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8/6/2019 2011-2012 BISC Advisement Guide
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Biological SciencesUndergraduate Advisement Guide
8/6/2019 2011-2012 BISC Advisement Guide
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Department of Biological Sciences
Welcome to the study of the broadest, most dynamic, and (we think) mostexciting of the natural sciences, the study of life itself, biology. The Department of
Biological Sciences invites you to join our community of scholars as we teach, learn, and
explore the living world together. Our students will gain a deep appreciation of
organisms, from their smallest molecular mechanisms to their largest interactions
within ecosystems. We will help you reine your skills in critical thinking, communica-tion, and collaboration, as well as understand how biology can contribute to solving
societys problems. We also offer the opportunity to participate in the
discovery of new knowledge, by working alongside our faculty members in their
laboratories. Students who complete our degree programs will be well prepared
for professional careers in the health sciences as well as for careers in research and
education in the basic biological and biomedical ields, and in many other professions.
We look forward to meeting you.
Doug Capone, Ph.D.Professor and Chair
Albert Herrera, Ph.D.Professor and Vice Chair
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Learning ObjectivesA. General Skills and Breadth
Developtheabilitytomanageonestime,workindependently,takeinitiative,andcollaborate. Developtheabilitytothinkcritically,analyze,synthesize,anduseinformationtosolveproblems. Acquirebroadknowledgeinthehumanities,socialsciences,mathematics,andphysicalsciences,andunderstandthe
relevanceofthesedisciplinestothebiologicalsciences. Developtheabilitytocommunicatescienticideas,orallyandinwriting. Developfacilityintheuseofcomputerapplicationsandtheinternet.
B. Scientic and Experimental Skills Understandandapplythescienticmethod,includingforminghypotheses,designingexperimentstotesthypotheses,
andcollecting,analyzing,interpreting,andreportingdata. Developtheabilitytouseappropriatelaboratoryoreldprocedures,methods,andinstrumentationforbiological
studies.
C. Biological Skills Developbreadthofknowledgeinthebiologicalsciences,includingtheeldsofbiochemistry,cellbiology,ecology,
evolution,molecularbiologyandgenetics,andphysiology. Acquireanappreciationforalllevelsofbiologicalorganization,includingthemolecular,cellular,organismal,and
systemslevels. Understandtheprocessesthatunderlieembryonicdevelopment,cellulardierentiation,andreproduction.
1.Biochemistry:Understandthestructureandfunctionofbiologicalmolecules,cellularenergetics,cellularmetabolism,andphotosynthesis.
2.Cell Biology:Understandthestructureandfunctionofprokaryoticandeukaryoticcells,aswholeentitiesandintermsoftheirsubcellularprocesses.
3.Ecology:Understandtheinteractionsbetweenorganismsandtheirenvironments,andtheconsequencesoftheseinteractionsinnaturalpopulations,communities,andecosystems.
4.Evolution Understandevolutionasthecentralunifyingconceptinthebiologicalsciences. Understandnaturalselection,andhowitcontributestotheformationofspecies,biodiversity,andpatternsof
biologicalevolution. Appreciatethescopeofbiologicaldiversityintermsoftheevolutionaryhistoryofthemajorgroupsoforganisms.
5.Molecular Biology and Genetics Understandthesynthesis,structure,andfunctionofnucleicacidsandproteinsinprokaryotesandeukaryotes. Understandtheprinciplesofinheritancefrommolecularmechanismstopopulationconsequences.
Understandtheowofgeneticinformationinpopulationsandtherelationshipbetweengeneticsandevolutionarytheory.
6.Physiology:Understandthefunctioningoforganisms,atthemolecular,cellular,organ,andorganismallevels.
D. Ethics / Society Beabletoplacebiologicalknowledgeintoanethicalcontext,especiallyhowbiologycancontributetotheresolutionof
ethical,social,andenvironmentalissues.
E. Afer Graduation Preparestudentswithasucientdepthofknowledgeandabilitiestopreparethemforentry-levelemploymentina
widevarietyofelds,orforgraduatestudyinthehealthprofessionsorotherbiology-relateddisciplines.
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PhilosophyofAcademicAdvising
Academicadvisingisanintegralcomponenttosuccessinhighereducationbywhichprofessionaladvisorswork
collaborativelywithstudentstohelpfostertheirintellectualandpersonaldevelopmenttowardgraduation,post-graduation,andlifelonggoals.eobjectiveofacademicadvisingistoengagestudentsbyextendinglearningopportunitiesbeyondtheclassroombyfacilitatingpersonalreectionandbyempoweringstudentswiththenecessaryinformationtomakeinformeddecisions.
LearningOutcomesforStudents
Personal Growth:Developeectivecommunicationskills,achievegreaterautonomy,andproblem-solvingskills.
Clearlyarticulateshortandlongtermgoalswhicharecongruentwithyourvalues,interests,andpersonality
Describetherelationshipbetweenacademicgoalsandyourpersonalvaluesandgoals Analyzeproblemsandembraceallchallengesasanopportunityforlearningandgrowth Makeyourowndecisionsaergatheringalltheavailablefactsandpertinentinformation
Institutional Knowledge:Awarenessofprograms,resourcesandopportunitiestomaximizelearning.
Identifylocationofmajorcampusocesandtheirfunctionwithinstudentservices Applyforscholarships,internships,andspecialprograms
Co-curricular Integration:Establishinglinkbetweencurrentacademicexperiencestoyourfuturecareerandpersonalgoals.
