Listen 3
STUDENT: Hello ... are you Professor Van Diezen?
PROFESSOR: Yes, I am. And who might you be?
STUDENT: Oh! Sorry, my name is Tina. I'm a freshman here. They told me I should ask you for advice
in choosing courses.
PROFESSOR: Well, that's part of what I'm here for. Please come in and sit down. Now, what are your
questions?
STUDENT: I, I almost don't know! Everything is so confusing! Like what is a "specialised course"?
PROFESSOR: Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory, meaning it's a requirement for
your major and regular, so you can't place out by taking a proficiency exam.
STUDENT: That sounds pretty strict. Then what are all these general courses? I seem to have to take so
many.
PROFESSOR: Nothing to be alarmed over. These are courses open to all students and not directly
related to your major. The university offers these general courses to choose so that you can become
more well-rounded individuals. For example, I see you're a Microbiology major. So it might be a good
idea to take some literature or history courses so that you can know something besides all science.
STUDENT: You mean these courses are, like, for fun?
PROFESSOR: That might be one way to look at it, but don't tell the literature professor such a thing.
Think of a general course as the opposite of a specified course. A specified course is one that pertains
directly to your major.
STUDENT: So can I take any Microbiology course I want?
PROFESSOR: Let's see. Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. The good
thing is, now it's open to students on a flexible schedule, so it's not only for full-time students. So the
answer is yes, if you have the instructor's permission. May I ask you why you chose Microbiology?
STUDENT: Well, I also like plain old Biology, too. You know, full-sized animals. I might even become a
veterinarian. Could I take some Biology classes?
PROFESSOR: Well, they are open to full-time students only, which I believe is what you are. I don't
know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though. I mean, most of the
students presently looking into it are from off-campus.
STUDENT: Off-campus?
PROFESSOR: Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police
detective. Why did you choose Microbiology, if I may ask? I don't think you quite answered that.
STUDENT: Well, eventually I want to be a doctor. At least my dad tells me so.
PROFESSOR: If I may say so, young lady, you seem a little uncertain.
STUDENT: Still, I think that might be a good idea for a career. Of course, if you're thinking about being
either a doctor or a vet, you should take some Medical Science classes before
you even think of applying to med school.
STUDENT: Great! What should I take?
PROFESSOR: There is one small problem. The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so
there are no experimental facilities available until next year. I'm afraid you'll
have to wait. But don't forget to take those courses at the first opportunity!
STUDENT: Oh, bummer. Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?
PROFESSOR: Well, since you seem to like animals, have you ever thought about looking into
Environmental Science?
STUDENT: No, I never really thought about it before. Is it worthwhile?
PROFESSOR: Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus.
