- Interesting Facts about our Department
# of majors, class sizes, who teaches, opportunities for
scholarships, and other cool stuff.
- Attending FSU?
University & department admissions information, degree
requirements, financial information, housing ,etc.
- College Credit?
(AP credit, SAT / ACT, transfer credit, and on-campus credit
examinations).
How many Florida State University
students major in biology?
The biological science major is the 2nd most popular major
(behind business) for incoming freshman. In the fall of 1999, 601
of 6,704 (9%) incoming freshman and 1,312 of the 25,146 (5%)
undergraduate student population declared biological science as
their major.
Do professors or graduate teaching
assistants teach the biology courses offered by the department?
Faculty (Professors) teach all lectures courses offered by our
department; typically the most senior research faculty teach the
introductory level courses. The Robert O. Lawton Distinguished
Teaching Award has been awarded annually for 43 years - seven
times to biology faculty!
Laboratory courses and help sessions are taught either by
professors or graduate student teaching assistants. All of our
teaching assistants are supervised as well as required to complete
an intensive training course, taught by one of our professors,
prior to teaching. Some of these grdauate students have gone one
to win university teaching awards.
What is the typical class size for
courses taught by the Florida State University's Department of
Biological Science?
Classes offered by our department vary in size depending upon
if the class is a required course (i.e., taken by all of our
majors) or a biology elective course, and if the class is a
lecture or laboratory course. So classes can range from 5 students
in the senior tutorials to 1500 in the non-majors General Biology
lecture.
For more information on class sizes, enrollment, tuition, etc.,
visit the Office
of Instituitonal Research (see their FACT
book for more neat stuff).
What are class sizes for first and
second year biology majors?
Biological Science I and II, can go up to 250 students per
lecture, they average 150 students with honors sections limited to
less than 25. However, many of the required lecture courses offer
a weekly help session. Help sessions are designed to review and
expound on the weekly lectures and course assignments in a more
intimate setting. Help sessions typically consist of 50 to 100
students.
Laboratory course enrollment size is constrained by
availability of equipment and the number of learning stations in
each laboratory. Laboratory courses, whether required or elective,
typically consist of 24 students.
What are class sizes for upper-level
biology majors?
Required courses may range from 25 to ~100 students, depending
upon semester. Elective biology lecture courses are considerably
smaller than required lecture courses. For example, our senior
tutorial classes (BSC 4931r) are limited to 5 students. On average
however, elective biology lecture courses typically consist of 20
to 60 students. Upper-level laboratories can range from 8 - 24
students.
I've heard the "Ruby Diamond
Auditorium" biology class is one of the biggest on campus
with some of the best faculty...
You may have heard of a biology course at Florida State
University with an enrollment of up to 1,500 students per semester
- BSC
1005. However, this course is taken by non-majors only,
to partially fulfill the University's Natural Sciences Liberal
Studies requirement. Therefore, biological science majors would
not take this course.
Top
What are the admissions
requirements for high school students?
The 1999-2000 General Bulletin outlines the following minimum
requirements for admission to the freshman class but most Florida
students who are accepted to the University present at least a B+
average in all academic subjects (grades 9-12) and test scores of
at least 24 (composite) on the ACT or 1,100 (verbal plus math) on
the SAT I. Non-Florida applicants will ordinarily be held to
higher standards. When applicants do not meet these
qualifications, a variety of additional factors are considered.
How do I apply to the Florida State
University?
Any applicant who desires admission as a beginning
freshman student after graduating from high school and before
attending an accredited postsecondary institution must
provide the office of admissions with the following:
- Application for Admission;
- Nonrefundable $20 application fee;
- High School Transcripts (sent directly from the
high school to the Office of Admissions); and
- SAT/ACT Test Scores.
Please contact the Florida State University Office
of Admissions, A2500 University Center Building, at
850-644-6200 for detailed admissions information.
Prospective students may request a hard-copy of the
admissions application, or complete and submit the
admissions application
online.
