Mythbusters '08-09
For the Answers, click on the questions.
Chapter 1
If I study abroad or away from Brown, is there a limit on how many courses can be transferred and count towards my concentration program? Yes, there is a limit, but it is quite generous. With approval, you can transfer to your concentration program...
* up to FOUR courses towards AB programs.
* up to FIVE (and rarely, even 6!) for ScB programs.
* These may include Bio courses, but also other sciences and related courses as are pertinent to your program. Naturally, all of the above must be approved by your advisor.
* These may include approved courses that are "unassigned", meaning simply that at Brown, we do not have the exact equivalent. Nonetheless, such a course may be fine for concentration.
Chapter 2
If I double concentrate, how many courses can overlap programs? TWO courses can overlap programs.
Fact: Approximately 20% of concentrators in Biological sciences program also complete a second concentration program. These second program run the gamut of disciplines.
Chapter 3
Can I take courses in my concentration for "S"? Is there a limit? YES, you can.
BUT, that said, it is wise to use good judgment in this regard. If you are thinking of applying to medical school, or other professional or graduate schools, admissions committees will want to see evidence of excellence in science and other courses. So, you will need to consider when and if and how often the "S" vs. grade option is a good idea.
If a course is offered "mandatory S," this fact is indicated on the transcript, so it is out of your hands.
In addition, if you transfer courses to Brown from study away programs, they will ALWAYS transfer with grades of "S." If you received grades from other institution for such courses, you can request transcripts from there to go along with your Brown transcript in the future. These actual grades can be used in computing an "external GPA."
Chapter 4
If I take a course for "S/NC" and feel that I would have received an "A" if the grade option were selected, is there any recourse? No, but sort of, yes.
No, there is no actual recourse; that is you cannot change your grade option after the strict deadline stated each semester. However, (there is the YES part), your instructor CAN give you an "S with distinction." "S" with distinction is official, and signifies that you have received the equivalent of an "A" (any "A," not necessarily "A+"). "S" with distinction may be counted as an "A" when you must calculate a GPA for external purposes (e.g., applications to outside institutions or programs, or for your resume).
Sometimes, students must gently remind faculty about checking that distinction box (if it is appropriate). This notation is often overlooked, and even misunderstood.
Chapter 5
Is there such a thing as "A with distinction"? The answer is NO. Up to the spring of 2007, some professors actually did check the distinction box, along with giving an "A," on the paper grade sheets used prior to Banner. But, this "A with distinction" actually had no meaning. The distinction mark accompanying the "A" did not give it (the "A") any more weight toward computing "average" of grades, or toward the determination of magna cum laude.
An "A" is an "A" is an "A," as far as the grading system goes at Brown. "A with distinction" is not a grade that an instructor can select in Banner when grading students. THIS POINT IS OFTEN MISCONSTRUED AND CONFUSED.
So, now you have the facts.
IN CONTRAST: An "S with distinction" CAN be selected via Banner, and DOES have meaning. It is the grade for which the distinction mark was originally intended. Although this "distinction" notation also does not appear on the official transcript, it is recorded internally, and may be used as an "A" toward a student's self-computation of a numerical grade average for external purposes. It's primary use is to be counted with "A's" in the University's determination of magna cum laude at the point of graduation.
Chapter 6
I am confused looking at Banner. What is the difference between the "Schedule" and the "Catalog"? The Banner Schedule lists courses offered in the current academic year, similar to the listings in the hardcopy Course Announcement bulletin. The Banner Schedule does NOT include the course descriptions, but it provides class section and lab times.
The Banner Catalog is an archive of all courses that a department offers, whether or not in the current academic year. It DOES include the actual course descriptions.
Chapter 7
What is an easy way I can back up files and precious information on my computer? It seems that every year there are cases of computer crashes, thefts or meltdowns that result in the loss of important information. Sometimes this can derail a whole semester.
Here is a fast and easy suggestion: Purchase a portable flash drive (they are inexpensive!), and use it regularly as a "fast-and-dirty" way of backing up your computer.
(This was suggested by a student who experienced a disastrous loss of information recently when her computer went kablooey. As it happens, my laptop did likewise last week, so I felt this was a timely message.)
Chapter 8
I am confused about the difference between a Degree and a Concentration; also, what does the Brown diploma actually say? A Bachelor's degree is awarded at the conclusion of your undergraduate years at Brown. It will appear on the diploma as either a "Baccalaureato in Artibus" (AB) or a "Baccalaureato in Scientia" (ScB) degree. The name of the degree appears in English on your transcript.
A concentration is the program, or focus of the degree, in which you are registered, with various requirements that are known and delineated on your concentration forms, which have been signed by your advisor.