Describetherelationshipbetweenmajor(s)andminor(s)andhowtheycanassistinachievingfuturegoals Denetheknowledgegainedfromcoursesandidentifyskillsandcompetenciesdevelopedthroughpartici-
pationinextracurricularactivities
MandatoryAdvisementHold
Advisingholdshelpensurethatstudentsandadvisorsmeetperiodically,typicallyonceeachsemester,tomonitorprogresstowardgraduation.StudentscannotenrollincourseswithoutrstmeetingwiththeiracademicadvisorMandatoryadvisingsessionsarelimitedto30minutes.Studentscanalwaysmeetwithanadvisorbyscheduling
anappointmentorcomingtotheoceduringwalk-inhoursanytimethroughouttheyear.
ImportantLinks
Academic Review-usc.edu/academicreview -Academicprobation,disqualication,petitionsArticulation -usc.edu/articulation -ReviewstransfercourseworkfromoutsideinstitutionsCatalogue -usc.edu/catalogue -CoversmostacademicpoliciesanduniversityprogramsGrades -usc.edu/grades -InformationaboutgradingpoliciesandproceduresOASIS-usc.edu/oasis -Grades,STARSReport,TransferCreditReport,pre-approvalfortransfercourseworkSchedule o Classes-usc.edu/soc -Courseoerings,importantuniversitydates,syllabi
Academic Advisement
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PartnershipforSuccess
Advisors expect you to:
Takeownershipofyourowneducationbytakinganactiveroleinalladvisementmeetings Comepreparedwithquestionsanddocuments(ifapplicable) Voiceyourconcernsandspeakupifanythingisstillunclear Behonest ReviewyourownSTARSReportbeforecominginforadvisement Makeyourowndecisionsaerbeingadvised
Bepunctualtoallappointments.Ifyouneedtocancelanappointment,dosoatleast24hoursinadvance. RegularlycheckyourUSC.EDUemailaccount;thisistheocialmethodofcommunicationbetweenthe
universityandstudents. Establishrapportwithprofessorsandteachingassistants Promptlyscheduleanappointmentifyouhaveanyissuesthatmayaectyouracademicsuccess.Inother
words,donotprocrastinateassmallerproblemscanpotentiallyturnintomuchlargerproblemsifnotaddressedintime.
Becomeknowledgeableaboutuniversitypolicies,procedures,andresources Conductyourselfappropriatelyduringmeetings
You can expect your advisor to:
Assistyouincreatingapersonalizedcourseplanforanenrichingundergraduateexperiencebyintegratingyourshortandlong-termgoalswithuniversityresourcesandopportunities
Listencarefullytoyourquestionsandconcerns Beavailableandaccessibleduringocehoursoremailduringnormalbusinesshours
Provideaccurateinformationofuniversityacademicpoliciesandregulationstohelpyoumakethebestin-formeddecision Supportyoutowardachievingyourpersonalbestbyservingasanadvocateandmentor Adheretothehigheststandardofethicsandbestpracticesofacademicadvising Conducthimselforherselfinaprofessionalmanner
Ihavereadtheaboveexpectationsandagreetotakeresponsibilityformyroleinensuringacademicsuccessandtimelyprogresstowardgraduation.
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Youracademicadvisorisavailabletodiscussacademic,careerandpersonalissuesandactsasyourliaisonto
universityresources.BISCmajorscommunicateandmeetwiththeiradvisorthroughouttheirUSCcareertoensuresatisfactoryandtimelyacademicprogress.Forthebestexperience,youshouldmeetconsistentlywiththesameadvisorsoyoucanbothgettoknowoneanother.Pleasecall(213)740-3800toscheduleanappointment.
David LichtensteinMichael Kurland
A-LM-Z
[email protected]@usc.edu
USCCatalogueandDegreeRequirements
YoumustmeetthedegreerequirementsforyourmajoroutlinedintheUSCCatalogue.Degreerequirementsfallintothefollowingcategories:
MajorBISCcore,collateral(CHEM,MATH,PHYS)andupper-divisionBISCelectives.
Minor or additional major Allcourserequirementsforotherprogramsofstudy.
General EducationSixcoursesincludingWesternandnon-Westerncivilization,history,culture,literature,thearts,sciencesandsocialsciences.
Skill LevelWriting(WRIT140&WRIT340),foreignlanguage(threesemestersorequivalent),anddiversity(certainGECategoriesI,II&VIcanfulllthediversityrequirement).
ElectivesAnycourseworknotincludedintheabovecategoriesbutforunitandgradecreditonly.
Unitserearemanydierentunitrequirementsandlimitations(overalldegree,upper-division,DornsifeCollege,physicaleducation,transfer,etc.).
GPAGradepointaveragerequirementsincluding:cumulative,major(s),minor(s),universityhonors,etc.
MeetingWithYourAdvisor
Youradvisorwillassistinnavigatingyouracademiccareerandselectingcourses,andprovideguidanceforthe
variousUSCpoliciesandprocedures.Advisorsalsopossessawealthofinformationaboutcampusresources,graduateschool,internshipsandcareers,studentorganizations,extracurricularopportunitiesandsoon.Weregenerallyprettynicepeoplewhoarelookingoutforyourbestinterestsandareavailabletotalkaboutanyconcernsyoumayhave.Comepreparedwithquestionstomakethemostoutofadvisementmeetings.
Academic Advisor Email AddressLast Name
Alloftheserequirementscanbequiteconfusing.isiswhyyoushouldmeet with your advisor regularlytoensurethatyouareontracktowardgraduation.
