Advising

Howdy and welcome to the Biology Undergraduate Programs Office! We are located in Butler Hall, Room 107.  Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM-5PM.  Call (979)845-3116 to schedule an appointment with any of the advisors.

INFORMATION FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN

Welcome
Math and Language Testing
Course Credit Possibilities
Your first semester of classes
Tips for Success in your Biology degree

Jump to:
Vision Statement
Advising Staff
Advising Syllabus
Information for Prospective Transfer Students
New Student Conference information
Degree Plans/Checklists for 2012-2013
Degree Plans/Checklists for 2011-2012
Degree Plans/ Checklists for 2010-2011
Degree Plans/ Checklists for 2009-2010
Forms
Transfer Coursework
Graduation Information

Our Vision:

It is the mission of the Biology Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) to provide quality academic advising in an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere.  Our office strives to help students navigate their undergraduate academic career and understand the value of their education to foster individual academic success.

To facilitate this process, students are asked to adhere to the policies and guidelines outlined the Biology UPO Advising Syllabus.  Students may visit with an advisor of their choosing.  Anyone wishing to meet with an advisor should schedule an appointment by calling the office at (979)845-3116.  Walk-ins are welcome and are accommodated based on advisor availability.

Our Advisors

Christine Farris is a Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '92 Agricultural Economics major. She also obtained a Master's in Higher Education Administration in 2003 from Texas A&M and has been an Academic Advisor here since 2001. Christine didn't have to travel far to attend Texas A&M, as she is originally from College Station. She still resides in the area with her husband, William, her son, Josh and her daughter, Amanda. Christine loves attending Aggie sports events and also attending her children's sports events and activities.

Clint Crampton is a Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '99 Political Science major. Clint has been an Academic Advisor in the Biology Department since January of 2004. He is originally from Houston, but has lived in College Station for the last 10 years. In his spare time, Clint enjoys reading and playing with his dog, Sasha.

Vanessa Nordell is a Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '97 Genetics major. She also obtained a Master's in Nutritional Sciences in 2004 from Texas A&M and has been an academic advisor since 2004. She hails from the thriving metropolis of Encinal, Texas and has lived in the Bryan/College Station area since 1993. She and her husband, Stefan, have a son, Gabriel, and a cat, Mick.

Advising Syllabus

It is our goal for all students to successfully complete their degree at Texas A&M University. Biology UPO Advisors will follow the guidelines in the Advising Syllabus, which was provided at your New Student Conference. For your convenience, you may download another copy here (pdf).

Information for Prospective Transfer Students

From another College or Institution:
Transfer applicants are admitted to a specific major and are required to follow the curriculum for that major. Applicants to the Department of Biology in the College of Science should complete the first two semesters of Biology courses (Texas Common Course Numbers BIOL1406 & 1407) with a 3.0 or higher GPR (on a 4.0 scale), with no grade less than "C". Students should also complete 8 hours of Chemistry I and II with 3.0 or higher (Texas Common Course Numbers CHEM1411 & 1412) and transfer a minimum of 24 transferable credits. For more information, visit www.science.tamu.edu

From another major/department at Texas A&M University:
Change of major students into the Department of Biology must meet the following requirements:

• Texas A&M University GPR of 2.5 overall and in proposed major (BIOL, BMCB, MBIO, ZOOL) and support (CHEM) courses
• At least one BIOL course (111 and 112 preferred, else the next BIOL course in the degree plan) and at least one CHEM course (101/111 and 102/112 preferred, else the next CHEM course in the degree plan)
• No grades of "D" or "F" in BIOL course(s) unless student has retaken courses and earned "C" or better.

Students who do not meet the minimum 2.5 GPR must have a special appeal from one of the departmental academic advisors. Additionally, students must have no cases of scholastic dishonesty or academic misconduct on their record.

New Student Conferences

All incoming Freshman and Transfer students to Texas A&M will attend a "New Student Conference." New Student Conference programs provide you with what you need to get started on your career here at Texas A&M and offer a chance to learn about the many opportunities available to members of the Aggie community. During the conference you will meet in small groups with academic advisors for academic advisement and selection of your courses. There will be a meeting specifically for Biology majors, at both the Freshman NSC and the Transfer NSC , where you will be able to meet your advisors and ask questions.

Degree Plans/checklists for the 2012-2013 school year

BA Biology (pdf)
BS Biology (pdf)
BS Microbiology (pdf)
BS Molecular and Cellular Biology (pdf)
BS Zoology (pdf)
Courses cross-listed with International & Cultural Diversity (pdf)

Degree Plans/checklists for the 2011-2012 school year

BA Biology (pdf)
BS Biology (pdf)
BS Microbiology (pdf)
BS Molecular and Cellular Biology (pdf)
BS Zoology (pdf)
Courses cross-listed with International & Cultural Diversity (pdf)

Degree Plans/checklists for the 2010-2011 school year

BA Biology (pdf)
BS Biology (pdf)
BS Microbiology (pdf)
BS Molecular and Cellular Biology (pdf)
BS Zoology (pdf)
Courses cross-listed with International & Cultural Diversity (pdf)

Degree Plans/checklists for the 2009-2010 school year

BA Biology (pdf)
BS Biology (pdf)
BS Microbiology (pdf)
BS Molecular and Cellular Biology (pdf)
BS Zoology (pdf)
Courses cross-listed with International & Cultural Diversity (pdf)
Texas A&M University Core Curriculum

Degree Plans/checklists for 2008-2009

BA Biology (pdf)
BS Biology (pdf)
BS Microbiology (pdf)
BS Molecular and Cellular Biology (pdf)
BS Zoology (pdf)

Forms Commonly used by Biology undergraduate students

Q-drop request
Change of Major within Department Form
First Year Grade Exclusion (FYGE) request (pdf)
Minor Approval Form (pdf)
485/491 Request (pdf)
BIOL491-Writing Intensive Request (pdf)
Transcript Request (pdf)

Transferring courses

You might decide to complete some courses at home at another Texas institution. The Texas Common Course Numbering website will help you locate the correct course number to ensure they are applied towards your TAMU degree. Use the most recent TCCNS online searchable matrix to compare institutions and get the corresponding course number. When you have completed the course, be sure to request that a transcript be sent to Texas A&M University.

Graduation Information

In your last semester at Texas A&M University you will need to apply for and pay for your diploma. Go to graduation.tamu.edu at the start of your last semester to complete the application. Be mindful of the deadline to avoid any late fees! Information on commencement ceremonies is also posted on this site.