Why are class sizes so small?

The first immediate explanation for the diminishing class sizes are the varying requirements for the different majors.  For example, a Pre-dent major may only have to take up to organic chemistry where a bio-chem major would need multiple advanced level chemistry classes.  This is compounded even more when considering majors like physics and chemistry require several of these advanced level classes before graduation.  This would result in a split in the few natural science majors among the advanced classes.  To mitigate this, UoP offers some advanced classes with lower projected registration every other semester. And in some cases, every two years. Even still, these classes host very few people.

As a result of some classes being held every other semester.  Failing any given course can have catastrophic consequences for student graduation.  Failing a seasonal class will require the student to need to wait an entire year before retaking the class.  This can be made even worse if the failed class is a prerequisite of another class.  A single failure or withdrawal could then potentially delay graduation by over a year.  Obviously, this isn’t an option for students hoping to finish their studies with a finite amount to spend on education.