Roger asked about my calculus of comparing the quarter to the semester
system schools. so here goes
We had 40 hour lectures in one quarter and at SDSU we have about 41 or 42
hour lectures for the semester system course. Very close to the same.
Also, I have taught a grad course out of the same book as a friend at Utah
State (quarters). He is able in 1 year (3 quarters) to cover significantly
more material than me in 1 year (2 semesters); It may not be quite 50% more
material, but its close and he covered some areas more carefully than I do.
I think Roger is counting weeks instruction whereas I'm counting lecture
days. Also, I see the year long semester introductory sequence trimming
material compared to the year long quarter sequence. I.e. 3 quarters > 2
semesters