Biochemistry and Cell Biology Undergraduate Advising Information (Spring 2013)

Website: http://biochem.rice.edu (advising/courses/majors/research information can be found here) Owl-Space: https://owlspace-ccm.rice.edu/portal (log on and join “BCB Opportunities”) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Rice.Biochemistry.Cell.Biology The Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology offers a broad range of courses in the biosciences, including advanced courses in biochemistry, biophysics, cancer biology, cell biology, developmental biology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, plant biology, physical chemistry, and virology. Students may choose to pursue a BS or BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, a BA in Biological Sciences, or a Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. The Biochemistry and Cell Biology BS and BA degree paths are designed for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences, typically leading to graduate, medical, or other professional school. Both paths are designed to emphasize a broad understanding of cell biology and biochemistry, provide room for exploration anywhere in the Natural Sciences or Engineering, and culminate in one (BA) or two (BS) required 400-level capstone courses incorporating primary scientific literature, presentations, and writing. The BA offers greater flexibility with two fewer courses (including a choice of 300-level core courses). The BS offers greater coverage and depth, with a complete 300-level core and an additional 400-level capstone course. Biological Sciences BA is also designed for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences, typically leading to graduate or professional school, however, unlike the BCB majors, the Biological Sciences BA is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of the full range of biological disciplines. The BA in Biological Sciences may not be combined with any other biosciences degree (i.e. BA Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, or Minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). The Biological Sciences BA is jointly managed by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology is intended for those with an interest in the life sciences but who may be majoring in other areas. This minor incorporates many of the life science core courses required for the health professions.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology Advising for Undergraduates (advisor photos are in order of their contact listing below)

Advisors for Prospective students, Freshmen and Undeclared Sophomores These advisors communicate with incoming students and advise freshmen and sophomores formally and informally. They are here to assist prospective majors and others such as premedical students who need specific information about our programs, lecture courses, and laboratory courses. Dr. Beth Beason Abmayr: 326 Anderson Biological Labs; x2535; bbeason@rice.edu Dr. Liz Eich: 342 Anderson Biological Labs; x6144; lizmc@rice.edu Dr. Michael Gustin: W200G George R. Brown Hall; x5158; gustin@rice.edu Dr. Kathy Matthews: 203 Keck; x4871; ksm@rice.edu Dr. James McNew: 713 BRC; x3133; mcnew@rice.edu Dr. Dereth Phillips: 340 Anderson Biological Labs; x2343; derethp@rice.edu Dr. Alma Novotny: 344 Anderson Biological Labs; x4015; novotnya@rice.edu Advisors for Declaring or Declared Majors (advisors are assigned by first letter of your last name) Dr. Kate Beckingham: W130 GBH; x4016; kate@rice.edu (names beginning with A-H) Dr. Dave Caprette: 327 Anderson Biological Labs; x3498; caprette@rice.edu (names beginning with I-P) Dr. Charles Stewart: W104 GBH; x4926, crs@rice.edu (names beginning with Q-Z) Advisor for Special Issues: Study Abroad or Transfer Credit: Dr. George Bennett: 813 BRC; x4920; gbennett@rice.edu BCB Department Coordinator Monica Roberts (mr19@rice.edu)

Comparison of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department majors

* Acceptable substitutions:

Ø MATH 111 and 112 (combined) may be substituted for MATH 101 Ø CHEM 151, 152, 153, and 154 may be substituted for CHEM 121, 122, 123, and 124 Ø CHEM 251 and 252 may be substituted for CHEM 211 and 212 Ø CHEM 310 or CHEM 311 and 312 may be substituted for BIOC 352 Ø If taken for 3 or more credits, BIOC 310, BIOC 401/402/412 or HONS 470/471 may substitute for one 300-level lab (not

BIOC 311) toward the BA and BS in BCB. This substitution may be used only once regardless of the number of semesters of BIOC 310, 401. 402, 412 or HONS 470/471 taken.

Ø BIOC 310 or EBIO 306 (if taken for 2 or more credits), HONS 470/471, BIOC 412, or BIOC 393 may substitute for an advanced lab toward the BA in Biological Sciences.

