Academic Standards

Mathematics Placement

Mathematics, in the form of calculus or statistics, is required for all natural sciences degrees. To enroll in a calculus course in the college, students must first take the mathematics placement exam. Scores necessary for placement into specific mathematics courses are posted by the Student Division. More information about scores and course placement is available from academic advisors.

Repetition of a Course

No student may enroll in any course in the College of Natural Sciences more than twice, even if the course is needed to meet degree requirements, without first obtaining the written consent of their major advisor and of the department that offers the course; students in colleges other than the College of Natural Sciences need only departmental approval. A symbol of Q or W counts as an enrollment unless it has been approved by the dean’s office for nonacademic reasons.

Removal from the Major 

A Natural Sciences student whose appeal to take a course in the College of Natural Sciences for a third time and is denied may be removed from the major if the course is required for the degree.
A student who is removed from the major will be placed in the undeclared major while the student examines options to pursue another major in the College of Natural Sciences or in another college. An academic advisor will work with the student to explore opportunities for academic success and graduation.
A student who transfers the course for which a repeat appeal was denied may appeal to re-enter the major from which the student was removed. Appeals to re-enter the major are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education.

Undergraduates in a Graduate Course

The College of Natural Sciences encourages undergraduates who excel academically and would benefit from further challenges to enroll in graduate courses. With permission, undergraduates may count graduate courses toward their undergraduate degrees or may reserve them for graduate credit. To enroll in a graduate course, undergraduates must meet the University’s eligibility requirements and must receive permission from the course instructor, the graduate advisor for the field in which the course is offered, and the college. Undergraduates reserving courses for graduate credit must also receive permission from the graduate dean. More information is given in Coursework in the Graduate School and the School of Law.

Petitions for Degree Requirements

Petitions for exceptions to degree requirements, other than the University-wide core curriculum, are handled through an online petition system. Academic advisors initiate petitions on the student’s behalf and route them through departmental faculty advisors. The most common reason for petitioning is to request the substitution of transfer coursework for a specific degree requirement. Final decisions on all petitions are made by the dean’s office. Degree requirements are very rarely waived outright.

Personal Computing Devices

Students entering the College of Natural Sciences majors are encouraged to have access to a portable computing device as individual courses may require the device for certain lectures and/or labs.

Honors

There are several avenues available for undergraduates to achieve honors recognition for exemplary academic ability and performance. They include: University Honors, graduation with University Honors, college-wide honors programs, departmental honors degree options, and completion of departmental honors. 

The College of Natural Sciences offers Bachelor of Science and Arts and Bachelor of Science honors degree options in three programs that serve majors in the College of Natural Sciences:  Dean's Scholars, Health Science Scholars, and Polymathic Scholars. Information about admission and requirements for each is available at CNS Honors & Scholarships.

Honors degree options that are sponsored by departments include: Turing Scholars in Computer Science; and the Honors in Advanced Human Development and Family Sciences Program.

Lastly, students may earn departmental honors upon graduation through completion and approval of an undergraduate thesis.

University Honors

University honors are earned on a semester by semester basis. Information relating to University Honors can be found in the General Information Catalog.

Graduation with University Honors

The University recognizes no more than the top 20 percent of each college’s May graduating class as graduating with University Honors. To be eligible, an undergraduate must have completed at least 60 semester hours of coursework in residence at the University. Graduation with University Honors is based on the average of all grades earned in courses taken in residence at the University, whether the courses were passed, failed, or repeated. Courses taken pass/fail are counted in the 60-hour minimum, but only letter grades (including F in pass/fail courses) are used to determine the grade point average.

Dean’s Scholars Program

Dean's Scholars is a four-year honors degree program for highly motivated and talented students with a demonstrated interest in mathematics and/or scientific research. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree with an honors option. This option is available in all majors offered by the College of Natural Sciences.

The key features of the program are a first-semester research methods course; a breadth requirement, usually completed during the first four semesters, that exposes students to various forms of scientific inquiry; and at least two semesters of supervised research and writing that culminate in an honors thesis.