Academic Advisement
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ChoosingaMajor
MajorCourseRequirements
BA(56units) BS (72units)
BISC-120Lor121LOrganismalBiologyandEvolution
BISC-220Lor221LCellBiologyandPhysiology
BISC-320LMolecularBiology
BISC-330LBiochemistry
BISC-325Genetics
CHEM-105aLor115aLGeneralChemistryI
CHEM-105bLor115bLGeneralChemistryII
CHEM-322aLOrganicChemistryI
CHEM-322bLOrganicChemistryII
MATH-125CalculusI
MATH-208orBISC-305*Statistics
PHYS-135aLPhysicsforLifeSciencesI
PHYS-135bLPhysicsforLifeSciencesII
Upper-DivisionBISCElectives
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8 units 20 units (8 w/ lab)
eBISCprogramsaredesignedforstudentspassionateaboutbiologyandthenaturalsciences.Manypre-
healthstudentschoosetheBISCmajorbecausemostofthecourserequirementsoverlapwiththepre-healthcurriculum.Somegetbitbytheresearchbuganddecidetoentercareersinacademiaorscience.RigoroustraininginscienticmethodspairedwithabroadliberalartseducationpreparesBISCmajorsforcareersindiverseeldssuchasbusiness,education,law,andtechnology.
IfyoureunsureaboutpursuingtheBISCmajorandwanttoexploreotheroptions,youshouldmeetwithanundecidedadvisoratDornsifeCollegeAdvisinglocatedinCAS120.Walkinorscheduleanappointmentbycalling(213)730-2534.
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*Mostintroductorystatisticscoursescanbesubstituted.
Upper-DivisionBISCElectives
Upper-divisioncoursesprovideopportunitiestoexplorebleeding-edge,specializedtopicswithinbiology.BISCmajorsarerequiredtocompleteupper-divisionBISCelectivecourses(8unitsforBA,20unitsforBS).300-and400-levelBISCcoursesmeetthisrequirement(withtheexceptionofthecoreBISC-320L,325,330L,andhonors493&494courses).ManystudentsopttotakeBISC-490DirectedResearchtofulllpartofthisrequirement.FormoreinformationaboutBISC-490,refertotheResearchsectiononpage10.
Major Programs
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SampleCoursePlan
Freshman
BISC-120Lor121L
CHEM-105aLor115aL
WRIT-140
GECategoryVI
BISC-220Lor221L
CHEM-105bLor115bL
ForeignLanguageI
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
BISC-320L BISC-330L
CHEM-322aL CHEM-322bL
ForeignLanguageII ForeignLanguageIII
GECategoryV
Sophomore
Junior
BISC-325
Fall Spring
PHYS-135aL WRIT-340
GECategoryI
BISC-490(orUDBISCElective)
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
Senior
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
PHYS-135bL
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
GECategoryII
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
Upper-DivisionBISCElective
GECategoryIV
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
BISCmajorrequirement
MATH-125
BISC-194 Elective Elective
Elective HonorsesisHonorsSeminar HonorsSeminar
FSEM-100or180
Fall Spring
Fall Spring Fall Spring
Bachelor of ArtsMoreexibilitytopursueadditionalmajor(s)orminor(s),studyabroad,orgraduateearlyCompletemostpre-healthrequirementswithoutadditionalsciencecoursesLessdepthinbiologycoursework
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Bachelor of Science
SampleCoursePlan
*ItisrecommendedtotakeMATH-125insummerorduringasemesterwithonlyoneotherlabsciencecourse.
Freshman
BISC-120Lor121L
CHEM-105aLor115aL
WRIT-140
GECategoryVI
BISC-220Lor221L
CHEM-105bLor115bL
ForeignLanguageI Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
BISC-320L BISC-330L
CHEM-322aL CHEM-322bL
ForeignLanguageII ForeignLanguageIII
GECategoryV
Sophomore
Junior
BISC-325
PHYS-135aL
WRIT-340GECategoryI
BISC-490(orUDBISCElectivew/lab)
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
Senior
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
PHYS-135bL
Elective/2ndMajor/Minor
GECategoryII
Upper-DivisionBISCElective
GECategoryIV
MATH-125*
BISCmajorrequirement
BISC-194 Elective Elective
Elective HonorsesisHonorsSeminar HonorsSeminar
FSEM-100or180
Upper-DivisionBISCElective
Upper-DivisionBISCElective
Upper-DivisionBISCElectivew/lab
Statistics
Fall Spring
Fall Spring
Fall Spring
Fall Spring
ExcellentforstudentsinterestedinresearchorgraduateeducationinthenaturalsciencesGreaterdepthandopportunitiestospecializeLessspaceforadditionalprogramsofstudy
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NaturalSciences
Designedforstudentspursuingmajorsoutsideofthenaturalsciencesorengineering,theMinorinNatural
Sciencesrequiresabroadarrayofcourseworkinbiology,chemistryandphysicswithelectiveoeringsinmath,earthsciences,andkinesiology.eminoralsorequiresa2-unit,Springsemestercapstonecourse.
Forpre-healthstudentsnotmajoringinthenaturalsciences.
Core Courses 20 units (choose 5 o 6)
BISC-120Lor121LBISC-220Lor221LCHEM-105aLor115aLCHEM-105bLor115bLPHYS-135aLor151L
PHYS-135bLor152L
Elective Courses 8 units
Anycoursesoeredformajorcreditinthefollowingdepartments:biology,chemistry,earthsciences,kinesi-ology,physics&astronomy.
Capstone Course 2 units
BISC-321x:MultidiscplinarySeminarinScience,Tech-nologyandSociety.