Ø BIOC 401/402/412 counts as a single 400-level course in the BCB BA and BS Ø Other substitutions may be permissible. Please consult the GA or your major advisor for details

** Must be a lecture course, not an independent research course This document was created to simplify, but not supersede, information found in the General Announcements. In the event of discrepancies, the General Announcements are to be considered the final authority on the requirements of the various majors offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

Category BA BCB BS BCB BCB-minor BA Biol Sci Math/Stat MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102 MATH 101*/102

MATH 211 MATH 211 MATH 211, STAT 305 or EBIO 338

Physics PHYS 125/126 or PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 111/112

PHYS 125/126 or PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 111/112

PHYS 125/126 or PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 111/112

PHYS 125/126 or PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 111/112

Intro Chem CHEM 121*/122*/123*/124*

CHEM 121*/122*/123*/124*

CHEM 121*/122*/123*/124*

CHEM 121*/122*/123*/124*

Orgo Chem CHEM 211*/212*/215

CHEM 211*/212*/215

CHEM 211*/212*/215

CHEM 211*/212*/215

Intro Bio BIOC 201 BIOC 201 BIOC 201 BIOC 201 EBIO 202

Labs BIOC 211 (prereq. BIOC 111 or test out)

BIOC 211 (prereq. BIOC 111 or test out )

BIOC 211 (prereq. BIOC 111 or test out)

BIOC 211 (prereq. BIOC 111 or test out )

EBIO 213 Adv Labs BIOC 311 BIOC 311

2 BIOC labs >300 level*

2 BIOC labs >300 level*

3 Adv labs (EBIO or BIOC)*

BCB Lec BIOC 301 BIOC 301 BIOC 301 BIOC 301 2 of these 3:

BIOC 302, 344, 352* BIOC 302 1 of these 4:

BIOC 302, 341, 344, or 352

BIOC 341 BIOC 341 BIOC 341 BIOC 344 BIOC 352* 1 BIOC >300 level

(>3cr hrs) 1 BIOC >300 level**

(>3cr hrs) EEB Lec 3 EBIO >300 level**

(>3cr hrs ea.) Bios Lec 1 BIOC or EBIO >300

level ** (>3cr hrs)

Nat Sci Lec 2 Nat Sci/Eng >300** (>3cr hrs ea.)

2 Nat Sci/Eng >300** (>3 cr hrs ea.)

SR Capstone

1 BIOC 400 level* (>3cr hrs)

2 BIOC 400 level* (>3 cr hrs ea.)

Sample Course Sequence for BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology This is one example of many possible schedules. Major requirements are in BOLD. Consult a Divisional or Biochemistry and Cell Biology Major advisor to customize your degree plan. This sample assumes no AP credit.

FALL SPRING FRESHMAN 15 16 BIOC 201 – Introductory Biology I 3 BIOC 211 – Exp. Biosci. Lab (1st half sem) 2 CHEM 121 – General Chemistry I and CHEM 123 lab

3 1

CHEM 122 – General Chemistry II and CHEM 124 lab

3 1

MATH 101 – Single Var. Calculus I 3 MATH 102 – Single Var. Calculus II 3 BIOC 111 – Lab Fundamentals (or pass out) 1 OPEN – Open elective (BIOC 300**) 3 BIOC/FSEM 115 (optional, 2nd half sem) 1 DIST – Distribution course 3 FWIS/DIST – FWIS/Distribution course 3 LPAP – Lifetime Phys Activity elective 1 SOPHOMORE 16 18 BIOC 341 – Cell Biology 3 BIOC 344 – Genetics 3 PHYS 125 – General Physics I 4 PHYS 126 – General Physics II 4 CHEM 211 – Organic Chemistry I 3 CHEM 212 – Organic Chemistry II 3 MATH 211 – Diff. Eq. 3 and CHEM 215 – Organic Lab 2 DIST – Distribution course 3 DIST – Distribution course 3 DIST – Distribution course 3 JUNIOR 17 18 BIOC 301 – Biochemistry I 3 BIOC 302 – Biochemistry II 3 NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective 3 NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective 3 BIOC 311 – Advanced Exp. Biosciences 2 BIOC 310 – Independent research (OPEN) 3 BIOC 310 – Independent research (adv lab*) 3 DIST – Distribution course 3 DIST – Distribution course 3 OPEN—Open Elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3 SENIOR 16 15 BIOC 400-level elective*** 3 BIOC 400-level elective 3 BIOC 300+ level lab* 1 BIOC 352 – Physical Chemistry for Biosci. 3 BIOC 310 Independent Research (OPEN) 3 BIOC 310 Independent Research (OPEN) 3 DIST – Distribution course 3 OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3 OPEN – Open elective 3