In four years (8 semesters-worth of tuition enrollment) at Brown, you may be able to complete more than one concentration program, but you will still receive one formal degree (the Bachelor's degree) in that time frame.
Your diploma does not have the name of your concentration program on it*, but your transcript DOES.
Your diploma will have your Name, your Degree, and the signature of the President of Brown (and, a few other items in Latin as well).
* If you complete Honors in your concentration, this information will be inscribed on your diploma (e.g., "Honors in Biology") in Latin, e.g. "cum honoribus in Biologia." The fact that you complete your concentration with honors will also appear, in English, on your transcript, e.g., "Biology - HONORS."
* If you complete more than one formal concentration program within the eight semesters, these will all be denoted on your official transcript, even if one is an "AB" program and the other an "ScB" program.
Chapter 9
What is the appropriate way to address (in writing or verbally) a faculty member or a person (future employer?) in an official capacity to whom an inquiry is being made? Be conservative and polite:
"Professor ---" or "Dean ---," "Dr. ---, Ms. ---, or Mr. ---" (depending on degrees known) are always appropriate.
Do NOT assume first name basis unless you are invited to do so. If the person eventually offers a nickname for you to use, that is acceptable (for example: "Dean T").
When writing email, do NOT resort to "Dear Firstname Lastname." For example, messages I receive that begin "Dear Marjorie Thompson" will surely end up in the Delete basket. That practice makes your inquiry sound like a mass mailing/form letter, and hints that the writer has not done much information-gathering before writing.
Chapter 10
How do I approach faculty (or advisors or deans) about seeing them for a consultation? 1) In a brief email or phone call, state that you are seeking a conference in order to discuss (course planning; course content, academic concern, research, program planning, etc).
2) Ask when the professor has open office hours, or, how they prefer to schedule an appointment.
3) Speak to/contact whomever does their scheduling, and proceed.
ALSO:
* provide the reason for the meeting you are seeking.
* do not send a list of times when you , the student, are available. Remember, you are asking to be fit into THEIR schedule, not the other way around! Instead, refer to #2, above.
* do your homework prior to the meeting.
Chapter 11
I hear a lot of well-meaning advice (about courses, rules, opportunities, what is needed for this or that, when to be scared, what can or cannot be done, etc.) from "the grapevine." How can I be sure what is correct, and more importantly, what is right for me? Talk to an expert! Peers may mean well, but advice "on the street" may be inaccurate and anxiety-generating.
Who is an expert? Most Deans are authoritative in their knowledge of the "ropes" in their area, or know who is, and will refer you to an appropriate colleague in the deanery or on the faculty.
Chapter 12
Is it possible to get both an AB and an ScB in four years, OR is a fifth year required ? This is one of the most frequently misunderstood topics. Although it was touched upon in Mythbusters Chapter 8, it is covered here again with a somewhat different tilt.
It IS possible to complete more than one concentration program within four years, and for one of these to be an AB program, while the other is an ScB program. If this is accomplished, BOTH programs ARE denoted on the official transcript. Your transcript is the true calling card (along with a good resume) to the outside world.
However- a DEGREE- the Baccalaureate degree- is something else. It is what is awarded (diploma in evidence) after 8 semesters-worth of tuition enrollment at Brown.
Therefore, even if you complete two concentrations (one an AB PROGRAM, the other an ScB PROGRAM, you will receive one DEGREE/one diploma. But, this in no way diminishes your credentials regarding the two concentration programs!
Your next question might be: Then, why do some students take FIVE years to accomplish what sounds like the same thing that can be done in four years?
The answer is usually that the rigors, obligations and objectives pertinent to the two different programs may be such that doing it all within four years is just not feasible. If more time is needed, and the fifth year is affordable (and the word "affordable" is intended here in all its nuances), then a student may choose this path.
Among students enrolled in our various Biological Sciences programs (numbering in recent years 275-300 students per class) there are on average 0-2 five year dual degree recipients per graduating class, whereas 17-20% of our students complete with a second concentration.
Chapter 13
Can a summer UTRA be used to get academic credit? NO...but, read on!
In fact, a student cannot be paid for, and simultaneously acquire academic credit from the same activity.
However, for Biological Sciences students, it is common to perform a summer research project funded via UTRA, and then continue this project into the subsequent academic year (usually senior year!) for independent study vis a vis our fall/spring courses BIOL 1950/1960. These courses carry one (1) credit each, just as any other full course would.
