Frequently Asked Questions - Undergraduate

Once you have been admitted to IUPUI and gone through orientation (or, if you know the courses in which you wish to register) you may register for courses.  If you have questions about being admitted to IUPUI, please visit  http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/ or call Admissions at 371.274.4591. Be sure to check your OneStart account to ensure that there are no holds on your record. After you are admitted to IUPUI, you may register for classes at or after the designated registration time posted on your OneStart page shortly before priority registration begins.   Priority registration for summer and fall generally begins in March; priority registration for spring generally begins in October. 

For detailed instructions regarding how to register for courses, visit

http://ses.iu.edu/campusServices/sisTraining/SIS9.0_onlineHelp/job_aids/cross_module/Student_Center/Student_Registration.pdf.  For more registration information view the FAQs at http://registrar.iupui.edu/regist.html.

Students may drop and add classes any time before the semester begins and during the first week of classes in a regular semester (summer timeframes are different because the session is so condensed).  There are deadlines each semester for adding and dropping classes.  Depending on the timeframe, you may not get a full refund for a dropped class and you may have to pay a little extra for an added class.  See http://registrar.iupui.edu/accal.html for information regarding specific semesters and their deadlines.

Holds are placed on a student’s OneStart account for academic, financial and immunization issues.  The last is something that any student could encounter if s/he does not have up-to-date immunization records or did not complete the meningitis compliance form http://registrar.iupui.edu/meningitis.html. If there is a hold, your OneStart account will provide the contact information to have the hold removed.  If you are unsure why you have a hold, contact your advisor. 

A recitation is comprised of a smaller subgroup of students who are in the same large lecture.  This subgrouping allows students to ask questions and discuss concepts with other students and their recitation leader.  Yes, if your course has a recitation, you must register for it. 

Hopefully you have registered for classes early.  If you wait, classes may fill.  One option is to get on the waitlist for a full class.  You may want to have a conversation with your advisor about this and other options include selecting an alternate class or taking fewer credits than originally planned. 

You can add yourself to a waitlist for a course under the OneStart scheduling area.  The waitlist allows a student to move into a class if space becomes available.  The first person on the waitlist will be the first student added.  The waitlist is suspended a couple of days after the semester begins, and there is no guarantee that a student on a waitlist will be added to the course (space may not become available). 

Consult with your advisor about your best options with waitlisted courses. 

If there is a time conflict with the waitlisted course and your current schedule, you will not be placed into the waitlisted course due to the conflict (even if you are number 1 on the waitlist and the system attempts to place you into the course).  However, if there is a time conflict, and you would like OneStart to switch courses when the waitlisted course becomes available (dropping the current course that conflicts with the formerly waitlisted one, and adding the latter to your schedule), you may select this option on OneStart http://registrar.iupui.edu/aceover.html.  This is called a “swap.”

The waitlist option usually ends around the middle of the first week of classes!  So, if you were not automatically added to the waitlisted class before the waitlist option expires, you may:

1. Add the class online via your OneStart account if space is now available. 
2. Speak with the instructor to determine if you may add the course using a paper add form (obtained from your advisor).
3. Decide to keep your current schedule.
4. If you do not have enough credits without the waitlisted course, choose a different course.

At the end of the first week of classes, be sure to verify your schedule in your OneStart account to ensure that it is accurate (and that you know if the waitlisted course was or was not added to your schedule).  To see the waitlist expiration dates, view the academic calendar at http://registrar.iupui.edu/accal.html

Students who have waitlisted for a math course CANNOT attend the math course unless they are officially registered for the course.  Students are encouraged to contact the instructor to obtain a syllabus of the course so that they can keep up with the class in the event that they are able to add the course.  Students in other waitlisted courses are generally encouraged to attend the class and speak to the instructor about adding the class. 

A course in which you are waitlisted does not apply toward your total number of credits for enrollment status.  Thus, if you are on a waitlist you may want to make sure that you have enough OTHER credits in case you do not get into the class. This is potentially very important; many students are required to maintain full-time enrollment (in most instances 12 credit hours is considered full time) for financial aid, parents’ insurance or scholarship purposes. 

Visit http://registrar.iupui.edu/course-offerings-archived.html .  Note that a course offered in a past semester may not be offered in the same timeframe in a future semester.  It is good to speak with the department offering the course to ensure when the course may be offered again.  The course descriptions list when a course is usually offered http://www.iupui.edu/~bulletin/iupui/2010-2012/courses/index.shtml.

