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 Field Ecology
*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:
One from:
 BIOE 370/371 - General Ecology & Lab (5)
 BIOE 342 - Field Ecology (5)
Running Subtotal: 16 credits
Required:
Complete a minimum of 8 credits of UD BIOB, BIOE, BIOH, BIOL, BIOM, BIOO, or BCH, with at least
one course from each subcategory (-ology, evolution)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 24 credits
Required:
 BIOE 440 - Conservation Ecology (3)
 BIOE 451 - Landscape Ecology (3)
 BIOL 492 - Seminars in Ecol & Res Man (1)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 31 credits
One sequence:
 BIOE 439 - Stream Ecology (3) & BIOE 453 - Ecology of Small & Large Lakes (3)
 BIOE 416 - Alpine Ecology (3) & BIOE 458 - Forest and Grassland Ecol (3)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 37
One from:
 STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics (4)
 STAT 451/457 & 452/458 - Statistical Methods I & II (8)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 41 credits
One chemistry sequence from:
 CHMY 121N - Intro to General Chemistry & CHMY 123N/124N - Intro to Organic & Biochem &
Lab (8)
 CHMY 141N-143N - College Chemistry Iⅈ CHMY 221/222 – 223/224 - Organic Chem I&II &
Labs (20)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 49
All required:
 M 162 - Applied Calculus (or M 171 or M 181) (4)
 PHSX 205N/206N - College Physics I & Lab (5)
 PHSX 207N/208N - College Physics II & Lab (5)
Running Subtotal (minimum): 63
Total Credits (Excluding General Education Credits): 63
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.