Can my family and I take a tour of the
Florida State University and the Department of Biological Science
to help me make a decision as to where I attend college?
Prospective students and their families are welcome to
visit our campus and department at any time, but are
encouraged to schedule in advance. If you are interested
in visiting us, we ask that you contact the Visitor
Information Center, Suite B1200 University Center, at
850-644-3246. The Visitor Information Center will
coordinate your family's tour of the Florida State
University and arrange for tours of the campus and
meetings with our department or any other campus offices
including admissions, financial aid, food services and
housing.
How will I figure out what
classes to take?
During orientation, your first semester schedule will be
formulated during a scheduling meeting between you and an academic
advisor. During this meeting, academic advisors will make
suggestions for your first semester schedule and also listen to,
and inquire of, your desires for your progression of your
undergraduate career. Actual registration is the responsibility of
the student - so it's important to discuss alternatives as well as
long term goals when you see the advisor. [First time at FSU
students should take no more than 12 credits]
I need to work - how many
hours should I take?
Full-time student status at Florida State University is
maintained by taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per
semester. However, some students desire to take more or
less credits per semester depending upon personal academic
capabilities, financial status, and time constraints
associated with working or participating in
extracurricular activities. Your schedule can and will be
personally tailored to your capabilities and desires
during orientation. In subsequent semesters, you can also
use academic advising to help you manage your hours and
still progress towards the degree.
Top
What does the first
freshman semester look like?
First time at FSU students should take no more
than 12-14 credits, which will depend on math and english
placements. The ideal is if you come in placed above College
Algebra (MAC 1105):
- Math (2 to 4 semester hours depending upon math placement);
- General Chemistry I - CHM 1045(3 semester hours);
- General Chemistry I Lab - CHM 1045L(1 semester hour);
- Biological Science I - BSC 2010 (3 semester hours); and
- Biological Science I Lab - BSC 2010L (1 semester hour), and
- English Composition I(ENC 1101) (3 semester hours) OR ENC
1102,1122,1142,1144, or 1145.
The second option brings in math (which is a
pre-requisite for the Chemistry):
- College Algebra - MAC 1105 (3 semester hours);
- English Composition - ENC 1101 (3 semester hours);
- Liberal Studies Course (3 semester hours); and
- Liberal Studies Course (3 semester hours).
Transfer student transcripts will be evaluated
during orientation with any required courses being outlined at
that time.
How much does it cost to
attend Florida State University?
The estimated
annual cost of attending the Florida State University for the
1999-2000 academic year was approximately $10,350/year for
in-state undergraduate students, and $17,006/year for out-of-
state undergraduate students. These costs include tuition and
fees, room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Please note that costs for attending the
university are subject to change. The following offices can be
contacted to obtain the most recent cost estimates for attending
the Florida State University:
Where can I find
information on financial aid, student loans, grants, and work
study programs?
Please contact the Florida State University Financial
Aid Office, A4474 University Center Building, at 850-644-0539
for detailed financial aid information. Prospective students can
download a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or
complete and submit the FAFSA
application online.
Top
What special resources
are available to biology majors at FSU?
Laboratories and classrooms for biological science
majors are located in five buildings on the Tallahassee campus and
at the FSU
Marine Laboratory, (45 miles south of Tallahassee). Other
special facilities include:
Through selected topics classes and laboratory
experiences (DIS with faculty) students have access to
radioisotope instrumentation laboratories, x-ray laboratory,
machine and electronics shops, animal quarters, ultracentrifuges,
cold laboratories, analyzer laboratories, sterile laboratories,
shielded electrophysiological laboratories, field vehicles,
special instrumentation for photobiology, isotope laboratory,
photographic laboratories, spectophotometric instrumentation, as
well as the facilities of the Computing Center and the National
High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Significant research collections
of microorganisms and birds are maintained. Herbarium facilities
contain about 175,000 specimens.
What courses can I get
college credit for?