Students are allowed to enroll for no more than 18 credits in the fall or spring and no more than 7 credits in a single summer session (14 if enrolled for the maximum in both summer sessions).  In some cases individual students may be restricted to a lower number of credits.

If you wish to exceed the maximum number of credits allowed in a semester (usually only granted if you maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above), you must complete the following steps:

1)      Register for all of your courses that are most difficult to get or that fill up quickly.

2)      To add the last course, see your advisor to obtain an add slip.

3)      If your advisor approves, take the add slip to LD 222, the School of Science Dean’s office.

4)      If the Dean’s Office approves, take the add slip to the Registrar’s office in CE 250.

5)      Add the class (if there are still open seats in the class).

The class may not be offered or you may be searching for a class that is full. You may visit the Office of the Registrar’s website and enter the section number to learn more.  Visit:  http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.html.

First, go back to the Registrar’s site to ensure that you are registering for the appropriate section of the course http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.html.  The class may be open only to certain students.  If you meet the criteria, use the contact information listed in the class schedule.  Also, read the course description and make sure you meet the prerequisite(s).  If you still are unable to register for the course, contact your advisor.

You may view prerequisite information in the course descriptions at http://www.iupui.edu/~bulletin/iupui/2010-2012/courses/index.shtml.  Contact your advisor if you have questions.

All honors courses require permission to enroll.  Honors course permissions are granted by the Honors College (contact Lisa Ruch at 274.8145 or lruch@iupui.edu) with the exception of Chemistry and Occupational Leadership and Supervision (OLS).  Contact Dr. Lin Zhu (zhu2@iupui.edu) or Marie Nguyen (mlnguyen@iupui.edu) in the Chemistry Department for chemistry authorization.  For OLS authorization, contact the OLS Department at 278-0277.

If you wish to drop a course within the online drop dates, you may drop the course online.  For more details visit http://registrar.iupui.edu/drop.html.

If you wish to drop a course after the eDrop dates, a paper drop slip is required.  The form must be obtained from your advisor and signed by the instructor.  See the academic calendar for specific add/drop dates at http://registrar.iupui.edu/accal.html.

NOTE:  If you are in a lecture/lab course, you must drop the lab if you are dropping the lecture. 

If it is early in the semester, you may drop to a lower math course.  During the first week of classes, students may switch sections of math courses without the approval of an advisor or instructor.  If space allows, during the 25-75% refund period students who wish to “drop-back” to a lower math course may do so granted that they do the following:

1)  Receive approval on the PAPER add slip from the added instructor for the lower-level math                     course (an add slip may be obtained from your advisor).

2)  Receive approval on the PAPER add slip from the student’s advisor for adding a new math course and dropping the “old” math course.

3)  Bring the PAPER add/drop slip with necessary signatures to the Math Department (LD 270) as soon as possible but before the end of the 25% refund period.

All students who wish to drop to a lower math course must use a PAPER add/drop slip (no eAdds or eDrops are acceptable for a fee waiver).  This waiver is meant for students who enter a math course and then determine that they need to take (or retake) the prerequisite first for further review.  This process is NOT meant for students who are switching sections for convenience/preference.  Also note that at some point BEFORE the end of the partial refund period the course coordinator may decide that students should no longer be allowed to add.  Therefore, if you are contemplating dropping to a lower math course, do this as soon as possible. 

If you are a biology major and your last name begins with A-K, Jane Alexander is your advisor.  If your last name begins with L-Z, Julie Landaw is your advisor.  If you are in University College, please see a University College advisor (http://uc.iupui.edu/Departments/AcademicandCareerDevelopment.aspx).  If you are not yet admitted to IUPUI and you are interested in meeting with a University representative to discuss a science major, please visit http://science.iupui.edu/visit. If you are in another major and/or you are not yet admitted to IUPUI and you would like to speak with an academic advisor in that major, please visit the following site for advisor contact information http://www.iupui.edu/academic/schoolsdepts.htm.

As an undergraduate biology major you will likely have a lot of questions.  Students often meet with us to determine which courses they may take the next semester and to plan their remaining courses until graduation.   Or, maybe you need to discuss your academic goals, career aspirations, or determine your next step.  Whatever you may need, we are here to help you along the way.  Do not hesitate to meet with us regarding any questions you may have.  We know of all the student resources at IUPUI, so if we cannot answer your question, we can connect you to an IUPUI resource.  There are also numerous handouts that you will find helpful in assisting you at IUPUI; they are located outside of Jane’s office, SL 322.  If you have questions about financial aid or scholarships, those questions are best answered by the respective departments. 

