Biochem, Berry Bulmers, and Biological Basis for Human Behavior!

Today officially marked the beginning of the fall term here in Limerick. I only had one class to attend today: biochemistry. Did I mention that it started at noon, and we got out at 12:30? Yep. I love Ireland. Don't get me wrong, though; you can't really fool around with biochem. It's a tough course no matter which way you slice it. I'm up for the challenge though-after organic chemistry this summer, I feel as though I can conquer anything (unless we're talking about Irish dancing-now THAT looks tough..)

The grading scale and tools for which our academic performances are assessed are VERY different from the states. For starters, my final exam in biochem is worth 60% of my overall grade, and there is a section on the final with 20 MC questions, with each question worth 1 PERCENTAGE point of my FINAL grade. Talk about stressful! Also, the lowest A that you can achieve is around an 80% (which is considered a low B in the states), but I'm not sure how difficult the grading scale will be. Mostly, I'm going into the whole experience blind. It's definitely not what I'm accustomed to, but I'm not complaining. I could get used to one class a day beginning at noon, no problem!

After much thought, I've decided against taking microbiology and replace it with a psychology course entitled "The biological basis for human behavior." I have several reasons for doing this:

I've already had microbiology (thank you ASMSA)

Psychology only meets once a week for two hours, as opposed to 4 hours a week of micro.

The psych class sounds more interesting,

and it sounds easier. (I'm not one to take the easy route by any means, BUT, I am in Ireland, and I want to be able to enjoy my time here and not be stuck in a dingy lab all day)

I won't get any useful transfer credit from taking this class, but I like that. Not everything has to have an exact utilitarian purpose.

Tomorrow I have 20th century Irish lit for 3 hours, and I'm REALLY excited about it :) I don't have class till 3pm, so I have the whole afternoon to explore the campus and enjoy my city. Wednesday I have no classes (rough life I know), so the possibilities are endless as far as finding something to do! One thing is for certain: I'll never be bored here in Ireland. There's always something to do, pictures to take, and life to live.

On another note, Berry Bulmers may be one of the most delicious drinks ever. It's a berry-flavored cider made in Tipperary County, Ireland. If you've never tasted this sweet nectar, I truly feel sorry for you.

That's it for now--here's an old celtic blessing to keep you company:

May the blessing of light be on you,

light without and light within.

May the blessed sunlight shine on you

and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.

Lindsey