Credit totals in this sample: Major requirements (71 hours), Outside of major (60 hours) = 131 total hours

*Two advanced labs are needed. Independent research (BIOC 310, BIOC 401/402/412, HONS 470/471) can substitute for one of the advanced labs. This lab substitution can only be used only once in your Rice career. **This course is recommended for students who have AP credit for BIOC 201 and those wanting additional foundation before taking the other 300-level BIOC courses. BIOC 300 will fulfill a NATSCI/ENG 300+ elective if taken before other 300-level BIOC courses. ***400-level courses have limited enrollment and spring sections fill quickly. Students are advised to take at least one in the fall to make sure that they are able to complete this requirement before graduation.

General Notes: • Difference between BA and BS: The BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology requires one fewer 400-level elective

than BS and requires only two of the following courses: BIOC 302, BIOC 344, BIOC 352. • Offered both Fall and Spring: BIOC 111, BIOC 115, BIOC 211, BIOC 310, BIOC 311. Other courses may offer

sections both semesters. Check the schedule each year to verify. • Common prerequisites for BIOC 300/400-level lecture and lab electives (take these early): BIOC 111, BIOC

211, BIOC 201, CHEM 211, BIOC 301, BIOC 341, and BIOC 344 • See the General Announcements (http://ga.rice.edu/) or the BCB Department web site for more details and for a

listing of current courses.

Major Requirements for BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology NUMBER CREDIT TITLE MATH 101 or 111/112 3-6 Single Variable Calculus I MATH 102 3 Single Variable Calculus II MATH 211 3 Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra PHYS 125, 101, or 111 3-4 General Physics I or Mechanics (with lab) PHYS 126, 102, or 112 4 General Physics II or Electricity & Magnetism (with lab) CHEM 121 or 151 3 General/Honors Chemistry I CHEM 122 or 152 3 General/Honors Chemistry II CHEM 123 or 153 1 General/Honors Chemistry Lab I CHEM 124 or 154 1 General/Honors Chemistry Lab II CHEM 211 or 251 3 Organic Chemistry I CHEM 212 or 252 3 Organic Chemistry II CHEM 215 2 Organic Chemistry Lab BIOC 111 (or test out) 1 Fundamentals of Experimental Biology BIOC 201 3 Introductory Biology BIOC 211 2 Intermediate Experimental Biosciences BIOC 301 3 Biochemistry I BIOC 302* 3 Biochemistry II BIOC 311 2 Advanced Experimental Biosciences lab BIOC 341 3 Cell Biology BIOC 344* 3 Molecular Biology and Genetics BIOC 352* 3 Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences BIOC lab elective 1 1-4 300+level lab from approved list BIOC lab elective 2 1-4 300+level lab from approved list NSCI/ENG 300+ 3 Any 300+level Science/Engineering course NSCI/ENG 300+ 3 Any 300+level Science/Engineering course BIOC 4xx 3 400-level Bioc Capstone BIOC 4xx* 3 400-level Bioc Capstone

*The BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology requires one fewer 400-level elective and requires only two of the following courses: BIOC 302, BIOC 344, BIOC 352 Some general graduation requirements for all Rice students • Complete at least 60 hours of coursework outside of the major • Complete at least 120 semester hours (BCB majors typically complete more than 120 hours) • Complete at least 48 hours of all degree work in upper-level courses (at the 300 level or higher) • Complete all Rice courses satisfying degree requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at

least 1.67 or higher • Complete all Rice courses that satisfy major and/or minor requirements (as designated by the

department) with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 or higher. • Satisfy the Writing and Communication requirement • Complete one Lifetime Physical Activity Program (LPAP) course for one credit. Students with

disabilities may make special arrangements to satisfy this requirement. • Complete courses to satisfy the distribution requirements (12 credits D1 and 12 credits D2 (D3 covered

in BCB major))