If you are not a biology major and wish to schedule an appointment with Jane or Julie, please email in advance to ensure that we may assist you with your request.  For biology majors, appointments with Jane or Julie are scheduled online.  To schedule an appointment, please visit

http://science.iupui.edu/academics/academic-advising.

If the available appointment times do not fit your schedule, please email your advisor. 

Jane and Julie also hold walk-in hours for questions that do not require an evaluation of your academic record.  Walk-in hours are posted outside of advisors’ offices.  Walk-in times are not designed for advising appointments; rather they are for quick questions or to complete drop/add forms, etc.  Jane is located in SL 322 and Julie is located in SL 326.  Our physical address is

 723 West Michigan Street, SL 306, Indianapolis, IN 46202.  Email is the best way to contact Jane or Julie. 

 Jane’s email is janealex@iupui.edu (phone number is 317.274.0589) and Julie’s email is julandaw@iupui.edu (phone number is 317.274.5768). 

You may view a campus map at http://www.iupui.edu/map/  and, if you are coming to campus for the first time and you need visiting parking information, please visit http://www.parking.iupui.edu/visitors.do .

No, you are not required to meet with an academic advisor unless you have an academic hold, need help with financial aid appeals or are required to see us for a class or scholarship assignment.  However, we hope you will meet with us at least once per year even if it is just to check in and review your classes for the next semester.  We are here to help students so we hope that you will visit us regularly.

The days and times of classes may be viewed at http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.html.

At orientation, your advisor will discuss how your credits may apply toward your degree.  For resources you may use to determine if the course is equivalent to another course at IUPUI is to visit http://www.transferin.net/CTL and http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/undergraduate/credit/.

Many AP and IB credits are used in lieu of specific requirements or as electives.  See http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/resources/ap_credit.shtml.  Please note, there are some exceptions to what is listed on this chart.  Please see your advisor for details.

Since we usually do not receive AP scores until the middle of July, you may need to change your classes after the AP scores post.  You should confer with your academic advisor after the AP scores have been received by IUPUI.

If you have taken courses at any other IU campus, those courses will be factored into your IUPUI GPA. If you transfer courses from any Purdue campus to IUPUI, those grades are factored into your Student Undergraduate Program Summary GPA, but not in your Indiana University Undergraduate Summary GPA.  If you have taken courses outside of the IU or Purdue systems, the transfer GPA will not be calculated into your IUPUI GPA.  However, remember that most applications for professional schools will calculate a cumulative GPA including all of the courses you have completed at all schools.  Note, that no grade below “C” may apply toward your degree at IUPUI (unless it was completed at an IU or Purdue campus). 

“Undistributed” generally means that the credits/courses have not been matched to a specific IUPUI course. Speak with your academic advisor about undistributed courses. Gather course syllabi and descriptions from any courses that show on your record as undistributed (if you think the course should apply toward your degree as meeting a specific requirement) and consult with your advisor.

Whether your major is biology or not, you may have undistributed biology credits.  To determine if or how the credits may apply do the following:

1)      Obtain the course description and syllabus from the institution in which the course was completed.  If you did not retain the syllabus, contact the institution in which you completed the course to determine the best way to obtain the information. 

2)      Complete the substitution form, attach the syllabus and course description, and return to SL 306.

Once you have been admitted to IUPUI, you will receive a degree audit that outlines how your courses may apply toward your degree.  You will review this information with your advisor at orientation.  Note that no grade below a “C” may apply toward your degree at IUPUI (unless it was completed at an IU or Purdue school).  No more than half of your transfer biology major courses may apply toward your biology degree at IUPUI.  And, all students must complete a minimum of 32 credits at the 300 level or above at IUPUI. 

One important rule for all transfer students:  you must earn a minimum of 32 credits at IUPUI that are numbered at the 300 level or above, no matter how many credits you bring from other school/s.

OneStart is Indiana University's Web-based application portal that provides a common front door to online services at all IU campuses. OneStart offers easier and more direct access to the multitude of services available for students, faculty, and staff. The goal for OneStart is to create a virtual campus community -- a place to study, work, collaborate, and have fun!

Oncourse IU's online collaboration and learning environment, powered by the Sakai community, supports teaching and learning, committees, projects, research, and portfolios for Indiana University's community of students, faculty, and staff.

Course requirements for the BS in biology

Only incoming freshmen students who meet the Honors College admissions requirements may participate in the honors program.  If you are accepted to the Honors College as a biology major, you will take an honors class each semester.  So, your major is biology, but as an honors student, you are also part of the Honors College.  You will have an honors advisor and a biology academic advisor.  Usually, it is best to meet with your biology academic advisor before meeting with your honors advisor.  For more information about honors, visit http://honorscollege.iupui.edu/.