Health Science Scholars Program

Health Science Scholars is a four-year honors degree program for exceptional students who are interested in the health professions and committed to community service. Students earn a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree with an honors major. An honors option is available in all majors offered under this degree by the College of natural Sciences.

The key features of the program are a first-semester research methods course; a six-credit-hour requirement in honors-level coursework in one or more science; a substantive health or service-related learning experience or laboratory research, undertaken in the third year; and an honors thesis based on their third-year project, written in the final year.

Application to the Health Science Scholars Program is separate from, and in addition to, application to the University. Application materials and information about deadlines are available on the Health Science Scholars website. Students may enter the program as freshmen or as college transfers prior to their fourth long semester of enrollment at the University.

Factors in the admission decision are the student's high school and/or college grades, class rank, the rigor of the courses the student has taken, the quality of the required application essays, a strong recommendation from a mathematics or science instructor, and the student's interest in science, health and services as demonstrated by extracurricular activities.

To remain in good standing in the program, students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50. Students who do not may be dismissed from the program by the faculty director.

Polymathic Scholars Program

Polymathic Scholars is a four-year honors degree program for exceptional science majors who have compelling interests or talents beyond the natural sciences and wish to make them part of their undergraduate degree. Students earn a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree with an honors major. An honors option is available in all majors offered under this degree by the College of Natural Sciences.

The key features of the program are a first-semester research methods course; a six-credit-hour requirement in honors-level coursework in one or more science; a multidisciplinary field of study outside the student's major, conceived and designed by the student and including no fewer than four courses; and an honors thesis on a question within that field, written in the final year.

Application to the Polymathic Scholars Program is separate from, and in addition to, application to the University. Application materials and information about deadlines are available on the Polymathic Scholars website. Students may enter the program as freshmen or as college transfers prior to their fourth long semester of enrollment at the University.

Factors in the admission decision are the student's high school and/or college grades, class rank, the rigor of the courses the student has taken, the quality of the required application essays, a strong recommendation from a mathematics or science instructor, and the student's investment in science as well as in one or more areas beyond science, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities.

To remain in good standing in the program, students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50. Students who do not may be dismissed from the program by the faculty director.

Turing Scholars in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science offers a comprehensive honors degree program for highly motivated and talented students. The key features of the program are an intensive, accelerated freshman- and sophomore-year program; special Turing Scholars sections of many advanced computer science courses; a second-semester freshman-year course that introduces students to the research activities of the department; and at least two semesters of supervised research and writing. Upon completion of both a sequence of Turing Scholars courses, approved by the program director, and an approved thesis, students graduate as Turing Scholars in Computer Science.

College Honors

Departmental Honors 

Most departments in the College of Natural Sciences offer departmental honors programs to their majors. Minimum requirements for the completion of all such programs include (1) a University grade point average of at least 3.00; (2) a three-semester-hour thesis or research project, or a reasonable equivalent, with a grade of at least B-; some programs may require a higher grade; (3) completion, with a grade point average of at least 3.50, of the coursework required for a major in the field in which the student seeks honors; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Astronomy Departmental Honors

It is highly recommended that majors who plan to seek special honors in astronomy apply to the honors advisor for admission to the program by the end of the third year, and absolutely no later than the beginning of the fourth year; A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in physics and astronomy of at least 3.50 are required for admission to the honors program.

The requirements for graduation with departmental honors are (1) Astronomy 379H, Honors Tutorial Course, Natural Sciences 371, Capstone Thesis Seminar, Tutorial Course 660H, Thesis Course: Honors, or an alternative astronomy course approved by the faculty advisor, in which the student completes a supervised research project; (2) a written report and an oral or poster presentation of the research project approved by the research supervisor and the honors advisor; (3) a final University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in physics and astronomy of at least 3.50; (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Biochemistry Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in biochemistry should apply to the departmental honors advisor for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in biochemistry and chemistry of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry; (2) two semesters of Biochemistry 379H, Biochemistry Honors Tutorial Course; (3) a thesis and a presentation based on research; the research topic and the thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the departmental honors advisor; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in biochemistry and chemistry of at least 3.50; (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree; and (6) approval of the honors advisor.