ComputationalBiologyandBioinformatics
isminorengagesstudentstousecomputational,statisticalandinformaticstoolstosolvebiologicalproblemsrelatingtotheenvironment,health,foodandenergy.Addressingtheseurgentproblemsrequiresintegrativeknowledgeinmathematics,statistics,computerscienceandbiology.eHumanGenomeProjectandnewbiotechnologiesaregeneratingenormousdataand,assuch,thenewbiologyisbecomingmoredatadriven.
Bioinformaticsareinhighdemandinbiotechcompanies,academia,medicalcenters,governmentagenciessuchastheNIH,EPA,andFDAamongotheremergingelds.
Atotalof30unitsisrequiredfortheminor.
Biological Sciences Courses 16 units
BISC-305:IntroductiontoStatisticsforBiologistsBISC-320L:MolecularBiologyBISC-478:ComputationalGenomeAnalysisBISC-481:ModelingofBiomoleculesandBiologi-calSystems
Mathematics Courses 8 units
MATH-125:CalculusIMATH-126:CalculusII
Computer Science Courses 6 units
CSCI-101L:FundamentalsofComputerProgramming
CSCI-102:DataStructureElective Courses (i needed)
BiologicalSciences:BISC-230L,300L,313,325,330L,403,406L,410ComputerScience:CSCI-200,201L,271,303,477a,477b,485Mathematics:MATH225,226,408,432,458,465,466,467
Minors
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MinorsBiotechnology
isinterdiscpinaryminorcombinescoursesinaccounting,biology,businessandchemistrytoprovidethe
essentialscientic,analyticalandcorporateskillsrequiredintherapidlygrowingbiotechnologyindustry.
Well-suitedforbusiness,biologychemistryandengineeringmajorsseekingcareersinbiomedical/biotechnicalsciencesortheadministrative/businesssideofabiotechnologycompany.
Natural Sciences Courses 28 units
BISC-220Lor221L:CellBiology&PhysiologyBISC-320L:MolecularBiologyBISC-330L:BiochemistryBISC-406L:BiotechnologyCHEM-105aLor115aL:GeneralChemistryI
CHEM-105bLor115bL:GeneralChemistryIICHEM-322aL:OrganicChemistryI
CraniofacialandDentalTechnology
Business and Accounting Courses 16-20 units
Accounting (choose 1)ACCT-410x:AccountingforNon-BusinessMajorsBUAD-205a&b:CoreConceptsofAccountingInfor-mation
BusinessBUAD-215xorBUAD-306:BusinessFinanceBUAD-403:LegalEnvironmentofBusiness
Elective (choose 1)BUAD-304:OrganizationBehaviorBUAD-307:MarketingManagement
eUSCSchoolofDentistry,ViterbiSchoolofEngineeringandDornsifeCollegejointlyoertheMinorinCraniofacialandDentalTechnology.isprogramisdesignedtopreparestudentstoenterthedentalbiotechnologyindustryandintroducerecentinnovationsincraniofacialscienceandtherapeutics.Courseworkincludescraniofacialhistology,embryology,headandneckanatomy,genetics,biochemistryandbiotechnologyalongwithapplicationstodentaldiagnostics,imagingandtherapies.
Formoreinformationortodeclaretheminor,contactViterbiBiomedicalEngineering,(213)740-7237.
Core Courses 16 units
DENT-412:FundamentalsofCraniofacialandDentalTechnology
DHIS-310:BasicTissuesandHistologyandEmbryologyBISC-325:GeneticsBME-410:IntroductiontoBiomaterialsandTissueEngineering
Electives 6-8 units (choose 2)
BME-404:BiomechanicsBME-416:DevelopmentandRegulationofMedicalProductsBME-451:FundamentalsofBiomedicalMicrodevicesMASC-310:MaterialsBehaviorandProcessing
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dornsie.usc.edu/bisc/undergraduate/research/
GettingInvolved
Forthoseinterestedinmajorcreditforresearchparticipation,theBISCdepartmentoersanupper-divisioncourse,BISC-490,thatcanbetakenforamaximumof4units.StudentsenrolledinBISC-490areexpectedtoworkanaverageof3-4hoursperunitperweekintheirlabandcompleteanalprojectdueattheendofthesemester.
Sometipsforndingaresearchsponsor:
Talktoyourcurrentinstructors.Initialcorrespondenceviaemailisappropriatebutwerecommenddiscussingresearchopportunitieswithprofessorsinpersonwhenpossible.
VisittheBISCwebsite(dornsie.usc.edu/bisc)tolocatefacultybasedontheirresearchtopics.YoucanperusefacultyinMarineEnvironmentalBiology,MolecularandComputationalBiology,IntegrativeandEvolutionaryBiology,andNeurobiologytondprospectivesponsorsthatmatchyourinterests.
VisittheProgramsinBiomedical&BiologicalScienceswebsite(usc.edu/pibbs).eFacultyResearchTopicslinkhelpsstudentslocatefacultyengagedinresearchattheUniversityParkandHealthSciencescampuses.
Ifyouarestillhavingdicultylocatingafacultysponsorandwouldlikeadditionaltips,speakwithyouradvisor.