If you are interested in teaching biology, there are grant funds that may pay for your studies at IUPUI.   Please visit Jane or Julie to learn about your degree options.  Currently, it is recommended that students complete the biology undergraduate degree and then pursue the Transition to Teaching program.  For more information, visit www.iupui.edu/ucase/scholarships/t2t.

The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science are both strong degrees and both will earn you a degree in biology.  So, one is not superior to the other.  Students choose one over the other based on personal interests and possibly, future plans.  Talk with your advisor about which degree may match best for you. 

Courses required for the BA in biology

Be sure that you meet the prerequisite(s) for any course in which you wish to register   http://www.iupui.edu/~bulletin/iupui/2010-2012/schools/purdue-science/courses/biology.shtml

Visit the following link and scroll down to biology http://advising.uc.iupui.edu/Planning/DegreePlanningSheets/ByMajor.aspx

http://www.iupui.edu/~bulletin/iupui/2010-2012/schools/purdue-science/courses/biology.shtml

Yes, IUPUI offers some classes online.  However, since most biology students must take one or two science courses each semester, online course options will be limited.  If you plan to be off campus for a summer term, online courses could be an option.  Speak with your advisor about possible online courses.   To view the online courses offered, visit  http://registrar.iupui.edu/splashcln.html.

The number of electives will vary from student to student and depends on what you’ve already taken and what you plan to take.  For example, some students need to take algebra and trigonometry before calculus, while other students do not.  Some students may need to take specific classes for a direction they wish to pursue.  Be sure to meet with your advisor to determine the number of elective credits you may need to reach the minimum 124 credits required for your degree.  As a rough estimate, there are approximately 20-25 elective credits required for the BS and BA degrees in Biology.

Not all courses may apply toward your degree as elective credit.  Further, the number of completed credits listed at the bottom of your transcript does not accurately reflect the total number of degree-applicable credits. Meet with your advisor to discuss your plans for elective credits.

The School of Science restricts the number of credits a student may complete in activities classes in studio art, clinical areas, athletics and performing arts.  You may use up to six credits as electives, unless you are completing a minor in one of these areas, in which case you may use all credits from the minor as electives.  Examples of these “doing” courses include:

• HER-D 101 DRAWING I (studio art)
• EMER-E 201 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECH – BASIC (clinical area)
• HPER-E 190 YOGA I (athletic)
• MUS-L 101 BEGINNING GUITAR CLASS (performing art)

IUPUI offers thousands of courses.  However, not all IUPUI courses may apply toward your degree as elective credit.  Thus, be sure to verify with your advisor that an “elective” course will apply toward your degree.  If you wish to see all of your options for courses, you could look at the Registrar’s website for all of the departments that offer courses  http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.html.

Certainly, students often apply their elective credits toward a minor.  To view the minors offered at IUPUI, visit http://advising.uc.iupui.edu/Planning/MinorsandCertificates/Minors.aspx.  Find more information about minors below.

Yes, approval must be obtained from the School of Science to use as credit toward graduation any course that was completed 10 or more years previously.  Further, if it has been two years since your last math course, or more than one year since your last math placement test, you will need to take the math placement test or math proficiency exam.  See your advisor for more details. 

If you are an IUPUI student in another major and you wish to change your major to biology, you may see the Biology Department admission requirements at http://science.iupui.edu/admissions/admissions-guidelines.  Once you have met the criteria for admission to the School of Science, you may complete an application to change your major to biology in the School of Science Dean’s office, LD 222. 

Checksheet for BA in Biology

Checksheet for BS in Biology

Click for course requirements in the biology minor

Click for the research/thesis packet

BIOL-K 490 packet

All students should take math as soon as possible (unless you bring in AP scores or transferred coursework that exempt you from further math courses).  Not only will it be needed for chemistry and physics, but students tend to retain math better when the next level quickly follows the previous one.  So, complete your math sequence as soon as possible.  If it has been two years since your last math course, or more than one year since your last math placement test, you will need to take the math placement test or math proficiency exam.  See your advisor for more details. 

This will depend on your degree (BA or BS), completed math content and/or IUPUI placement test.  

