I. ASCRC Symbolic Systems Request (3/5/14)
Use to request or renew the general Group III Exception: Symbolic Systems for degree
programs or options. Please complete a separate form for each degree requesting the
exception.
Degree or Degree Option*
Biology – option Biological Education
*For options include all degree requirements followed by the
option requirements.
Dept/Program
DBS
Approved Symbolic System(s) M 162 (applied calculus) or M 171 (calculus I) or M 181
(honors calculus I)
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor
Phone / Email
Date
Charles Janson
charles.janson@mso.u
mt.edu
Program Chair
Charles Janson
Dean
CHS, Dean Comer
III: Justification Please explain why the program of study requires over 48 credits for a
first baccalaureate degree:
Biology is arguably the most integrative of the natural sciences. A working understanding of
biological processes requires both inorganic and organic chemistry, basic physics, and calculus.
These courses alone add up to at least 26 credits (and up to 38). Adding in our core courses and
a modest number of required courses within the major, nearly all options in biology,
microbiology, and the medical technology degrees have at least 69 required credits. The credit
requirements in biology at UM are not exceptional, but quite routine for undergraduate degree
programs in the biological sciences at U.S. universities.
IV. Degree Requirements: (1) List all courses required for the major and the credits
earned. Courses that apply toward the 48-credit threshold include all requirements for the
primary major and designated pre-requisite courses (2) Subtract general education credits
fulfilled by these requirements. Example: If a major requires PHSX 205N-208N (totaling 10
credits), only 4 credits apply towards the 48 credit threshold since 6 credits are needed to fulfill
general education group XI (Natural Sciences).
Required Biology Core Courses:
 BIOB 160N - Principles of Living Systems (4)
 BIOB 170N - Princpls Biological Diversity (3)
 BIOB 171N - Princpls Biological Dvrsty Lab (2)
 BIOB 260 - Cellular and Molecular Biology (4)
 BIOB 272 - Genetics and Evolution (4)
Total core courses: 17 credits
- 6 credits for Natural Sciences GER
Running Subtotal: 11 credits
Total Credits (Excluding General Education Credits):
V. Option Requirements:
All Required:
 BIOE 370 - General Ecology (3)
 BIOE 371 - Gen Ecology Lab (2)
 BIOM 360 - Gen Microbiolgy (3)
 BIOM 361 - Gen Microbiolgy Lb (2)
 BIOO 433 - Plant Physiology (3)
 BIOO 434 - Plant Physiology Lab (1)
Running Subtotal: 25 credits
One from:
o BIOB 301 - Developmental Biology (3)
o BIOL 435 - Comparative Animal Physiology (3)
Running Subtotal: 28 credits
One from:
o M 162 - Applied Calculus (4)
o M 171 - Calculus I (4)
o (or M 181)
Running Subtotal: 32 credits
All required:
 STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics (4)
 CHMY 121N - Intro to General Chemistry (3)
 CHMY 123N/124N - Intro to Organic & Biochem & Lab (5)
 CHMY 485 - Laboratory Safety (1)
 PHSX 205N/206N - College Physics I & Lab (5)
 EDU 497 – Methods: Teaching Science (3)
Running Subtotal: 53
One from:
o GEO 105N – Oceanography (3)
o GEO 108N - Climate Change (3)
Running Subtotal: 56
**In addition to these 56 credits of major requirements, teacher preparation students must also take 32
additional credits of Education courses (EDU 202, 221, 345,370,481, 395, 494, 495; HEE 233) in order to
be certified to teach. This 32 credits does not include EDU 407E, which meets the GER ethics/human values
requirement.
Total Credits (Excluding General Education Credits): 88
Please note: Programs granted a symbolic-systems exception to the general education modern and
classical languages requirement will have to reapply every four years to keep the exception. The
application will require an up-to-date accounting showing that the 48-credit threshold is exceeded.