Undergraduate Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Undergraduate research is an important component of BCB program, and, while not required for the major, undergraduate research can enhance the undergraduate experience and provide opportunities for career development. The undergraduate research program in Biochemistry and cell biology has been designed to flow from observation through participation. Students are encouraged to seek our undergraduate research opportunities whenever they are ready. A freshman seminar (Bioc 115) and a lab fundamentals course (Bioc 111) are designed to provide students with the exposure and basic skills to navigate early entry into labs. The following courses offer opportunities to experience and participate in active research programs at Rice and in the Texas Medical Center. BIOC 115: Freshman Seminar in Local Biology Research This mini seminar is most easily summarized as "read the paper, tour the lab." Students read two primary research articles guided by written homework and class discussion. The featured article for each section is from a Rice lab and the course culminates in a reception and tour of the featured lab (featured labs differ for each section). Four additional activities and tours include a scientific seminar, a tour of the instructor’s lab, a tour of a medical center department, and a science-related movie screening. The course takes place during the 2nd half of each semester. Enrolment is only open to first-year college students (not transfers). www.bioc.rice.edu/bios115/ BIOC 310: Independent Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology This is a research-for-credit course in which students perform research in faculty labs in the Rice University Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and elsewhere in the Texas Medical Center, prepare a research proposal, weekly reports and a research paper (Fall) or poster (Spring), and receive course credit for their effort. Students may perform research in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department or off-campus in the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Those intending to participate in BCB undergraduate research should take the prelab exam ASAP so that they can begin the BCB lab sequence (http://www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/). Prerequisites are BIOC 111 or BIOC 211. Please read the Bioc 310 manual for complete course information and requirements. www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc310/ Note: Students wishing to perform their Bioc 310 research off campus must submit an application to the Bioc 310 instructor, Dr. Dereth Phillips (derethp@rice.edu), at least 2 weeks before the start of the semester for permission to enroll. The Bioc 310 off-campus may be obtained from the Bioc 310 website. Students working off campus may not take Bioc 310 for fewer than 3 credit hours (9 hours of research/week). BIOC 401/402/412: Honors Research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology The Biochemistry and Cell Biology Honors Research Program is a suite of courses offering our seniors and advanced juniors the opportunity to perform a two-semester, individual research project in a research laboratory in Biochemistry & Cell Biology or elsewhere in the TMC. This immersive program is intended to give a first-hand experience of what a career in research would entail. Students interested in graduate school are strongly encouraged to apply for consideration for honors research. Information and application at: http://biochem.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=191 BCB-Opportunities Owl-Space site On this “joinable” site we post various biology-related opportunities that we encounter. Examples include: research opportunities, summer internship programs, fellowships, jobs, study abroad, etc. This site and mailing list is a great way to hear about biological and biomedical research opportunities on and off the Rice campus. To join, log on to your Owl-Space account and go to “My Workspace”-> “Membership” -> “Joinable Sites” and select BCB Opportunities.

Finding and securing research opportunities

Think about the sorts of research that may be of interest to you and talk to students and advisors in that area of research. Explore on your own by searching through different research departments at Rice or in the Texas Medical Center. You can learn about the research in a particular department by going to the “Faculty” or “People” tab and clicking through the various faculty names and research statements. At the same time, join the BCB Opportunities Owl-Space site to receive information about research opportunities at Rice and elsewhere. (Log on to Owl-Space and select the following: “My Workspace”-> “Membership” -> “Joinable Sites” and select BCB Opportunities). When you have found a lab(s) of interest, scan through recent research articles from that lab and contact the professor to express your interest. (Before contacting the professor, it may be helpful to read the Bioc 310 course manual to get a feel for the expectations of an undergraduate researcher. www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc310/). Determine the nature of your internship (volunteer, for pay, for credit, for one semester/summer, for multiple years). If you are interested in receiving credit for your research, contact the instructor of the research-for-credit/independent study course in the appropriate department. Links to the BCB department and to various off-campus departments may be found on the off-campus portion of the Bioc 310 website. Independent research in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and beyond.