From lowest to highest, the sequence is:

1. MATH 00100 Introduction to Algebra; this course does not apply as credit toward a degree in biology. 
2. MATH 11100 Algebra; this course does not apply as credit toward a degree in biology. 
3. MATH 15300 and MATH 15400 (Algebra and Trigonometry I and II) OR MATH 15900 (Precalculus)
4. If you are pursing the BS, calculus I and II are required (three options for calculus)

Note:  if you are pursing the BA and you have completed calculus I, no additional math courses are required. 

See information about math placement tests under New student or Transfer student information sections above.

If you are pursing the Biology BS degree, calculus I and II are required.  If you are pursuing the Biology BA degree, calculus is not required (the BA requires pre-calculus or algebra and trigonometry I and II).  However, if you are pursing the BA and you complete calculus I, you will not need any additional math courses. 

The three options for calculus are:  

A)    MATH 16500/16600 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I and II 16500:  Introduction to differential and integral calculus of one variable, with applications. Conic sections.  16600:  Vectors in two and three dimensions. Techniques of integration, infinite series, polar coordinates, surfaces in three dimensions.

B)    MATH 23100/23200 Calculus for Life Sciences I and II  23100:  Limits, derivatives and applications. Exponential and logarithmic functions. Integrals, antiderivatives, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Examples and applications are drawn from the life sciences.  23200:  Matrices, functions of several variables, differential equations and solutions with applications. Examples and applications are drawn from the life sciences.

C)    MATH 22100/22200 Calculus for Technology I and II 22100:  Analytic geometry, the derivative and applications, and the integral and applications.  22200:  Differentiation of transcendental functions, methods of integration, power series, Fourier series, and differential equations.

The answer depends on which degree you choose and your level of foreign language background.  The BA degree requires first-year college proficiency in a foreign language.  The BS degree does not require a foreign language but language study is strongly recommended by our department and by many professional schools.  You should leave college knowing at least one foreign language. Knowing a foreign language enables you to enter another culture and to understand its ideas and its values.  If you are doing the Biology BS degree, the foreign language credits may apply toward your Biology BS degree as elective credit (if needed).   All students who plan to take a foreign language should take a foreign language placement exam. 

1)      Take a foreign language placement test at IUPUI and test into a 200-level course.  Although you would have met the foreign language requirement, no foreign language credits are earned via the placement test.  To take the foreign language placement test, call 317.274.4240 to schedule a time.  Be sure to review/study your language materials so that you perform well on the placement test. 

2)      Take one of the foreign language sequences:

                                                        I.            117 (3), 118 (3), and 119 (4)

               or

                                                      II.            131(5) and 132 (5)

3)      Take a foreign language course at the 200-level or above.

4)      If you are proficient in a foreign language not taught at IUPUI, you may be able to demonstrate proficiency.  Contact the World Languages and Cultures Department (WLAC) for more details at Cavanaugh Hall, Room 545, 371.274.0062, or wlac@iupui.edu .  WLAC may be able to direct you to either a professor on campus or a department at IU-B to evaluate language proficiency, though it is fully at the discretion of the School of Science to accept or not accept the evaluation.

Yes!  If you take and earn at least a “C” grade in the foreign language course into which you place, you will receive credit for this course and you may purchase the credit for some preceding courses for approximately $20 per credit.  You may or may not need to purchase the credits; this will depend on whether or not you need the credits to apply toward electives.  See your advisor for details.  Non-native speakers may purchase up to 16 preceding credits. 

Native speakers should also take the test to determine at what level of coursework to begin.  Native speakers of the language (defined as someone who attended high school in the language) may only take 200-level and above courses and may buy a maximum of 6 credits at the 200 level (and need to complete a specific course at the 300 level to do so:  Spanish=S313, French=F328, and German=G300 or higher as qualifying courses for native speakers).

To purchase foreign language credits, visit the World Languages and Cultures Department at Cavanaugh Hall, Room 545, 317.274.0062, or wlac@iupui.edu. 

It is possible to earn credit for English Composition I. You may submit a portfolio of writing for review by the English department.  If they deem the quality and types of writing in your portfolio substantially similar to the ENG-W131 course, you may receive departmental credit for that course (http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/english/index.php/academics/wtgp/wtgp_policies4#special). 

There is no portfolio review or test for credit in English composition II or speech.  In addition, students often have earned AP credit for ENG-W131.

ENG-W 132-Elementary Composition II-Stresses argumentation and research concurrently, with a secondary emphasis on critical evaluation in both reading and writing. Evaluation is based on portfolios of the student’s work.

ENG-W 150 Elementary Composition II Honors Allows an honors student to explore the investigative methods used within a chosen discipline as an introduction to academic writing. Individual projects using these various methods combine primary and secondary skills. Evaluation is based on portfolios of the student’s work. Replacing W132 or W231 for honors students, this course follows W140.

ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills Focuses on expository writing for the student whose career requires preparation of reports, proposals, and analytical papers. Emphasis on clear and direct objective writing and on investigation of an original topic written in report form, including a primary research project. Evaluation is based on student projects. RISE=E

TCM 22000 Technical Report Writing Extensive application of the principles of clear writing in business and industry with emphasis on audience, organization of ideas, and a concise writing style.

TCM 32000 Written Communication in Science and Industry Prerequisites:  In addition to ENG-W 131, junior standing (at least 56 credits) or consent of instructor is required to register for this course. Analysis of current writing practices in technology and science, especially in organizational settings. Practice in research and in designing and preparing reports for a variety of purposes and audiences.

The following three courses are the most commonly used for biology degrees, but there are other, higher-level options.  Several of the course sections are available as online offerings.

CSCI-N 201 Programming Concepts Summary of basic computing topics, problem solving techniques, and their application to computing. Introduction to programming concepts with a focus on language-independent principles, such as algorithm design, debugging strategies, essential control structures, and basic data structure concepts. Lecture and laboratory.

CSCI-N 207 Data Analysis using Spreadsheets (Prerequisite: MATH 11100). Summary of basic computing topics. An introduction to data analysis using spreadsheets. Emphasis on the application of computational problem-solving techniques. Lecture and laboratory.

CSCI-N 211 Introduction to Databases Summary of basic computing topics. Introduction to database design concepts, creation of user forms, development of databases, querying techniques, and building reports. Focus on relational database systems from development and administration point of view. Lecture and laboratory.

A minor is another field of study in which you want to specialize while you are working on your major. Generally, your major relates to your intended career, but your minor is something you pursue because of your personal interests http://registrar.iupui.edu/minorlst.html.  A minor must be completed before graduation; a student cannot complete a degree and then take classes to earn the minor after graduation. To explore minors offered at IUPUI visit http://advising.uc.iupui.edu/Planning/MinorsandCertificates/Minors.aspx.  Be sure to speak with an academic advisor (in the department that offers your minor) regarding specific requirements for your minor of interest. 

Although there are restrictions on how many credits from certain areas the School of Science will use toward electives, if a student is pursuing a minor in the area, almost all credits will be applied.

No, you are not required to have a minor.  The decision to pursue a minor or certificate depends on your academic and personal interests.  As with most decisions, it is your interests and priorities that should determine whether or not you study an additional academic area. You will gain extra skills and knowledge that could make you more competitive in the job market. Some questions to ask yourself include:

1)      How much more time will it take for me to graduate?

2)      Is it worth it to me to spend the extra time and money?

3)      How important is the minor or certificate to me?

4)      Do I want to add more skills for personal reasons or make my skills more competitive in the job market?

Yes!  Both biology degrees require only one more chemistry course (usually CHEM-C310) in order for you to earn a chemistry minor (no grade below a “C” is acceptable for minor courses and at least 6 credit hours in the minor courses must be taken at IUPUI). 

You can view your grades via their Student Center. Log onto OneStart  > Student Center> My Academics and Grades> Term Information> View Grades.

 http://registrar.iupui.edu/gradecover.html

http://registrar.iupui.edu/gpa-calculate.html

The minimum grade requirements for the Biology major are:

• Area I-Composition and Speech:  Minimum of a “C” grade in English Composition I and II courses
• Area IIIC-Physical Sciences:  C- (one D+ or D allowed)
• Area IIID-Mathematical Sciences:  C- (one D+ or D allowed)
• Area IV-Biology Major Courses:  C- (and must have a minimum 2.0 average of the Biology courses in this area)
• Overall GPA must be at a minimum 2.0 to graduate

There are two different GPA calculations on a student’s transcript.  For some students, both GPAs will be the same; for others, the two GPAs will differ.

  1) The Student Undergraduate Program Summary GPA will include all Purdue and IU grades, and will calculate repeated IU grades as if grade replacement has been completed. 

If you have repeated a course, only the repeated grade is factored into this GPA If you have transfer work from any Purdue campus, the Purdue GPA will be calculated with your IU (and IUPUI) GPA in this GPA. 

2) The Indiana University Undergraduate Program Summary GPA will include all IU courses, and all courses that have been repeated (when grade replacement has not been done).   