Biology Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in biology should apply to the departmental honors advisor for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in biology of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors, which are in addition to the requirements of the major, are (1) two semesters of Biology 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (2) a thesis based on original research and approved by the supervising faculty member and the honors advisor; honors students in the human biology option must select both a thesis supervisor and a second reader, one of whom must be a tenure-track faculty member, Senior Lecturer, or Associate or Full Professor of Instruction, in the Departments of Molecular Biosciences, or Integrative Biology; (3) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in biology of at least 3.50; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Chemistry Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in chemistry should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in chemistry of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry; (2) two semesters of Chemistry 379H, Chemistry Honors Tutorial Course; (3) a thesis and a presentation based on research; the research topic and the thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the undergraduate faculty advisor; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in chemistry of at least 3.50; (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree; and (6) approval of the honors advisor.

Computer Science Departmental Honors

Students seeking special departmental honors must meet with a faculty advisor at least two semesters before they plan to graduate to discuss potential research topics and the requirements for receiving special departmental honors.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) Computer Science 379H, Computer Science Honors Thesis, with a grade of at least B-; (2) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in computer science of at least 3.50; (3) a thesis and presentation based on research and approved by three faculty members, including the honors advisor; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Human Development and Family Sciences Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in human development and family sciences should apply to the Departmental Honors Committee for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. The requirements for admission are a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree. 

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences; (2) Human Development and Family Sciences 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (3) completion of an honors thesis and an accompanying presentation, both of which must be approved by a committee consisting of the research supervisor and another faculty member; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in Human Development and Family Sciences 379H of at least 3.00, and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree and for honors; and (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Human Ecology Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in human ecology must follow the requirements of the departmental honors program in human development and family sciences, nutrition, or textiles and apparel.

Mathematics Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in mathematics should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the honors program at least two semesters before their expected graduation. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in mathematics of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) Mathematics 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (2) a thesis on the subject of the student’s research or project approved in comprehensive examination by a committee consisting of at least three faculty members; (3) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in mathematics of at least 3.50; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree. In order to fulfill the first requirement, students must meet the prerequisite of Mathematics 379H—Mathematics 365C, 367K, 373K, or 374G with a grade of at least A-, and another of these courses with a grade of at least B-; and consent of the honors advisor.

Neuroscience Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in neuroscience should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of their senior year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in neuroscience of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) two semesters of neuroscience research coursework, including Neuroscience 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (2) a thesis based on original research and approved by the supervising faculty member and the honors advisor; (3) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in neuroscience of at least 3.50; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Nutrition Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in nutrition should apply to the Departmental Honors Committee for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. The requirements for admission are a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition; (2) Nutrition 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; this course may be repeated once for credit; (3) completion of an honors thesis and an accompanying presentation, both of which must be approved by a committee consisting of the research supervisor and another faculty member; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in Nutrition 379H of at least 3.00, and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree and for honors; and (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Physics Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in physics should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the honors program near the end of the third year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in physics of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) Physics 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (2) a written honors thesis approved by faculty readers assigned by the department; (3) a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in physics of at least 3.50; and (4) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Public Health Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek departmental honors in public health should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. Students are encouraged to apply as early as the beginning of the junior year. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in public health of at least 3.50 are required for admission.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health; (2) two semesters of Public Health 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; (3) a thesis and presentation based on research and approved by the research supervisor and the honors advisor; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in public health of at least 3.50, and grades of at least a B in Public Health 379H; and (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Textiles and Apparel Departmental Honors

Majors who plan to seek special departmental honors in textiles and apparel should apply to the Departmental Honors Committee for admission to the honors program no later than the beginning of the senior year. The requirements for admission are a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree.

The requirements for graduation with special departmental honors are (1) all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Apparel; (2) Textiles and Apparel 379H, Honors Tutorial Course; this course may be repeated once for credit; (3) completion of an honors thesis and an accompanying presentation, both of which must be approved by a committee consisting of the research supervisor and another faculty member; (4) a University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in Textiles and Apparel 379H of at least 3.00, and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework in the School of Human Ecology that is required for the degree and for honors; and (5) completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.