DirectedResearch(BISC-490)
Programs,FundingandScholarships
StudentOpportunitiesforAcademicResearch( SOAR)providesfundingtoundergraduatestudentsforparticipationinfaculty-assistedresearchorpursuingscholarlyprojectsoftheirownchoosing.eSummerUndergraduateResearchFund(SURF)providesfundingforundergraduateresearch,onorocampus,duringsummer.Infoandapplicationinstructionsat dornsie.usc.edu/soaranddornsie.usc.edu/sur
ReadmoreaboutUSCresearchprogramsandfundingforundergraduatestudentsontheUndergraduateProgramswebsite,undergrad.usc.edu/research
Conductoutstandingoriginalresearch,becomeaDiscovery Scholarandearnthechancetocompetefora$10,000 scholarship or graduate study! Learnmoreatusc.edu/programs/ugprograms/discovery
Laboratoryandeldresearchcanhelpstudentsdevelopandrenetheirscienticinquiryandtechnicalskills.Participationinresearchcanbeintrinsicallyrewarding,andisrequisiteforstudentspursuinggraduateeducationinthenaturalsciences.ereareseveralwaystogetinvolve:volunteering,part-timework,orforcoursecredit(BISC-490,DirectedResearch).
Ambitiousstudentsoenaspiretodiveintoresearchduringtheirfreshmanyear.However,manyprofessorspreferstudentswithsciencecoursesandcollegeexperienceundertheirbelt,asparticipationrequiresbasicscienceknowledgeandcanbeasignicanttimecommitment.
Research
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Honors
ForoutstandingstudentspursuingmajorsinBiologicalSciencesorBiochemistry,theDepartmentofBiologi-calSciencesHonorsProgramprovidesstudentstheopportunitytoenhanceanddeepentheirinvolvementsintheeldthroughparticipationinhonorsseminars,undergraduateresearchopportunities,andfaculty-advisedwritingofanhonorsthesis.Inadditiontomajorrequirements,studentspursuingdepartmentalhonorsmusttaketwosemestersofBISC-493xHonorsSeminar(1unitpersemester)andonesemesterofBISC-494xHonorsesis(2units).HonorsstudentsmustalsotakeBISC-490DirectedResearchasoneoftheupper-divisionelec-tivesrequiredforthemajor.Inordertoreceivehonors,studentsmustcompletetheirdegreeswithaGPAof3.5orhigherinmathandsciencecoursesbeingappliedtothemajor.SuccessfulcompletionofthisprogramwillearnstudentsthetranscriptnotationofB.A./B.S.inBiologicalScienceswithHonors.
ExceptionallyqualiedincomingfreshmenmayparticipateintheFreshmanScienceHonorsProgram(FSH),whichallowsstudentstheopportunitytotakeenrichedbiologyandchemistrycoursesintherstsemestersequence:BISC-121LgandCHEM-115aLgintherstsemester,andBISC-221LandCHEM-115bLginthesecondsemester.eFSHcoursestendtohavesmallerclasssizesandoerstudentsaccesstospeciallectures,tours,andeldtrips.SomestudentsareinvitedpriortotheiracceptanceofadmissiontotheUniversity,whileothersapplyduringFreshmanOrientation.StudentsmajoringinBiologywhosecuregoodgradesintheprogramaretypicallyinvitedtoparticipateintheDepartmentofBiologicalSciencesHonorsProgram.
eseawards,determinedbythefacultyandlabdirectors,arepresentedeachSpringattheHonorsLuncheon.
MiloDonApplemanAwardEstablishedin1974,thisawardisgiventothemostoutstandinggraduatingseniorpursuingacareerinthehealthsciences.
SCynergyAwardEstablishedin1998,thisawardisgiventothemostoutstandinggraduatingseniorpursuingacareerinthe
biologicalsciences.
OkinScholarshipisaward,establishedinmemoryofDr.MiltonOkin,isgiventothemostoutstandingsophomoreorjuniorintheDepartmentofBiologicalSciences.
CourseHonorsAwardedtothemosthighachievingbiologyandbiochemistryundergraduatesintheBISCcorecourses:BISC-120L,BISC-121L,BISC-220L,BISC-221L,BISC-320L,BISC-325andBISC-330L.
FreshmanScienceHonorsProgram
BISCHonorsProgram
DepartmentHonorsandAwards
dornsie.usc.edu/reshman-science-honors(213)740-2961
dornsie.usc.edu/bisc/undergraduate/honors
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Studyingabroadisafantasticopportunitythatis,formany,availableonlyduringonesundergraduateyears.BISCmajorshavemultipleoptionswhenchoosinganacademically,culturally,andpersonallyenrichingabroadexperience.WhetheryouchooseeldresearchonCatalinaIsland,culturalimmersioninaforeigncoun-try,orhands-onproblemsolvingaroundtheworld,studyingabroadisonepieceofyouracademiccareeryoudonotwanttomiss.
eUSCCatalinaSemesterallowsbiologymajorstoconductindependentanddirectedeldresearchunderthementorshipofUSCandvisitingfacultyintheimmersive,individualizedandexcitingenvironmentoftheUSCWrigleyMarineScienceCenteronCatalinaIsland.DuringtheCatalinaSemester,studentswillliveontheisland(located26milesothecoastofLosAngeles)fortheentireFallorSpringsemesterandtakeselectedcoursesinenvironmentalstudiesandbiology,allowingthemtocontinueworkingtowardtheirmajorrequirements.esecoursesarespeciallydesignedtomakeuseoftheuniquesettingofCatalinaIsland.Accomplishedundergradu-ateswhoattendthisprogrammayapplyuptotenCatalinaunitstowarda Progressive M.S. in Marine andEnvironmental Biology(dornsie.usc.edu/bisc/undergraduate/programs/ProgressiveMastersinMEB.cm ).