If you have repeated a course, both grades are calculated into this GPA unless you have completed grade replacement for the repeated course.  If you wish to do grade replacement, wait for the repeated course grade to post, then visit LD 222 to complete the grade replacement form.  Remember, you may complete grade replacement for a maximum of 15 credits, so make sure you are using grade replacement in the most effective manner. http://registrar.iupui.edu/replace.html.

Yes, you may, but there are several stipulations.  The course may not be part of the major coursework, nor may it be a required core course.  Only electives may be taken pass/fail.  You must have a 2.0 GPA, the maximum pass/fail courses per year is two and you must complete the pass/fail paperwork by the deadline (a couple weeks into the semester).  A “P” (pass) grade may not subsequently be changed to a standard letter grade. 

FLAGS (Fostering Learning, Achievement, and Graduation Success) is IUPUI’s early alert system. Instructors use IUPUI’s FLAGS System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in courses. Periodically throughout the semester instructors will enter data on factors such as your class attendance, participation, and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are performing in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance.

You will be able to access this information in the student center: OneStart > Student Services page > Student Center > My Academics and Grades > My Grades.

• Speak with the instructor.
• Use the free tutoring (listed above) available on campus.
• Try different study techniques (flash cards work well for science courses).  Consult with the Bepko Learning Center for study skills techniques and advice http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/.
• Hire a tutor.
• Decide if you have given every effort to do well in the course. If it seems that you may not earn a good grade, you may consider dropping the course.  Research how the drop could impact your full-time status (12 credit hours) for financial aid or insurance.   Academically, it is usually better to have a “W” in a course rather than a low grade.  If you have completed most of the semester but find that you may need to miss the last portion of the semester for extenuating circumstances, you could speak with your instructor about an incomplete grade. 
• If you decide to drop a course, you may be able to add a late-start course http://registrar.iupui.edu/splashcln.html.
• Check with your academic advisor about options.

Please contact financial aid with this question.  Their phone number is 317.274.4162. 

Remember that your transcript is a permanent record.  If you are not doing well in one or more courses and your record continues to need improvement, try to evaluate the circumstances affecting your academic difficulty.  Are you taking too many courses?  What are your study techniques?  Have you had a personal situation?  Have you or a family member had an illness?  Has there been a change in your family financial status?  Are you having difficulty with time management?  Are you working too many hours?  Remember that you are not alone; many students struggle with balancing their personal life and academics.  You have a lot of resources to assist you at IUPUI.  But first, it is important to find what many be inhibiting you from doing well academically.  Your academic advisor is a great resource to discuss ways to improve your academic performance.  If you have been placed on probation and have not done well in most of your semesters, you will need to make a change to improve academically.  Please also see Resources section below. 

Academic Warning

If you receive a semester GPA of less than 2.0, you will be placed on academic warning.  An academic hold will be placed on your record preventing you from registering. 

1)      You will receive a letter from the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Undergraduate Education that describes the details about academic warning.

2)      You will be required to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your academic performance. 

3)      Schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor.  

4)      Bring your letter to your advising appointment; your advisor will sign it.

5)      Take the letter to the School of Science Dean’s Office (LD 222) so the hold may be removed. 

6)      Be sure to improve your academic performance so that you are not placed on academic probation. 

Academic Probation

If your cumulative IU Undergraduate Program Summary GPA falls below a 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation.  An academic hold will be placed on your record preventing you from registering. You may continue studies as long as a minimum 2.0 semester GPA is earned.  If you have been placed on academic probation:

1)      You will receive a letter from the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Undergraduate Education that describes the details about your probation.

2)      You will be required to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your academic performance. 

3)      Schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor.  

4)      Bring your letter to your advising appointment; your advisor will sign it.

5)      Schedule an appointment to meet with Mrs. Florence Rogers.  To schedule the appointment, email Mr. Darryl Newsom at danewsom@iupui.edu. 

6)      You will also need to bring the letter your advisor signed and progress notes from your instructors to your meeting with Mrs. Rogers.

7)      Be sure to make the necessary changes so that you improve your academic record.  A student on probation who has completed a minimum of 12 IUPUI GPA hours is subject to dismissal if the student fails to attain a GPA of at least 2.0 in any two consecutive regular IUPUI semesters (fall and spring terms only) including the semester during which the student was first placed on probation. 

8)      Once your cumulative GPA is at least 2.0, you will be removed from probation.

Please contact financial aid with this question.  Their phone number is 317.274.4162. 

We recommend that you have a conversation about this with your advisor since every student’s situation is different.  Many professional schools do not recommend that you repeat “C” grades because they expect you to earn an “A” the second time around.  Graduate and professional schools want to see a good grade at your first attempt.  If you have earned less than a “C“ in a course, you may be required to repeat it.  See your advisor for more details about course repeats.

