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Department of Biology
Undergraduate Advising
Butler Hall, Room 107
979-845-3116
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Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation
41. What is a degree check?
A degree check is the first step in filing a formal degree plan. This procedure
takes place in the Undergraduate Advising Office in 107 Butler Hall by appointment (call 845-3116). The student's records are
compared with their declared major and the requirement satisfied by each
course the student has taken is indicated. The student and an undergraduate
advisor discuss what requirements remain and how those requirements can
be fulfilled. When the student leaves that appointment, he/she knows exactly
what requirements remain and how they can be satisfied.
42. When do I file a degree check and where?
Students should file for a degree check in the Undergraduate Advising
Office (107 Butler Hall) before the end of the semester in which they will
have 90 credit hours. This procedure will provide them with exact information
about graduation requirements. Any student who wishes to conduct a degree
check before the semester in which they have 90 credit hours is welcome
to do so, but all students should file a degree check at the 90 credit
hour limit.
43. How do I file for graduation?
After a degree plan is filed with the Undergraduate Advising Office, only
two things remain for the student to do for graduation:
- Pay the diploma fee. This should be done by adding that option (option
code 66) during preregistration for their final semester.
- File for graduation in 105
Heaton Hall by the due dates. These due dates are shown in each
schedule of classes and typically extend from two weeks before classes
start until the second week of classes. Students should check the schedule
of classes for these dates.
44. What is the best major to get into medical/dental
school?
Professional schools do not consider what major the student completes with
regard to admissions. Most professional schools do require that a student
complete certain courses before entering professional programs as outlined
below. While many of the courses prescribed by medical and dental schools
may be included in some curricula, few of these courses may be required
in others. Student's should examine their curricula carefully and plan a
course of study whereby all requirements for both the bachelor's degree
and the medical or dental schools are completed on schedule.
The minimum course requirements for the medical and dental schools in
Texas can be met by completing the following: Biology (8 semesters hours
of introductory biology with lab and 8 semester hours of advanced biology
with lab), Chemistry (8 semester hours of inorganic chemistry with lab
and 8 semester hours of organic chemistry with lab), Physics (8 semester
hours with lab), Calculus (3 semester hours for medical schools only),
English (6 semester hours), Behavioral Science (3 semesters hours for
medical schools only--not required but strongly recommended).
Recommended courses at Texas A&M are: BIOL 113/123, 114/124 and two
advanced level courses, CHEM 101, 102, 227/237, 228/238, PHYS 201 and
202*, MATH 131*, ENGL 104 and a Literature course or ENGL 301, and PSYC
107 (psychology) or SOCI 205 (sociology). [*Higher level courses may be
substituted in these areas.]
Complete information is available from the Office
of Professional School Advising, room 203
Academic Building.
45. How do I apply to dental/medical school?
Detailed information can be obtained from the Office of Professional School
Advising (203 Academic Building).
46. Where do I get MCAT/DAT information? When
should I take it?
Instructions for applying, obtaining evaluations, registering for the
MCAT or DAT, etc., are available in the Office of Professional School
Advising (203 Academic Building). Since an applicant's knowledge in biology,
chemistry and physics will be tested on the MCAT the student should plan
a program so that at least the year of introductory biology, both inorganic
and organic chemistry, and physics are completed before taking the MCAT.
An applicant's knowledge of physics is not tested on the DAT.
47. What can I do with a biology degree?
Without a doubt, the Biology degree is the most versatile of the many
degrees in the life sciences. Over half of our majors (in all of our degrees)
go on for an advanced degree such as the Master of Science (M.S.) or the
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Historically, Biology has placed more of
its majors in medical and dental schools than any other department at
Texas A&M. In addition, a large number of our majors complete teaching
certification in order to take positions as science teachers in secondary
schools. Qualified science teachers continue to be in high demand, giving
the applicant options to go to nearly any area of the state or country
where they might choose to live. Business, industry, and government continues
to hire many of our graduates where skills and knowledge in the life sciences
are in great and growing demand. Furthermore, training in Biology provides
a unique perspective in other professions such as Law, Architecture, Engineering,
Business and Management.
48. How do I apply to graduate school?
Students interested in additional information about programs at other
schools should come to the Undergraduate Advising Office, which maintains
files on a variety of graduate schools. Students interested in one of
our graduate programs of study should visit
our Graduate Advising Office in 102 Butler Hall.
49. Where can I get G.R.E. information?
G.R.E. registration booklets can be obtained from the Undergraduate Advising
Office (107 Butler) as well as many other offices on campus.
The Undergraduate Advising Office is located in 107 Butler Hall.
Call 979-845-3116 to schedule an appointment or send an e-mail via the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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