It is strongly recommended that students interested in biomedicine or attending graduate school take additional appropriate upper-division biology courses and research units to meet their elective credit requirements.

BIOL Course Permissions Form

BIOL 492
Undergraduate Research

Special problems in some field of the biological sciences for investigation and report. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credits.

BIOL 493
Undergraduate Seminar

Preparation and presentation of seminars on topics of current interest in biology. Topic changes by semester; see class schedule. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits.

BIOL 494
Biology Colloquium

Analysis and critique of topics as presented by speakers drawn from the national biological research community. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. S/F grading only.

BIOL 496
Advanced Topics in Modern Biology

Advanced study in a specialized area of biology. Topics selected and published in class schedule. Maximum of three different topics may be selected for a total of six credits.

BIOL 498
Scientific Presentations

Seminar for undergraduate students conducting research projects on any biological discipline. Gives students advice and provides them with practical experience on giving oral and written presentations. Discussion of principles of good visual communication and demonstrations of good and poor selections.

BIOL 499
Instruction in Biological Sciences

Significant involvement in instruction of courses in biological sciences. May include laboratory preparation, instruction, and grading. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits. S/F grading only.

CHEM 490
Senior Independent Study in Chemistry

Modest research projects for students working toward the Bachelor of Arts degree and demonstrating aptitude for independent work. May be repeated once. No more than three credits of CHEM 490 may be applied toward a chemistry degree.

CHEM 491
Senior Seminar in Chemistry

Includes oral presentations of topics of current research in any field of chemistry. Only required for BS Chemistry, but recommended as an elective for any student interested in graduate school. Students in other Chemistry degree programs should take CHEM 489 instead.

CHEM 492
Advanced Topics in Chemistry

Selected topics from the various disciplines of chemistry not covered by any other course offerings and of current interest to students and faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits.

CHEM 493
Senior Research in Chemistry I

Individual laboratory projects drawn from any field of chemistry. Preliminary library work, equipment acquisition, and apparatus assembly and initiation of laboratory work as time allows. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits.

CHEM 494
Senior Research in Chemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 493. Intensive experimental work. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits.

GEOL 491
Seminar

Lectures in selected fields of geology. Subject of seminar and number of credits announced in class schedule for the semester course is offered.

GEOL 495
Independent Study and Research

Independent study and research projects in some field of geology. Open only to upper-division students. Proposed project for study and/or research must be submitted in writing to the department chair for approval and credit evaluation prior to registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

GEOL 496
Advanced Topics in Geoscience

Variety of advanced studies of current and/or topical interest in specialized areas of geoscience. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

GEOL 497
Senior Thesis

Independent original research in geoscience. Requires a written thesis and an oral exam. Proposed project of study must be submitted in writing to the department chair and undergraduate coordinator at least two weeks prior to registration.

MATH 489
Advanced Mathematical Topics

Undergraduate-level course in advanced topics of mathematics, depending upon the interest of faculty and students. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

MATH 491
Problem Solving Workshop

Intended for undergraduate students who enjoy solving mathematical olympiad style problems. Typically, such problems are rather challenging and require considerable mathematical ingenuity, but only a modest background. The main objective of the course is to hone student's problem solving skills and to prepare them for mathematical contests. Students in the course are expected to participate in the local and national mathematical competitions. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. S/F grading only.

MATH 499
Independent Study

Library research and reports on topics of mathematical interest. May be repeated for credit with consent of Mathematical Sciences Department. Except under special circumstances, total credits limited to six.

STAT 499
Independent Study

Library research and reports on topics of statistical interest. May be repeated for credit with consent of the Mathematical Sciences Department. Except under special circumstances, total credits limited to six.

PHYS 491
Independent Study

Independent study of a topic in physics not specifically included in the regular course offerings. Grade depends on requirements outlined in a written contract between student and instructor agreed upon prior to beginning the course.

PHYS 493
Special Problems

Laboratory or research work on a project that demonstrates the student's ability to apply his or her knowledge of physics. A 30-minute talk on the project required.

SCI 499
Training in Science Leadership

Seminar course designed to develop and hone leadership skills. Students acquire skills required for proctoring examinations, tutoring of undergraduate students, teaching undergraduate students, and supervising student evaluation of teaching. Students receive education regarding ethics that are essential for responsibilities.