What is the difference between upper and lower division coursework?

Lower division coursework refers to courses that are designed for a freshman or sophomore at a four year institution of higher learning. Lower division coursework often consists of core courses that are designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and processes upon which future, more specific, courses may build. Due to the high rate of attrition and the less specific nature of many lower division courses, they often contain significantly higher numbers of students than upper division courses do. Upper division courses are much more narrow in scope and contain quite a bit more specific information. They are typically reserved for students with a Junior or Senior standing. Students in upper division courses can be expected to do more writing than those in lower division courses. Group work and projects are also much more likely in upper division coursework.