Studyingabroadoersanunparalleledopportunityforpersonalgrowththroughimmersioninforeignculture,allowingstudentstogaininsightsintothemselvesandothers,whiledevelopingleadershipandnetworkingskillsforthefuture.eOverseasStudiesoceoersstudentsexcitinganddiverseopportunitiestostudyabroadin52uniqueprogramsin28countries.emyriadprogramsoeredenableBISCmajorstochooseprogramsthatcomplimenttheirprogramofstudy.emajorityofUSCstudentswhoreceiveFullbrightfellowshipshavepar-ticipatedinastudyabroadprogram.
Eachsummer,theUSCDanaandDavidDornsifeCollegeofLetters,ArtsandSciencesoersstudentstheopportunitytohelpsolveglobalchallenges,suchasclimatechangeorpandemics,throughtheProblemsWithoutPassportsprogram(PWP).PWPcoursescombineproblem-basedorinquirylearningresearchexerciseswithstudyinaforeigncountry,WashingtonD.C.,orLosAngeles.roughPWP,studentsparticipateineldresearch,experiencedierentcultures,andproblem-solvetransnationalproblems,allwhileearningcredittowardtheirUSCdegrees.ExamplesofpastPWPcoursesare:Anthropology301:eGlobalPerfromanceofHealinginBrazil,BiologicalSciences499:GlobalHealthinOxford,England,andInternationalRelations308:SuperTourism-ImpactsonSustainableDevelopmentinCairo,Egypt.StudentsapplyingtoaPWPprogramareeligibletoapplyfortheSummerUndergraduateResearchFund(SURF).
CatalinaSemester
OverseasStudy
ProblemsWithoutPassports
JointheranksoftheGlobal Scholarsandearnthechancetocompetefora$10,000 scholarship or graduatestudy! Learnmoreatdornsie.usc.edu/scholars-global
dornsie.usc.edu/wrigley/education/cat_semester.cm (213)821-1335
dornsie.usc.edu/overseas-studies (213)740-3636
dornsie.usc.edu/problems-without-passports
Studying Abroad
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Always Living in View o the Environment (ALIVE)www-sc.usc.edu/~alive/BringingenvironmentalawarenesstotheforefrontoftheUSCcommunityandthesurroundingLosAngelesarea.Wealsostrivetoinspirestudentstoenactchangeandtakeresponsibilityfortheirenvironment.Eventsincludehiking,recycling,tree-plantingandmore.
A Community Place (ACP)
www-bc.usc.edu/~umin/08acpabout.htmlStudent-runserviceorganizationthatworkswiththehomelessandworkingpoorintheUSCCommunity.Weprovidesacklunches,transportationassistance,andreferralstoothersocialprograms.Gainhands-onexperi-encewithourneighborsandtobegintounderstandlargerproblemsfacingoursociety.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED)aedusc.webs.comNationalpre-medhonorsociety.StudentsbecomeAssociateMembersasfreshmen,andcanpledgetobecomeFullMembersoncetheyaresophomores.FullMembersofAEDenjoyapledgesemesterduringwhichtheyreceivementoringonhowtonavigatethemedicalschoolapplicationprocess.Wealsohaveregularsocialandphilanthropyeventsthroughoutthesemester.
Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
apousc.comNationalcoeducationalservicefraternityfoundedonthecardinalprinciplesofLeadership,Friendship,andService.Itprovidesitsmemberstheopportunitytodevelopleadershipskillsastheyprovideservicetotheircampus,toyouthandthecommunity,tothenation,andtomembersoftheFraternity.
Community Health Involvement Project (CHIP)
chipcommunity.orgVolunteerorganizationdedicatedtoprovidingbasichealthscreeningsandawarenesstounderservedcommuni-
tiesaroundUSC.Membersattendbloodpressureandglucosetrainingaswellashealthcommunicationandlanguageworkshops.StudentsinteractwithadultsandchildreninavarietyofhealthsitesandatourAnnualCommunityHealthFair.
Delta Delta Sigma (DDS)
deltadeltasigma.netRepresentsUSCundergraduatestudentsinterestedintheprofessionofdentistry.Weparticipateinhealth-relatedvoluteeropportuniteswiththeUSCHermanOstrowSchoolofDentistryandfeatureguestspeakersandworkshopsfromdentalschoolsaroundthenation.
Chicanos/Latinos or Health Education (CHE)
clhe@usc.eduPre-healthgroupwhichprovidesresourcesandopportunitiestoexploreandlearnaboutvarioushealthprofes-sionsandissues.Conductscommunityserviceprogramsandeventsprovidinghealth-relatedcommunityserviceandinformationtothesurroundingcommunity.
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Global Water Brigades
globalbrigades.org/?page_id=967TraveltoHondurasduringwinterorspringbreaktoimplementsustainablewatersystemsandworkwithcommunitymemberstobuildwatersystems.WeprepareforthetripbyteachingstudentssomebasicSpanishandHonduranetiquette,fundraisingforsupplies,preparinganeducationalskitregardingpropersanitationforthechildren,anddesigningthewatersystem.
Female Undergraduates Educating and Leading in Science (FUELS)uels.usc@gmail.comProvidesresourcesandencouragementtowomeninthescienceeldthrougheducation,leadershipandmentoring.Promotesboththeachievementofwomeninscienceandourfuturesuccesses.Meetseveryotherweektodiscussissuesfacingwomeninsciencethroughpanelsandspecialguests.Underclassmenarepairedwithupperclassmenmentors,whileupperclassmenmeetwithgraduatestudentsandfacultymembersintheireldofinterest.Alsoincludesanoutreachcomponentinvolvingsocial,educationalandserviceevents.
