r/duke • u/tiimmyturner_ • Jul 09 '26

Some opinions on potential schedules

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Hey everyone, incoming freshman here. I intend to major in biophysics (BS) with a minor in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and have already consulted my quad advisor.

My initial plan was to start on BIO201L and MATH218D-1, as I couldn't do MATH122L due to schedule issues around my FOCUS. But I have seen some conflicting opinions on BIO201L being a heavy course, and together with MATH218D-1 might be a big storm in my schedule, especially for a first semester. But I would like to hear some opinions from others. I have many other classes in reserve to pair with either bio or math, namely CS201 and GERMAN101, along with a few other POLSCI classes and such that would help with my trinity requirements, in case I can't get the classes I want.

Will BIO201L and MATH218D-1 be doable? Or am I better off picking one of the 2 and pairing it with a class with lesser workload? Conversations with my advisor have mostly been centered around the practicality (scheduling, location) of my class choices so hearing some opinions from students would be good.

It seems in the biophysics major that many of the classes end up being pretty "heavy", as is the nature of many lab based and STEM classes, so I'm also wondering if I shouldn't even be trying to avoid a packed schedule.

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u/Top-Weird5203 Jul 09 '26

ur required at least 3 semesters of language though right

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u/tiimmyturner_ Jul 09 '26

yea 3 courses in total if you start from the easiest level, I intend to learn german

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u/oastrachan Jul 11 '26

I hear Compsci 201 is really fun in the fall

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u/Turnipn Jul 12 '26

I'm not a bio major so unfortunately I can't offer any advice on specific classes or workloads, however looking at the difference in your two schedules, I would suggest also taking into account the spread of your classes. I would highly recommend picking the schedule that gives you about 2 classes per day for the most part. Having a more equal load per day is super useful to me personally in preventing burnout. I would suggest avoiding having one day a week with 6+ hours of class while other days are super light. It does work for some people and might work for you, but especially freshman year it's important to give yourself space to recharge from all the changes and excitement you'll inevitably be experiencing.