Mythbusters'09-10
For the Answers, click on the questions.
Chapter 1
Where can I find factual information that will dispel rumors, and clarify many points of general confusion? In the academic year 2008-09, 27 different pithy questions and answers have been provided in the Mythbuster series. A host of topics have been addressed clearly, misconceptions have been put to rest, and information has been illuminated. All of this is archived at http://bms.brown.edu/bug/mythbusters?year=08-09
Even students, faculty and advisors outside the Biological Sciences will find useful information of general value here.
And… if you still have a question or are confused about an issue, please ASK Dean T. Address suggestions and questions to Marjorie_Thompson@brown.edu, and perhaps your topic will be featured in a future Chapter.
Chapter 2
Which is better, an AB or ScB? A. You will hear many opinions on this but here is the truth: Neither is inherently better! The program you pursue should above all reflect your interests, abilities, time constraints, other interests, and career goals. AB programs permit more time for you to pursue other electives outside science, a boon if you wish to explore other academic areas. Also, AB programs may be embellished (for example, by adding courses beyond the minimum number required; also, by including or adding a research project - BIOL 1950/1960 are the course numbers for Directed Research/Independent Study Projects).
The ScB programs include most of the required courses for students aiming at medical, dental, veterinary or graduate schools in the biological sciences. HOWEVER, such schools, or even future employers are much more concerned with these factors: challenging thoughtful courses; well-rounded skills; focus; research experience; interesting extracurriculars. These factors are more important than AB vs ScB per se.
Chapter 3
What is meant by "advanced course"? Many concentration programs will require a certain number of “advanced courses”.
These are defined as courses above the Banner number 1000.
In Biological Sciences, these 1000+ level courses are more focused in a particular subject area,and often rely on primary literature, discussions and presentations rather than exclusively on lectures and text materials.
Advanced courses should not be regarded as necessarily a great deal more difficult, but instead more sophisticated, challenging, and relying on stated prerequisites for background.
Past Mythbusters, including 2008-09 season are archived here, and freshmen are advised to look at these.
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/mythbusters?year=0809.html
Chapter 4
I've been hearing a lot about UTRAs. How can I find out information about faculty whom I can approach regarding sponsoring me for a project? For students who have attained a significant focus and excitement about an area of biology, and are keen on spending quality time working on a collaborative research project with a Brown faculty member, the UTRA program is one route to a funded experience (10 weeks full time, summer.
Finding out about the kind of research that goes on in BioMed and approaching faculty, can sometimes be daunting.
Here is your source for a searchable database of BioMed faculty who have expressed willingness to be contacted by students about sponsoring projects:
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html and go to the RESEARCH PROJECTS COLLECTION.
Chapter 5
Can I study abroad or away, and transfer some of these courses toward my concentration program? Yes! Each year, dozens of Bio concentrators study abroad, all over the world. Many choose coursework relevant to their concentrations; after review of these courses, transfer credit towards the concentration can be extended.
Rules of thumb:
-Up to four courses may be transferred towards AB programs.
-Up to five (occasionally six), towards ScB programs.
Just check with your advisor (or with Dean T) in planning your strategy.
Chapter 6
What about grades for study abroad/away courses? Do they appear on my transcript once I transfer the courses? Transferred courses do appear on the Brown transcript, but only with grades of S. Therefore, if you are applying to graduate or professional school or have need for actual grades, you would order transcripts from the institution where you took those courses, along with your Brown transcript.
That way, the actual letter grades will be available, and can be included in a GPA you may be required to compute for an outside purpose.
Chapter 7
What are the career paths for students who concentrate in the Biological Sciences?
The Biology Undergraduate Affairs office has a senior survey of graduates since 1985. These data represent a 77% return rate for concentrators in all of our programs, mainly based on responses collected at graduation, and one big retrospective survey.
MD 55.9%
PhD 15.5%
Master¹s 2.3%
Law 1.9%
Dental, PT 1.0%
Vet 1.3%
Teaching 4.0%
Business 9.3%
Other 8.7%
Chapter 8
Will AP credits appear on my transcript? Yes, if you order them from the College Board, and you have achieved a score that is approved by the relevant department as a course credit. The wording will be to this effect, if Bio AP: ³one unassigned credit in Biology², which would be interpreted as equivalent to BIOL 0200. Analogous wording would hold for other subject tests/scores/placement.
If you are using AP scores towards concentration programs, you will include these on your list of courses for the program on Page 1 of the concentration forms. For example, you would list ³AP Biology- equivalent credit for BIOL 0200²; ³AP Math AB- equivalent to MATH 0090²; etc.
Chapter 9
The word THESIS is scary. Where can I find more information on what this entails, and even allay my fears? The Biology Undergraduate Affairs website has useful information on this very topic.
Check out:
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres_Thesis_How_Tos.html
and here:
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/honors_faq.html
Also, in the Biology Undergraduate Affairs office (Rm 124 Arnold) we maintain a library of past theses from all kinds of Biology programs and with a variety of emphases. Please stop by (no appointment needed!) if you¹d like to peruse this collection.
|