GlobeMed
globemed.org/usc
Student-runnonprotorganizationdedicatedtofurtheringthemovementforglobalhealthequity.AspartofthenationalGlobeMednetwork,USCschapterhasalong-termpartnershipwithCareNetGhana,anonprotorganizationworkingtoprovidematernalhealthcareandpromoteeducationandrightsforchildreninruralGhana.erearethreemaincomponentstoourwork:Education,Fundraising,andGrassRootsOn-siteWork.
Global Health Student Clubuscglobalhealthclub.webs.comAmultidisciplinaryorganizationthatraisesawarenessofglobalhealthissuesoncampusandseekstoprovideawayforTrojanstobeinvolvedinglobalhealthinitiatives.Servesasabaseforotherhealth-andnon-healthrelatedorganizationstocollaborate.OciallysupportedbytheUSCInstituteforGlobalHealth.
Global Medical Brigades (GMB)trojangmb.wordpress.comDedicatesanentiresemestertoplanningandorganizingabrigadetoHondurasduringWinter/Springbreak.eselife-changingbrigadesbringhealthcareandmedicinetounderservedcommunitiesthatotherwisewouldnthaveaccesstosuchresources.Onatypicalbrigade,studentsworkalongsidephysicians,RNs,dentists,
andotherhealthprofessionals.
Health Care Business Club (HCBC)
uschcbc.comOrganizesprofessional,academicandsocialactivitiesforstudentsinterestedinexploringopportunitiesinthehealthcareandlifescienceindustries.Learnaboutthebusinessofhealthcareandthelifesciences,interactwithotherinterestedstudents,meetwithleadersandotherhealthcareandlifesciencedecisionmakers,andbecomebetterpreparedforacareerintheseindustries.
Expanding Horizons with Mentorship (EHM)
ehmentorship@gmail.comBringstogetherUSCstudentstoteachscienceatJeersonHigh.Wefocusonbuildingrelationshipswiththestudentsaswellasteachingeectively.isorganizationoersopportunitiestolead,prepforentranceexams,andexpandoneshorizionsthroughrelationshipbuilding.
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Interaxon
usc.edu/interaxonAnon-proteducationaloutreachgroupthatfocusesonteachingneurosciencetostudentsinK-12underprivi-legedschools.Neuroscienceknowledgeisnotnecessary--onlyenthusiasmforscienceandteachingkids.
JEP Young Scientist Program (YSP)
dornsie.usc.edu/joint-educational-project/Bringstogetherundergraduatestudentsmajoringinthenaturalsciencestoimplementhands-onsciencelessonsattwolocalschools.Pairsofteachingassistantssupportclassroomteachersinscienceinstructionastheyintroduceintegratededucationandproject-basedsciencelessonstofourthandhgradeclassrooms.
Peer Health Exchange
peerhealthexchange.orgPeerHealthExchangegivesteenagerstheknowledgeandskillstheyneedtomakehealthydecisions.Weaccomplishthisbytrainingcollegestudentstoteachacomprehensivehealthcurriculuminpublichighschools
thatlackhealtheducation.Ourvisionistogiveasmanyteenagersaspossibletheknowledgeandskillstheyneedtomakehealthydecisionsbybuildingahealtheducationorganizationthatservesteenagersnationwide.
Premed Asian Pacic American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
uscpremedapamsa.webs.comPre-medicalorganizationthatprovidesmemberswithopportunitiestoaddressthehealthissuesintheAsianPacicAmericancommunity,tolearnmoreaboutmedical-relatedcareers,tointeractwithotherpremedstudentsatUSC,andtonetworkwithmedicalstudentsinotherAPAMSAchaptersthroughshadowingandhealthconferences.Membershipandparticipationineventsisopentoallstudents.
Phi Sigma Biological Honors Society
uscphisigma.weebly.comPhiSigmaisthenationalhonorsocietythatstrivestopromoteresearchandacademicexcellenceinthebiologi-calsciences.Inadditiontoengaginginintimate,out-of-the-classroomdiscussionswithUSCfaculty,membersalsopartakeineldtrips.Applicantsneednotbebiologymajors,butshouldhaveaminimumGPAof3.0anddemonstrateininterestinthebiologicalsciencesandresearch.
Pre-Pharmacy Society
www-sc.usc.edu/~prepharmEncouragesinterestincareersinpharmacologyandgeneratesawarenessofpharmacy-relatedopportunities,supportsandeducatepre-pharmacystudentsregardinggraduateschooloptions,andprovidestudentswithopportunitiestocontributetotheLAcommunitythroughserviceprojects.
QuikSCience
usc.edu/org/cosee-west/quikscienceAcollaborationbetweentheUSCWrigleyInstituteforEnvironmentalStudies,QuiksilverandtheQuiksilverFoundation.ItholdsanannualQuikSCienceChallengecompetitionamongschoolchildren.ItsmissionistoimproveUSK-12scienceeducationbyusingchildrensloveoftheoceantomakesciencemoreapproachable.
Science Outreach (SCout)
scout@usc.eduPromotesscienticliteracyatUSCandintheLosAngelescommunity.Westrivetoprovideanenrichingandfunenvironmentforelementaryschoolkidstoexperiencemath,science,andengineering.
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Trojan Health Connection
trojanhealthconnection.comUSCspre-healthnewsorganization.Westrivetoprovideaccurateandtimelynewspertainingtohealth,providecredibleandmeaningfuladvicetostudentswithapre-healthemphasis,andconnectreaderstoUSCspre-health
community.
