sprout Summary
A list of fun classes I really enjoyed at Berkeley. If you’re a current student you should consider trying one or more of them, even if they aren’t part of your major requirements!
- Astronomy C10 with Alex Fillipenko: there is a reason why he’s considered one of the best professors at Berkeley (and by extension the world). I am a strong believer that the best teachers can make anyone fall in love with their subject matter and this class is one prime example of that happening for hundreds of students every semester. I still get regular emails about astrological events I should go out and witness!
- Psychology 114 - the Biology of Learning: best psychology class I took in my 4 years as a psych major. Although not directly applicable to life from a pop psychology perspective (it’s a lot more technical neuroscience/research-focused), it was incredibly fascinating and can open up a lot of doors to work at a super fun neuroscience lab.
- Music 158A: you get to make super awesome experimental music with computers (even if you don’t have experience with either music or computers). Incredibly passionate and talented rotation of instructors, and very hands-on. The final project is one of those “do literally whatever you think this world needs and you’ll get an A” opportunities. Great fun.
- Philosophy 5 - Science and Human Understanding: a phenomenal gateway into the worlds of philosophy and rationality, with a sprinkling of religion theory. Helped me discover the many similarities (and of course differences) between philosophical and scientific frameworks for thought.
- CS 370 - pedagogy lab for computer science instructors. The fact that I had the opportunity to take a graduate class from the College of Education as an undergrad freshman still blow my mind. If you’re a CS/DS student and intend to explore teaching (via CSM, HKN, tutoring, or TA positions) in the future you should absolutely take this class as soon as possible.
- MCB C61: honestly overrated, but I still cared enough about it to take 72 pages of color-coordinated notes. Good chill way of figuring out whether you’re interested in the biological sciences without needing to invest in the heavier intro bio/chem classes.