how do you know if a course is upper division

by Gloria Legros MD 4 min read

Courses with the last two digits between 20 and 79 (ex: CS 429, CS 378) are upper division courses. Those with the last two digits lower than 20 are lower division (ex: CS 314). Those courses with the last two digits greater than 79 are graduate courses (ex: CS 380C).

Full Answer

What happens in an upper division class?

Jan 14, 2021 · A simple way to tell if a class is a lower or upper division course is using a school’s numbering system for classes. While numerical systems will change from college to college, they might follow these general formulas: • 1-199. At UCLA, for example, all undergraduate courses …

What is a lower division course number?

The last two digits of a course number indicate the rank. 01-19 is lower division, 20-79 is upper division. For example, “BIO 311C: Introductory Biology I” is a lower division class and “BIO 325: Genetics” is a upper division class. 2. level 2. historyiscoolman. Op · 2 hr. ago. thanks. 1. level 1.

What do professors look for in upper division courses?

What courses are considered upper division? Courses with the last two digits between 20 and 79 (ex: CS 429, CS 378) are upper division courses. Those with the last two digits lower than 20 …

What Is the Difference Between Upper-Division and Lower-Division Courses?

In colleges/universities, undergraduate courses are categorized into two divisions:

Course Coding

The course number designated to a course indicates its course level. While some universities utilize three-digit course numbers, others use four digits for their course numbering system. Nevertheless, most institutions have similar interpretations for the course number designations.

Lower-Division Courses

Lower-division courses are primarily focused on fundamental theories, concepts, perspectives, principles, methods, and procedures of critical thinking that serve as foundations for higher courses.

Upper-Division Courses

Upper-division courses involve specialized and advanced coursework that improves your problem-solving and analytical skills and allows you to apply theory into practice. These courses build on basic knowledge and skills learned and developed from lower-division course academic experiences.

Which Is Harder Between Upper-Division and Lower-Division Courses?

In general, upper-division courses are more sophisticated and challenging than lower-division courses. With higher course numbers, the complexity of the study also increases.

Conclusion

In climbing a flight of stairs, you take one step at a time until you reach the top. Similarly, completing your undergraduate degree requires significant steps for you to move from one level to the next.

Ready to start your journey?

Some colleges divide their course catalogues into upper- and lower-division classes.

What Are Lower-Division Courses?

Lower-division courses introduce students to an academic discipline. They provide an overview of foundational theories, concepts, and methods.

What Are Upper-Division Courses?

Upper-division courses build on the foundational knowledge gained during lower-division classes. These courses take an advanced approach and often require students to possess prior knowledge in the field.

When Should You Take Upper-Division Courses?

When should students take upper-division courses? And when should they avoid 300-level or higher classes?

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What Is The Difference Between Upper-Division and Lower-Division Courses?

Lower-Division Courses

  • At universities, lower-division courses are offered for freshman and sophomore-level credit. All courses offered at community colleges are lower-division courses. Lower-division courses are primarily focused on fundamental theories, concepts, perspectives, principles, methods, and procedures of critical thinking that serve as foundations for higher courses. The lower coursewo…
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Upper-Division Courses

  • Upper-division coursework involves specialized and advanced coursework that improves your problem-solving and analytical skills and allows you to apply theory into practice. Upper-division courses build on basic knowledge and skills learned and developed from lower-division course academic experiences. The coursework allows you to broaden your knowledge and apply theori…
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Which Is Harder Between Upper-Division and Lower-Division Courses?

  • In general, upper-division courses are more sophisticated and challenging than lower-division courses. With higher course numbers, the complexity of the study also increases. As mentioned, PHYS102, a physics course that involves basic calculations, is less demanding than PHYS240, a calculus-based physics course in electromagnetic fields and applications. In contrast, PHYS371 …
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Conclusion

  • The difference between lower-division and upper-division courses is that upper-division is built on basic knowledge and skills learned and developed from lower-division academic experiences. If you study at a community college (or at a junior college) chances are all your courses are lower-division. If you study a different type of college or unive...
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What Are Lower-Division Courses?

  • Lower-division courses introduce students to an academic discipline. They provide an overview of foundational theories, concepts, and methods. These introductory courses may cover a great deal of ground in less detail than upper-division courses. For example, a 100-level history class might cover several centuries or even millennia. History 101at the University of Louisville covers a mini…
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What Are Upper-Division Courses?

  • Upper-division courses build on the foundational knowledge gained during lower-division classes. These courses take an advanced approach and often require students to possess prior knowledge in the field. At the University of Washington, for example, introduction to microeconomics is a 200-level course, while intermediate microeconomics is 300-leve...
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When Should You Take Upper-Division Courses?

  • When should students take upper-division courses? And when should they avoid 300-level or higher classes? Generally, academic advisors recommend that first- and second-year students proceed with caution before enrolling in upper-division coursework. At a minimum, students should contact the professorto ask about prerequisites or required knowledge before joining an …
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