You can get credit for any CLEP or AP subject test
where you meet minimum scores. Math, English, chemistry, and
foreign language are fairly common. On-campus examinations vary by
department - math and foreign language (Spanish & French) are
the most common but you can get credit in chemistry, music theory,
and other languages by contacting the departments directly.
Can I major in Marine
Biology or Medicine?
No - the bachelor's degree is general, but you can
get a Certificate
in Marine Biology. As for medicine...although not required by
the department, biological science majors may choose an academic
track.
What do you mean by
academic tracks?
Academic
tracks are defined as groupings of common,
departmentally-offered elective courses within a traditional or
contemporary discipline of biology. Currently, there are 7
academic tracks with courses and faculty who specialize in:
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Physiology and Neuroscience
- Plant Sciences
- Pre-professional Health Sciences (pre-medicine,
pre-veterinary medicine, pre-optometry, pre-dentistry,
pre-pharmacy, pre-physician's assistant, pre-physical therapy)
- Zoology
If I choose the Zoology
track, does that mean I shouldn't take classes in another track?
Academic tracks are not majors, nor are they
required. They are intended to serve only as an informal
guide or recommendation for elective courses offered within a
particular discipline of biology. Selecting an academic track does
not prevent a biological science major from taking elective
courses in another academic track. Because each academic track
contains numerous courses, students should not expect to take all
the courses recommended in an academic track. Biological science
majors may also choose not to select an academic track, in which
case elective courses are selected from several disciplines of
biology.
Top
How much math will I need
as a biology major?
The number of courses will depend upon where you
are placed. Biology requires through Calculus I and Calculus II.
Students must meet any pre-requisites they lack before taking any
course at FSU. Many students choose to use the statistics option
instead of taking Calculus II. See our student
handbook for details on the stats option and look at the
college credit explanation below for specific
scores for math placements.
How does FSU determine my
initial college course placements?
Students receive initial course placements based
on SAT/ACT scores, CLEP Subject tests, and AP examinations by
subject. Placement can also be made through on-campus departmental
examinations.
Students may apply up to 30 hours of appropriate
credit to the Liberal Studies requirement (36 hours in 5 topic
areas are required). An additional 30 hours of credit may be
applied toward the 120 hours needed for the baccalaureate degree
(up to 60 hours in all). These additional hours may or may not
apply to the hours required to earn specific degrees.
What courses can I
receive college credit for?
You can receive credit for any CLEP or AP subject
test where you meet minimum scores. Math, English, chemistry, and
foreign language are fairly common. On-campus examinations vary by
department - math and foreign language (Spanish & French) are
the most common but you can receive credit in chemistry, music
theory, and other languages by contacting the departments
directly.
I think I need to talk to
someone in the registrars office...or maybe admissions...well, I'm
not sure who to contact or how I'd find their number anyway!
You might want to check out the directory
search option on FSU's main web page. You can search by a name
or department if you know them - or link to our telephone
directory and other help numbers.
Top
Should I take dual
enrollment or college credit classes in high school if I want to
major in biology in college?
It can help - but it doesn't guarantee you'll
graduate a year earlier! College courses in high school can
provide many benefits. Good students should be able to develop the
appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure sound performance
during college. Advance college credit can also minimize the
number of courses required to obtain a degree.
Appropriate Advanced Placement by Subject Test
(AP) can save time and money expended to obtain your degree. The
money and time you save might be used for courses and experiences
you might not otherwise choose - such as classes in other
departments or Directed Individual Study / Research (DIS/DIR) with
a faculty member. As a Research I University, FSU has fantastic
opportunities for students who want to take advantage of top
ranked departments and faculty.
Am I at a disadvantage if
I don't have college credit of some kind?
College credit isn't required, but it can save you
hours that you might use for something else of interest.
Regardless, our department recommends the following high school
courses to provide a strong foundation for pursuing a Bachelor of
Science degree in Biological Science:
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Calculus;
- General Chemistry;
- Physics; and
- Biology.
Of these areas, mathematics tends to be the most
critical.