So the summer UTRA + BIOL 1950 + 1960 is a typical scenario, yields two (2) credits, and is also the means of garnering a full year of excellent, capstone-style research towards the concentration program. This research may also be the springboard to the Honors thesis. (Honors in Biology: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html).
Note: it is also common for students to do a full year of research project (BIOL 1950/1960) without doing the summer program. Some labs may require the summmer, but certainly not all do.
Chapter 14
I have AP scores* that exempt me from, or replace, certain courses in my concentration program. How can this credit be made"official"?
*example: an AP score of 4 or 5 replaces BIOL 0200 in Biology concentration programs. AP credits should appear on your internal academic record. If not, you can contact the College Entrance Examination Board to send your score report to Brown:
AP Services
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)
Email: apexams@info.collegeboard.org
Then, when you fill out your concentration forms, on page one where you list the courses that will be in your program, just include the AP credit/replacement as a line item as follows (using the BIOL 0020 example again):
BIOL 0020: credit via AP score of 4 (or 5)
Chapter 15
How do I calculate a GPA, if this is requested by some external party (employer, school, internships, etc.)? This is straightforward computation, as follows:
A=4.
B=3.
C=2.
Do not count Ss.
However, if you have S- with-distinction, you can use this same as an A=4.
Using the grades you have, add up the numbers as per above, and take an average. You can include courses taken at other school for college credit (study abroad or away or summer courses), too.
Remember, this is a self-computed figure, since there is no official GPA reported by Brown. Your transcript will substantiate the figure you calculate.
Chapter 16
When I file my concentration forms, are the courses I list there set in stone, or can they be changed? The first concentration form you file, in your sophomore year, should be considered a DRAFT plan. All the courses you project for your program should be listed on that page 1. However:
It is EXPECTED that you will change and adjust your plans with each subsequent semester! New courses will be offered; your interests will shift; your goals and circumstances will change... and so must the concentration plan.
Your final concentration form is ALWAYS going to be different than what you started with two years before! The final form will be what you re-file for the last time during your 8th semester. You are not expected to re-file the form every time you change a course, but it is worth checking with your advisor if there is any question about the substitutions you are trying to make.
So... the concentration forms should be considered a work-in-progress, to be sculpted and refined over time.
Chapter 17
How do I approach faculty about research opportunities? After you have explored the Research Projects Collection (searchable at http://med.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html), you must make contact* with and schedule meetings with potential faculty sponsors.
Prepare for these meetings as follows:
*Do educate yourself about the faculty member's research, so that you are prepared to explain why you gravitated to this. Be prepared to ask informed questions.
*Do explain how your interest in this particular research area emanates from the courses you have taken, and from major themes established in your concentration program. This is especially true if your planned project will serve as your Capstone or thesis project.
*Do emphasize technical, language, data analysis or other skills the faculty member might need or want.
*Do discuss the time frame for your involvement, including expectations as to effort/time; summer (funding possibilities?) and continuation of project during the academic year.
*Do not address your potential sponsor casually or an a firstname basis, unless you have an already-established relationship with this person and they have invited this familiarity.
*Contacts:
-Made be made via email with a brief introductory note. Be prepared to follow up, since most are barraged with hundreds of daily messages.
-May be made by telephone: leave message and politely request an appointment to discuss research opportunities
Chapter 18
Where can I find information about clinical opportunities,
especially good for students aiming at health careers?
It is tough out there, but here are some sources:
Listings here:
(searchable at http://www.brown.edu/Administration/Dean_of_the_College/hco/resources/listings_clinical.shtml)
here:
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/Internships/CPH.htm
and here:
http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ditlp.html
ALSO, do not forget to use personal connections, and network. This is probably the most valuable of all paths to these kinds of
opportunities.
Chapter 19
If I get a C in a science class, will it still be possible for me to get Honors in Biology? Honors in Biology is based, first and foremost, on an extensive research experience. Carried out to its fullest extent, it can culminate in a final thesis, an oral presentation or poster, a satisfactory evaluation by a faculty honors sponsor and second reader. These are the principal features that will lead to graduating with Honors in the discipline. Do grades matter? the answer is YES, but not to the extent that some Cs,or even a slow start academically will necessarily preclude attaining Honors.
The academic requirement as stated on our website is that there be mostly QUALITY GRADES (aim for As and Bs) in the concentration. This also involves quality course choices, progress and rigor.
Naturally, students would wish to aim for the best performance possible in a challenging array of courses, chosen thoughtfully each semester and showing growth and curiosity.