Have you repeated or are you thinking of repeating any courses?  You may grade replace up to 15 credit hours.  Your initial grade from a course will be removed from your cumulative GPA and replaced by the new (repeated) grade.  However, remember that most professional schools compute a cumulative GPA (regardless if you have done grade replacement). If you are interested in grade replacement, contact the School of Science, LD 222. For more information about the policy visit http://registrar.iupui.edu/replace.html.

You register the same way you would register for other classes.  There are not different/special procedures to sign up for a repeated course.  There will be a note on your transcript and class schedule that the course is being repeated (this is to advise you that you are taking the same course again).

After the grade has been posted for the repeated course, visit LD 222 to complete the grade replacement form.  Remember, you may complete grade replacement for a maximum of 15 credits, so make sure you are using grade replacement in the most effective manner. Also, be aware that once you have grade replaced you cannot change your mind and retract that grade replacement in favor of one that would better impact your GPA. http://registrar.iupui.edu/replace.html. 

Most professional programs will use all grades from a student’s higher-education background.  In this case, both grades would be included in a newly-calculated GPA.  Most graduate schools use the more recent grade and the updated GPA, but a student needs to establish a good record from day one.  Check with institutions about their GPA calculation policies.

Please contact financial aid with any questions related to aid for repeated courses. 

A student on probation who has completed a minimum of 12 IUPUI hours is subject to dismissal if the student fails to attain a GPA of at least 2.0 in any two consecutive (fall and spring) semesters, including the semester in which the student was first placed on probation.

If you are dismissed you must sit out at least one regular (fall or spring) semester.  You may reapply during your time away from IUPUI.  Please see the School of Science bulletin information  XXXXXX and visit http://science.iupui.edu/undergraduate/admissions/returning for reapplication information and deadlines.

1)      Meet with your advisor to ensure that you will meet all of the degree requirements http://science.iupui.edu/undergraduate/graduation.

2)      Once you have a finalized graduation date, apply for graduation (even if you do not plan to attend the ceremony) online at http://www.science.iupui/edu/academics/preparing-graduation. 

 The deadlines to apply for graduation are:

October 1 for May graduation

February 1 for August graduation

May 1 for December graduation

3)      After you submit the online application the Dean’s Office will authorize you to register for CAND 99100 (a no credit/no obligation “class” in your final semester).

If you have completed the graduation survey/application and you need to delay your graduation date, please email Mr. Newsom (danewsom@iupui.edu) from your IUPUI email account with your student identification number to notify him of your updated graduation term.  You must also contact the Registrar’s Office at 317.274.1519 and ask them for term activation for the additional semester(s). 

Many career opportunities exist for biology majors, especially now, with the rise of the biotechnology industry and the sequencing of the human genome.  Jobs are available directly after the bachelor's degree (BA or BS) for entry-level careers in gene sequencing, drug testing and development, immunology, agriculture, and in all molecular, cellular and developmental areas.  Learn more about career possibilities and employers of IUPUI biology grads http://biology.iupui.edu/undergraduate/career-resources.

To learn more, speak with a Career Specialist in the School of Science Career Development Services office.  They are located in Taylor Hall, UC 006A http://science.iupui.edu/careers/career-development-services and view the Biology Careers sheet. 

Many students are interested in continuing education in professional or graduate school.  Biology degrees are excellent preparation for many of these options.

Undergraduate biology majors have many opportunities to work or participate in research in the Biology Department.  Full-time first-year students admitted directly to the Department of Biology may be part of the Biology Freshman Work Program (FWP).  These are introductory positions for which you need no prior experience. At the same time they are training opportunities where what you learn can lead to more sophisticated assignments as well as genuine research positions for which you can receive recognition and compensation. Participants in the FWP earn $9.00 per hour working in the Biology Department, 10 hours per week. This program may lead to additional student support, such as upper-level scholarships, employment in research/teaching labs and undergraduate research stipends.  Upper-level undergraduate students may participate in research as part of their senior capstone.

There are numerous other internship and research programs available to you at IUPUI; they are listed below. 

If you are not a biology major (or, if you are not an IUPUI admitted student) and you wish to volunteer in a biology research lab, you may contact the research professor and ask if you may volunteer in their lab.  Some faculty welcome volunteers while others may be doing research that is best performed with long-term workers. To view the research areas of biology faculty and find their contact information visit http://www.biology.iupui.edu/research.