SC Outtters
scouttters.orgStudent-runorganizationaimstocreateanoutdoorcommunityatUSC,tofosteraspiritofadventure,aswellastoinspireanappreciationofthenaturalbeautyinSouthernCalifornia.SCOutttersnowhasover25volunteerstudentguides,wholeaddayandovernighthiking,backpacking,kayaking,surngandclimbingtripseachsemester.
SC Homelessness Initiative (SCHI)
schinitiative.blogspot.comDedicatedtoaddressingissuesofhomelessnessandpovertyintheLosAngelescommunity,withaspecialem-phasisonreducinghealthdisparities.VolunteeropportunitiesincludedevelopingandleadinghealthylivingworkshopsattheDowntownWomensCenterontopicssuchasdiabetes,nutrition,anddentalhealth,promotingliteracyamonglowincomechildrenattheChildrensBureau,raisingawarenesswithlmscreenings,andmore.
Vision4Visionusc.visionorvision.orgOrganizationdedicatedtospreadingglaucomaawarenessandpreventionusingearlytesting.Activitiesincludeholdingpresentationsonglaucomaatvariouslocationsandmakingvideosforglaucomaawareness.
Undergraduate Science Journal (USJ)uscusj.weebly.comStudentrunonlinepublicationthatservestohighlightresearchprojectsatUSC,withanemphasisonresearchconductedbyundergraduatestudents.OurgoalistopromotescienticliteracybyshowcasingtheresearchinwaythatisengagingandaccessibletotheentireUSCcommunity.Wecoverabroadrangeofthesciences,includingthelifesciences,physicalsciences,behavioralsciences,publichealth,andengineering.
Support or International Change (SIC)sichange.orgFocusesoncombatingHIV/AIDSinruralTanzaniaandtrainingfutureleadersinglobalhealth.WetrainvolunteerstotraveltoAfricaandspend2-4monthsrunningHIVpreventioncampaigns,aidingcommunityhealthworkers,andtrainingpeerhealtheducators.
USCience Review
www-sc.usc.edu/~uscienceAnonlineundergraduate-runsciencemagazinethatfeaturesstudent-writtenarticlesaboutavarietyofscientictopics.emagazinewasfoundedtoteachreadersaboutadvancesfromrecentstudiesandtoelucidatethescienticprocessesthatplayaroleinabroadspectrumofscienticelds,includingbiologicalsciences,medicine,andothers.emagazinesnewsstorieshighlightscience-relatedeventstakingplaceatUSC,andtheMiniInsightsegmentsdescribethescienticphenomenathatweencounterinourdailylives.
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NaturalSciencesBlog
Dailyupdateswithnews,events,andopportunitiessuchasjobsandinternships,research,scholarships,studyabroad,summer,freefoodandmore!
uscnatsci.blogspot.com
eCenterforAcademicSupportoerslearningassistanceandtutoringinvarioussubjectsforUSCstudentsatselectedlocationsoncampus,includingresidentialsites.eCenteralsooersacademicsuccessseminarsandworkshopsthroughouttheyearinareassuchastimemanagement,powerreading,memoryenhancement,exam-takingstrategies,writingpapers,andnote-taking.CASoersservicesincluding:freetutoringandlearningassistance,KortschakCenterforLearningandCreativity,NewStudentAcademicInterventionProgram,
studentsupportgroups,andDisabilityServices&Programs.
CenterforAcademicSupportsait.usc.edu/academicsupport(213)740-0776StudentUnion301
eprofessionalstaoftheStudentCounselingServicesoerindividual,coupleandgroupcounseling,aswellasemergencyservices,inordertohelpstudentstosuccessfullycopewiththevarietyofconcernscommonduringtheircollegeexperiences.Allpersonalinformationiskeptcondential.estaalsoprovideswork-
shopsandconsultationonstressmanagement,assertiveness,communicationskills,andconictresolutiontechniques.ServicesarecoveredbytheStudentHealthandCounselingServicesFee.Toinitiatecounseling,pleasecallorstopbytheoce.Initialappointmentsare50minutes.
StudentCounselingServicesusc.edu/student-afairs/Health_Center/cs.index (213)740-7711YWCABuilding,Room100
SupplementalInstruction(SI)
eSIprogramtargetstraditionallydicultcoursesandprovidesregularlyscheduled,peer-ledstudysessions.esesessionsareavailabletoallstudentsenrolledintheclassatnocost.Workinsmall,collaborativegroupswithyourclassmates;reviewlecturematerial,coursereading,andhomework;andgooverexamstrategieswithSIleaderswhoknowthecoursesandprofessors.SIsessionschedulesonlineatdornsie.usc.edu/session-schedules
dornsie.usc.edu/supplemental-instruction
Pre-HealthAdvisementdornsie.usc.edu/pre-health (213)740-4844FigueroaBuilding107
eOceofPre-HealthAdvisementexiststoserveallcurrentstudents,alumni,andpost-baccalaureatesinterestedinpursuingcareersinthehealthprofessions.Ourpre-healthadvisorsprovideanarrayofstudent-centeredadvisementservicesandsupporttoolstailoredtomeettheindividualneeds,interests,andgoalsofpre-healthstudents.
CareerPlanning&PlacementCentercareers.usc.edu (213)740-9111StudentUnion110
eCPPCprovidescareerservicestoallmembersoftheTrojanFamily.eirarrayofprogramsincludescareer
counseling,workshops,companyproleevents,careerpanels,internships,joblistings&searches,TrojanNetworkandCareerFairs.
Resources and Support
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