indefinitely. Hopefully, we’ll come out of the class well-rounded & with a better handle on where we stand in the world.

Chem Lab:

Taught by a friendly PhD from MIT who has worked at Los Alamos, this class is a welcome addition to my evening. From 6:30 to 9:30 Monday nights, I’m going to be doing titrations and the like, honing my laboratory skills until they are razor sharp. The goal of the course is to make us comfortable and proficient in a lab environment, and to that end the department has slightly reduced the grade pressure for lab by making effort a factor. If you want to learn chemistry without a worried mind and sweaty palms, Richmond is apparently the place to be.

Bio Lab:

My main interest in biology has always been in potential applications, but during AP Biology in high school we never did labs. I am extremely excited to finally sink my teeth into applied biology- watching genetics in action, inducing mutations, using recombinant DNA technology to manipulate life.

The professor for my lab section is undeniably chill. This guy is an ecologist that has worked in Afghanistan & Iraq, and has been on the staff of a senator as an advisor on environmental policy. His take on genetics is especially fresh, as he relates it to the big picture of animal populations etc.

As you can see, my quest for worldly knowledge is now officially riding the rocket of a liberal arts education. My classes are all taught by academic demigods, so hopefully I can get hooked up with some ambrosia and nectar.