Frequently asked questions

—Updated October 8th, 2024.

how do I switch to the bsci major?

The Biological Sciences major is a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP), meaning there are gateway requirements that students need to complete before they can apply and become admitted into the major. 

Learn how to complete your switch to BSCI on this webpage for Future Students.

NOTE: If you are a high school student or a student with fewer than 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of university-level credit beyond secondary school, you should get started by applying to the University as a freshman applicant. Learn more through UMD’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Who is my assigned advisor?

All Terps in the Biological Sciences major are assigned to an Academic Advisor around mid-October or after Spring break during their first (fall or spring) semester at the University.

Please log in to TerpEngage—Maryland’s central advising platform—to review your Assigned Advisor under Success Team.

If no advisor is listed under Success Team, then students may call the Undergraduate Program Office at 301-405-6892 or email bscique@umd.edu to learn more.

BSCI Terps are typically matched with a Professional Staff Advisor while working on the major’s Basic Program (typically first-years and sophomores), and are later reassigned to a Faculty Advisor based on their declared major specialization and as they begin to register for upper-division courses.

Do I have to attend mandatory advising?

All students who are still completing the major’s basic program, students with a GPA below 2.5, university athletes, and students in their first semester assigned to a Faculty Advisor must meet with their advisor before they can register for upcoming courses.

Terps who do not meet this criteria may not be required to meet with their Assigned Advisor, but are encouraged to do so. Refer to your Assigned Advisor to confirm.

Terp Engage says my advisor is not available. what do I do?

If TerpEngage shows your Advisor as Not Available this means that they either…

Have yet to set up their availability on TerpEngage or they may book meetings using another platform. Please review the Advisor Directory and/or email your assigned advisor to confirm their preferred method for appointment scheduling.

Is it possible to get an extension to complete THE major LEP-benchmark requirements?

Students who study abroad for a fall or spring semester, or who are away from the University for a semester are eligible for an extension to their benchmark reviews.

How do I request an exception to policy?

BSCI Terps who would like to request an Exception to Policy will need to do so via the College of CMNS, Office of Student Services. Refer to this webpage for more information and related exceptions.

Where can I find academic support and tutoring services?

Terps are encouraged to review this comprehensive list of resources from the College of CMNS.

What courses satisfy the lower-level math requirement?

  • MATH135 (Discrete Mathematics for Life Sciences) and MATH136 (Calculus for Life Sciences). This is the preferred sequence for students who do not have MATH140 and MATH141.

  • MATH140 (Calculus 1) and MATH141 (Calculus 2)

  • MATH140 and MATH135

  • MATH130 (Calculus 1 for Life Sciences) and MATH131 (Calculus 2 for Life Sciences) (both courses discontinued)

  • MATH130 and MATH135, for students who took MATH130 before it was discontinued, but have not completed MATH131

  • Other course combinations are possible in unusual circumstances and require approval by an advisor.

  • Students cannot use MATH120, MATH121, MATH220, or MATH221 towards the Biological Sciences major.

Do I need to take PHYS131 and PHYS132?

The PHYS131/132 requirement is effective Fall 2013. If you completed PHYS121 before Fall 2013, you may complete the physics sequence by taking PHYS122. Any student who did not start on the completion of the Physics requirement before Fall 2013 must take PHYS131 and PHYS132 or a more advanced physics sequence. Questions about transfer and AP/IB credit should be directed to the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program Office at (301) 405-6892.