Once you have found a research position, you may be eligible to receive course credit in an appropriate department. All of the following courses may be taken by permission only. Please contact the course instructors for additional details and requirements.

BIOC 310—Biochemistry and Cell Biology EBIO 306—Ecology and Evolutionary Biology BIOE 400/401—Bioengineering CHBE 500—Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering NEUR 485—Neuroscience CHEM 491—Chemistry KINE/HEAL 495/496 —Kinesiology/Health Sciences HONS 470/471 (RUSP) —Office of Fellowships and Undergrad. Research, for all majors UNIV 301—University-wide, zero-credit, for all majors, all types of projects qualify

Find the course number/department that best matches your research interests. Most departments, including those not listed here, have an independent study/research course. Note for those interested in the health professions: There are many types of research that can improve human health outside of the biological sciences (health disparities economics, medical sociology, psychology of addiction, etc.). For the most fulfilling research experience, make sure to pursue the research that most interests you rather than that which you perceive is desired by med schools. Biochemistry and Cell Biology undergraduate research contact information:

Dereth Phillips, Ph.D., instructor: Bioc 115 and Bioc 310, master: McMurtry College office: 340 Anderson Biological Labs, email: derethp@rice.edu

BCB Teaching Faculty Beth Beason-Abmayr BIOC 111, BIOC 311, 313, 413, and others Elizabeth Eich BIOC 211, FWIS 121, and other courses; Communication in Natural Sciences program, David R. Caprette (Professor In The Practice) BIOC 111, 122, 318, 385, 415, and others.

Alma Novotny BIOC 201, BIOC 372, MLSC 525, and other courses Dereth Phillips BIOC 115, 310, BCB Opportunities site, undergraduate research advisor.

BCB Research and Teaching Faculty See BCB website for more detailed information http://biochem.rice.edu Bonnie Bartel Genetics of peroxisome function and auxin regulation and responses in Arabidopsis development Kathleen M. Beckingham Genes controlling behavior and gravity sensing in Drosophila; calcium signaling in Drosophila; studies of the calcium sensor proteins Calmodulin and Androcam and of and behavior related gene using in vivo molecular genetic approaches and in vitro biochemical and biophysical approaches George N. Bennett Regulation of stress responses in bacterial systems; development of DNA tools for genomic studies; biodegradation by microbes; metabolic engineering and synthetic biology Matthew Bennett Experimental and theoretical molecular systems biology using both bacteria and yeast as model systems Janet Braam, Chair Circadian rhythms in plants; functions of calmodulin-like proteins and cell wall modifying enzymes; perception, signal transduction and gene expression regulation in response to environmental stimuli Dan Carson, Dean of Natural Sciences Expression and function of cell surface components participating in and regulating cellular interactions in developing embryos and various tumor cell models Mary C. Farach-Carson The role of extracellular matrix in the progression of cancer; the use of proteoglycans in the engineering of connective tissues Michael C. Gustin Molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of stress- activated protein kinase pathways and nitric oxide sensing mechanisms in yeast; development of novel rotavirus vaccine Peter Lwigale Molecular regulation of cell migration during eye development and cornea regeneration Kathleen S. Matthews Structure and function of genetic regulatory proteins James McNew Molecular mechanism of biological membrane fusion; functional reconstitution of exocytosis; role of SNARE regulator proteins in membrane fusion; peroxisome biogenesis and function in Drosophila melanogaster Edward P. Nikonowicz NMR spectroscopy of RNA and RNA-protein interactions - correlation of structure, function, and dynamics; structural

