| |
OVERRIDES OR PERMISSION NUMBERS:
The Biology Department uses an override system (permission to register) to:
1) Control entry into courses- for example, an override "magic number" is necessary to register for courses such as Biol 3993, 3994, 3996 and in other courses where instructor or departmental permission is necessary. Contact
Ruth Hemming in the Biology Department Office (Swenson Science Bldg [SSB] 207B) for override numbers or to locate a course instructor.
2) Control or limit class size - most Biology courses, particularly those with labs, have limited class enrollment because of room size (Biology and Society, General Biology, Human Anatomy, General Ecology and others), restricted number of sections or limitations on instructional resources - teaching staff, bench space, room scheduling conflicts or equipment. If a class is already fully enrolled, an override cannot be immediately granted.
For 1,000 level courses - Contact the College of Science and Engineering Student Affairs Office (140 Engr) to put your name on a "waiting list".
For all other courses (2,000 level and higher) - Contact Ruth Hemming (SSB 207B) to receive a "Magic" (override) number or to be placed on a course waiting list. As other students drop the section you are requesting, space becomes available and are filled from the waiting list on a "need" basis. Sometimes new sections are added, if demand is high and instructional resources can be found. Be sure to notify the Biology Department and the CSE office about course access problems. Also consult with your advisor about acceptable substitutes and changes. Do not request an override from the instructor or teaching assistants.
Top of page
PETITIONS:
A petition is a request for an exception to established rules, policies or dates. A petition requires a rationale explanation of the situation and requires supporting information and documentation. It is used to request substitutions, waivers of courses or other registration or curricular matters; exceptions to deadlines; retroactive withdrawals, medical absences, and for other situations in which there are extenuating circumstances. Transfer students can use the petition process to request that the Biology Department Curriculum Committee evaluate non-equivalent courses from other institutions. The "UMD Petition" form is available in any of the college offices (CSE 140 EngrB; CLA Cina 109; CEHSP 125 BohH, etc) and should be completed carefully with the assistance of the student's academic advisor. If the request requires Biology Department recommendation, it should be brought to Ruth Hemming (SSB 207Bin the Department of Biology Office) with the signature of your advisor and all support documentation attached. Your petition will then be routed to the Department of Biology Curriculum Committee for the appropriate signature. Your petition is then forwarded to your college office. You will receive notification from the Registrar's Office when your petition is approved/not approved. Approved petitions are retained in your student file and are important documentation of changes that have been accepted in the student's academic program.
COURSES: What is...?
Top of page
Biol 3993 - Laboratory Teaching Experience
This course offers students majoring in Biology, Cell Biology or Teaching Life Sciences an opportunity to assist in laboratory courses as an undergraduate teaching assistant. It is intended for junior or senior students, the prerequisites include 60 semester college credits, including 18 credits ( 4 or 5 courses) in Biology. A maximum of 2 credits is possible and can be applied as elective credit for the major or minor. The student participates in the teaching of one laboratory section under the supervision of a faculty member or graduate teaching assistant. Activities also include helping to set up labs, grading quizzes, assisting in review labs, and attending weekly staff preparation meetings. Permission to register requires departmental approval. Students wishing to register must contact the faculty member or coordinator in charge of the course in which they want to participate- for example, Biology and Society, General Biology I, General Biology II, Human Anatomy, or other courses, as listed in the class schedule. The details of the hourly commitment and participation are agreed upon by the student and faculty member. The student should fill out a "Request to Register for Biol 3993, Laboratory Teaching Experience" available from the Biology Department Office in SSB 207or on the Biology web page. When the form is signed by the faculty member in charge, it should be brought to Ruth Hemming, SSB 207B to receive an override number to register.
Top of page
Biol 3994 - Undergraduate Research
This course is arranged between a student and a faculty member involving research in a special area of Biology, usually laboratory or field research. A maximum of 3 credits per term is allowed, up to a maximum of 6 credits, although only 4 credits may be applied to a Biology or Cell Biology major or minor. Permission to register requires departmental approval. Students should arrange the details of the research experience with a faculty member, then fill out the "Request to Register for Biology 3994, Undergraduate Research" form, available from the Biology Department Office, SSB 207or on the Biology web page. Signatures of faculty advisor and research supervisor, as a well as an unofficial transcript, are required. Bring the signed form and transcript to Ruth Hemming, SSB 207B, who will route it to the Biology Curriculum Committee for approval. Once approved, Ruth will issue your override number to register.
Top of page
Biol 3996 - Internship in Biology
An internship is a way for a student to receive up to 2 credits for paid or volunteer work with a non-university agency. In the past, internships have been completed with the DNR, 3M, US Forest Service, Lake Superior Zoo, Nature Conservancy, Voyageurs National Park, MPCA and others. The work experience must be of a biological nature and at an academic level equivalent to an upper division Biology course. In other words, custodial tasks or menial routine assignments will not receive credit. You should contact the participating agency and arrange the details of the commitment together with the agency supervisor and your college advisor. Registration requires prior departmental approval. You will need to complete the "Request to Register for Biol 3996: Internship" form, available from the Biology Department Office, SSB 207, or on the Biology web page. Bring the completed form with required signatures to Ruth Hemming, SSB 207B, who will route it to the Biology Curriculum Committee for approval. Once approved, Ruth will issue your override number to register. Credits can be used to fulfill elective credits for the Biology major or minor.
Registration and Advisement for Enrolled Students
Top of page
Who is My Advisor?
Each UMD student is assigned an academic advisor by their respective college. If you do not know who your advisor is, or wish to change advisors, you should contact your appropriate college office. The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Office is 140 Engineering Building; the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) ; Office is 109 Cina Hall; the College of Education and Human Services Professions (CEHSP) is in 125 BohH.
You should establish a close working relationship with your academic advisor. Your advisor will help you plan your academic schedule to meet your educational goals and timelines, develop a better understanding of your responsibilities, and the requirements of your curriculum.
Top of page
When Should I See My Advisor?
Your academic advisor keeps scheduled office hours so you can arrange a meeting to seek advice or discuss a problem. You can contact your advisor in person, by phone or by email. In addition, there is a three week period during each semester when you are required to schedule an appointmant with your advisor to plan your course schedule for the next semester. During this time, you should go to your advisor's office and look for an appointment schedule posted by the door. Sign up for an appointment at a time and make sure you keep the appointment!
Top of page
How do I find my advisor?
Check out the list of biology faculty on the Biology Department web site to find your advisor's office location, phone, and email address.
Top of page
Where do I get a "Class Schedule"?
Class Schedule
Top of page
How can I find out whether a class section is closed?
Check the UMD Section Status Reports
Top of page
|
