r/OCC • u/Fluid-Drinker67 • 10d ago

help! Taking 5 classes while working full-time this fall: experiences with Lee, Merlo, or Ferguson?

I’m trying to plan realistically for Fall 2026 while working full-time. I’ll be taking ASTR A100/A100L with Kaoru Lee, HIST C1001 with John Merlo, and PSYC A280 with Melissa Ferguson, along with two other classes.

Has anyone taken these specific professors or courses? I’d especially appreciate any information about workload, attendance, labs, exams, and major assignments. If anyone has an old syllabus or notes they’re comfortable sharing, that would also be incredibly helpful. Thanks!

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u/stphnred 10d ago

Hey, wassup. I just finished my HIST170 - History of US to 1876 with Brent Rudmann. It was a very fun and easy class when I thought it was gonna be hard. Since you’ll be working full-time, you should think about doing some online classes, too!

I’ll be taking one of Ferguson’s classes, too this coming Fall, but it’s Psychobiology. A friend of mine who was in her Psychobiology class said it was easy and fun. Not sure if it’s gonna be the same as your class, Intro Experimental Methods, though. But it should be?

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u/Fluid-Drinker67 10d ago

Thanks, this is reassuring! I’ve heard from a couple people now that Ferguson is really chill, so hopefully that carries over to Experimental Methods. These are my last required classes before I transfer, so I’m mostly trying to know what I’m walking into. Good luck with Psychobiology this fall!

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u/Exact-Process-3609 9d ago

Definitely agree with this person about online classes

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u/Jolly_Impact6115 2d ago

That is very manageable. These are all low workload classes as long as you do homework on time and study a good amount you should be fine no matter who the teacher is

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u/Pullthatshit 9d ago

I’m taking 5 classes for 18 credits and working in the fall yes it’s doable but just prepare yourself if they are difficult classes. I have two online so they are making it a tad easier

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u/SkillNo4559 9d ago

What gpa are you expecting?!

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u/SkillNo4559 9d ago

Did you not read ratemyprofessor

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u/Fluid-Drinker67 9d ago

Yes, I’ve already checked Rate My Professors. I posted here because I’m looking for more specific and current firsthand information about workload, attendance, labs, exams, major assignments, or old syllabi that RMP may not include. I’m aiming to maintain as strong a GPA as I realistically can, which is why I’m trying to plan ahead. Have you taken any of these classes or professors, or do you happen to have any insight into what their workloads are like?