and dynamics studies of phage regulatory elements; structural studies of rRNA protein recognition sites; isotopic enrichment structure and thermodynamic studies of base-modified tRNAs John S. Olson Biochemical, biophysical, and physiological properties of myoglobins, hemoglobins, flavohemoglobins, and red blood cells; genetic engineering of heme protein based blood substitutes; enhancement of recombinant hemoglobin expression in bacteria; application of rapid kinetic techniques to biological problems George N, Phillips, Jr. Relationship of three-dimensional structure and dynamics of proteins to biological function Yousif Shamoo DNA replication and its relationship to cancer; sequence specific protein-RNA interactions in eukaryotic RNA processing proteins; in vivo pathways of molecular evolution; acquisition of thermostability by mesophilic adenylate kinase in Bacillus stearothermophilus Jonathan Silberg Directed evolution, extremophiles, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and molecular chaperones Michael Stern Molecular and genetic control of ion channel activity and synaptic transmission in the Drosophila nervous system Charles R. Stewart Bacteriophage molecular genetics: mechanisms of host takeover during bacteriophage infection; mechanisms of bactericidal gene action Yizhi Jane Tao Molecular mechanism of viral genome replication and transcription Daniel S. Wagner Vertebrate development, embryonic morphogenesis, zebrafish genetics Weiwei Zhong Genetic interaction networks, high-throughput tools for genetic screens. Joint faculty Herbert Levine (Bioengineering) Seiichi P.T. Matsuda (Chemistry, chair) George McLendon (Provost) Luay Nakhleh (Computer Science) José Onuchic (Physics & Astronomy) Ronald J. Parry (Chemistry) Nicholas H. Putnam (Ecology & Evolutionary Bio.) Laura Segatori (Chemical & Biomolecular Eng.) Jeffrey J. Tabor (Bioengineering) Russell E. Ware (Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine) Peter Wolynes (Chemistry)

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Frequently asked questions and tips for planning the major "Is it better to get a BS rather than a BA?" Neither degree is "better" than the other. Graduate schools and medical schools look at your overall academic record including performance, course loads taken, research experience, extracurricular activities, etc. You might choose the BA degree because you want to add a double major, for example, or because you want to spend more time on undergraduate research rather than on the extra course work required for the BS.

"I want to earn a BS in BCB and double major in history. Can I do it?" Yes, but because a history major earns a BA degree you would have to meet the requirements for what we call a dual degree. A dual degree s not the same as a double major. You can major in two or more different fields simply by meeting the requirements for both majors provided that the degree earned is either a BA or BS but not both. To earn a dual degree (BA/BS) you must complete the requirements for both majors and complete at least 30 additional semester hours at Rice beyond the hours required for the first degree.

"I will complete all of the requirements for my major but how can I be sure I have my 60 hours outside the major?" All courses not specifically applied to your major field count as "outside" the major, even courses taken in the same discipline. For example, if you complete all of the course requirements listed for a BA in BCB and take a couple of extra BIOC courses, those courses count toward the additional 60 hours needed.

Tips, suggestions and other considerations • First semester freshmen: Take the BCB prelab exam to prequalify for the BCB lab sequence

(http://www.clear.rice.edu/bioc111/). Those without biology AP credit should enroll in Bioc 201, which is a prerequisite for virtually all other biological sciences courses.

• At the end of your sophomore year you should have completed all of your lower division course requirements, including all math, chemistry, and physics requirements, introductory biology, and the introductory biology lab(s).

• You will have more flexibility in your last two years if you complete some upper division requirements before your junior year, less if you still have lower division course work to complete.

• At times you will have to take at least two or three difficult courses in the same semester – it would be wise to take them sooner rather than later.

• Save some "room" in spring semester senior year, in case you fall behind. • Complete your laboratory course work before spring semester senior year in case a course that you

need is full or cancelled. • BIOC 301 and 341 are currently taught only in fall; BIOC 302, 344*, and 352 are currently taught

only in spring. (*For the 2013-14 academic year BIOC 344 will be offered both semesters) • Some labs are taught both semesters but most lecture courses are each taught once per year – please

plan ahead so that you have the opportunity to take the course or courses that you want. • BIOC 311 is a prerequisite for some BIOC lab courses and some sections fill up fast, especially in

fall when there is a conflict with the Cell Biology schedule – please do not wait until your last semester to sign up for this course.

• BIOC 302 and 352 are among the most difficult courses in the program, thus you may want to take them in different semesters.

• As you plan your last four semesters check that you will complete at least the minimum required hours (48) at the 300 level or higher.

• If you have had difficulty making good grades in lower division science courses then you may want to reconsider the BS degree; the upper division course work will be more, not less, challenging.

• Use the information in the General Announcements, BCB web site, or a checklist to help plan your degree.

• No single course can count for more than one major requirement.