An FAQ about Honors in Biology can be found on this page: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html
Chapter 20
Is there a restriction on taking Concentration courses for S/NC? No. The S/NC option can be used in any course. There is no restriction on the use of the S/NC in concentrations.
however, it is an important thing to use common sense, and employ this option prudently. If you are contemplating graduate school or medical school, you will probably want to take grades in most of your concentration courses. This does not preclude occasional, judicial use of the S (remember, the original purpose was to encourage risk-taking!), but do make an effort to demonstrate grade-based excellence in your concentration.
Also, for courses where you choose the S option, you can request a CPR (Course Performance Report), to be filled out by you and the instructor.
And don't forget...if it was clear you would have received an A, the instructor can check the Distinction box on the grade report!
Chapter 21
If I select a concentration program that requires a research project, is it required that I do a full year of research, (both BIOL1950 and BIOL1960), or is one semester sufficient? Technically, there is minimum requirement of one semester. But it is a RARE occurrence that a project would be suited to a single semester. The overwhelming majority of projects are geared for at least two semesters, some for an additional summer as well. Many faculty will not consider taking a student for a single semester and most projects can barely be started in that time frame. Sometimes, a summer plus one semester may suffice; circumstances of the project and progress impact individual cases.
So, if you are planning a research project as a key part (Capstone part!) of your program, DO plan on at least two semesters.
Chapter 22
How do I go about setting up a research project as a course? Do I have to use the procedure for University ISPs, or does Bio do it a different way? We do it a different way in Bio.. no ISPs needed. We have a fall/spring course number,BIOL 1950/1960, and directed projects or independent studies are carried out under the auspices of these course numbers.
That said, there are several steps: Finding a project/sponsor, proceeding to a proposal, having it a approved, getting an override to add BIOL 9150 or 1960.
This process and guidelines, along with a guidebook, are here at: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html
- Guidelines (pdf) and Guide Book (pdf)
- Steps to Register for BIOL 1950/1960 (pdf)
You will also find the exhaustive library of Biomed faculty research at the "Research Projects Collection" link at this site.
And, please read Chapter 17, Mythbusters for some helpful hints on approaching faculty.
Chapter 23
Where should I search for research opportunities in Biomedical sciences, at Brown? We maintain a searchable database that includes faculty of the Division of Biology and Medicine, in a user-friendly format. It is called THE RESEARCH PROJECTS COLLECTION, and is here: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/research/
Faculty included in this listing understand that they may be contacted by undergraduates seeking projects for senior capstones, Honors, research experience, summer work or volunteering, etc.
This database may be searched by Faculty name, Department (both campus and hospital based), by keyword and via a topic-based search engine. Most faculty pages are also linked from here to their OVPR profiles for additional details.
WHEN to begin the search: It is optimal to begin search a semester or a year prior to undertaking the start date for research, especially for the capstone projects or for summer projects.
For related information, See Mythbusters Chapter 17, 22 and 25 also.
Chapter 24
(You may want to review Mythbuster, Chapter 22, before looking at this Q&A.) When I do research via BIOL 1950 and 1960 (fall plus spring), does each semester count as a whole course toward my concentration, so that a full year's worth would provide 2 courses (credits) towards my program?
Yes, indeed!
Please note that there ARE stipulations about how many semesters of direct research can count towards a concentration program (limit: 2), and how it may be used (eg, even a full year still provides ONE lab credit and ONE advanced course credit towards biology concentration programs).
Chapter 25
Can I take a summer course elsewhere, and transfer it back to Brown for credit, and towards my concentration program? YES, if the course meets certain criteria:
It must be worth at least 4 credits elsewhere (at a four year, not community college), AND be approved by the department or faculty here that offer courses similar to it; for concentration credit, the advisor's approval must be sought.
MANY students do this, and it is not a particularly difficult process.
Note: there may be limits on the number of courses that can be transferred to concentration programs; and matters of academic standing should always be confirmed with the Registrar.
Chapter 26
When I do research via BIOL 1950/1960, does each semester count as as whole course toward my concentration? YES. Each semester, BIOL 1950 in fall and 1960 in spring, counts as a full credit. So, doing both means two full course credits.
Students in Biological Sciences may use two semesters towards their concentration programs, but if more are done, these would be considered electives courses OUTSIDE of the concentration program.
For more information on Research projects for undergrads: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html
- Guidelines (pdf) and Guide Book (pdf)
- Steps to Register for BIOL 1950/1960 (pdf)
You will also find the exhaustive library of Biomed faculty research at the "Research Projects Collection" link at this site.
Chapter 27
Where can I find factual information that will dispel rumors, and clarify many points of general confusion? Check Bio Mythbusters!
In 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
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. Address suggestions and questions to Marjorie_Thompson@brown.edu, and perhaps your topic will be featured in a future Chapter.
See you next year!
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