All Biological Sciences undergraduates must participate in experiential learning activities to complete their BS or BA degree.  Experiential learning occurs outside of the classroom, and allows students to expand their knowledge and practice problem solving.  Experiential learning is an important part of a student’s personal, professional, and educational growth.  Experiential learning in Biological Sciences includes undergraduate research experiences, service learning, leadership in student organizations, participation in student design teams, and co-ops and internships.

In order to complete the experiential learning requirement in Biological Sciences all students must complete a core required experiential learning requirement and one elective experience.

Core required experiential learning requirement:

Complete Senior Seminar BIO SCI 4010, a one-semester service learning course with a requirement for a reflective statement, with a grade of “C” or better.

Elective experiential learning requirement:

With the approval of the student’s academic advisor, the student will complete another activity of appropriate duration and requiring significant effort.  At the conclusion of the activity, the student is required to provide their advisor with a written reflective statement in order to receive credit for the activity.   

Some examples of experiential learning activities that may be approved are: 

• undergraduate research
• leadership in a student organization
• participation in a student design team
• completion of a co-op or internship
• student teaching
• sustained community service activities (such as Miner Challenge)
• other service (peer mentor, tutor, or advisor)