How do I know which math
I should take?
FSU sets initial
college mathematics placement based on the student scores
for: Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) Quantitative, American
College Testing Program (ACT), CLEP Subject Tests, or Advanced
Placement (AP) Calculus Test scores. Students may be placed by any
or several of these scores.
At orientation I was told
that I was placed in MAC 1105 because of my scores. Can't I get
out of it?
To place out of MAC 1105, you need at least a 600
SAT or a 26 on the ACT. These scores let you take the class if you
want the credit, or go directly into MAC 1140. To get credit for
MAC 1105, your scores must be 680+ or 30+ respectively. If your
scores aren't high enough you should consider taking the Advanced
Math Placement test. A high score on the AMP will give you
credit also.
My orientation packet had
a schedule for a math test. I took calculus in high school - can I
skip this?
That depends on where you where placed for math.
At orientation, students are given a one-time-only
opportunity to try and advance their initial college mathematics
placement by taking either the Advanced
Math Placement (AMP) test or the Supplemental Math Skills (SMS)
test. The AMP is designed for students whose highest math
placement scores are above 470 SAT Quantitative or 21 ACT Math.
The SMS is designed for students whose highest math placement
scores are below a 470 SAT Quantitative or 21 ACT. Either can get
you a higher placement. They will not lower your placement.
Take it!
What
grade(s) do I need to earn on my Advanced Placement (AP) exam(s)
to get college credit for courses that count towards the
biological science major at Florida State University?
Students usually take AP Subject Examinations at
the end of their junior or senior year in high school. The scoring
scale from lowest to highest is 1 to 5. No college credit is
awarded for an AP exam score of 1 or 2. For academic year
1999-2000, the following AP test scores are required for college
credit for courses that count towards the biological science
major:
| AP Subject |
AP Score |
FSU Course
Equivalent |
| Biology |
4 |
BSC 2010 & BSC 2010L |
| Biology |
5 |
BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, &
BSC2011 |
| Chemistry |
4 |
CHM 1045 & CHM 1045L |
| Chemistry |
5 |
CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, &
CHM 1046 |
| Calculus AB |
4 or 5 |
MAC 2311 |
| Calculus BC |
4 |
MAC 2311 |
| Calculus BC |
5 |
MAC 2311 & MAC 2312 |
| Physics |
? |
?? |
| Students may
request that AP scores be sent to FSU by
contacting Evaluation Services, 106 Johnston
Building, 850-644-3017. For questions, contact
Linda Bodiford in Admissions at 644-1275. |
What score(s) do I need
to earn on my International Baccalaureate (IB) exam(s) to
get college credit for courses that count towards the
biological science major at Florida State University?
Students usually earn credit in terms of hours based
upon their scores. The scoring scale for credit hours is
4 to 7. No lab credit is awarded at any score. The
following IB test scores earn college credit for courses
that count towards the biological science major:
| IB Subject |
IB Score |
FSU Course
Equivalent (hours earned) |
| Biology |
4 |
BSC 2010(3) |
| Biology |
5-7 |
BSC 2010(3) & BSC 2011(3) |
| Chemistry |
4 |
CHM 1045(3) |
| Chemistry |
5-7 |
CHM 1045(3) & CHM 1046(3) |
| Mathematics |
4 |
MAC 1140(3) |
| Mathematics |
5-7 |
MAC 1140(2) & MAC 2311(4) |
| Mathematics-Advanced |
4 |
MAC 2311(3) |
| Mathematics-Advanced |
5-7 |
MAC 2311(2) & MAC 2312(4) |
| Mathematics-Methods* |
4 |
MAC 2233(3) |
| Mathematics-Methods* |
5-7 |
MAC 1140(3) & MAC 2233(3) |
| Physics* |
5-7 |
PHY 2048C(5) & PHY
3936r(1) |
| *Some classes do
not meet biology major requirements. For
questions, contact Linda Bodiford in
Admissions at 644-1275. |
Top
|
.jpg)