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Pursuing a Career in Science:
The University of Michigan-Flint Difference
Why Choose a Career in
Science?
We live in
a time when exciting and astounding scientific
advances are reported almost daily. A career in
science provides an opportunity to be part of these
advances. While many might regard a career in
science as being dry and boring, nothing could be
further from the truth! Science is exciting and
rewarding on many different levels. If you enjoy
your high school science classes, consider a career
in science and contribute to the amazing advances
and discoveries that are sure to emerge in the
coming century.
Why Choose UM-Flint?
A University
of Michigan degree is recognized around the world
for academic excellence. Additionally, small
classes directly taught by professors provide a
stimulating and challenging environment. Finally,
opportunities exist for participating in meaningful
undergraduate research projects, while working
directly with professors and other students with
similar interests.
Things to Consider Now…
Math: It
is beneficial to take as much math as possible while
still in high school. All sciences require the use
of math and you will be far more prepared for
placement tests and classes with each math course
you take.
Biology:
Biology courses, whether you are a science major or
not, are interesting and valuable. If your school
offers advanced placement courses it is advisable to
take them now to be better prepared for college.
Chemistry:
Entering freshman take a chemistry placement
exam at their orientation. The better you do, the
higher your placement so it is beneficial to take
chemistry and do well in it, particularly if an
advanced placement course is available.
Physics:
It is beneficial to take physics in high school. As
a requirement for most science programs there are
two physics courses to be taken. Taking physics in
high school will help you to be better prepared for
a difficult part of the core curriculum.
Dual Enrollment:
If you find yourself with time in your
schedule, talk to your high school counselor about
duel enrollment courses at the university. This is
an excellent way to get a step ahead for college and
receive credit on the high school and college level.
TAKE IT
SERIOUSLY!!: No matter what your
feelings are about college or high school it is to
your advantage to do as well as possible in high
school. This will better your chances at receiving
competitive scholarships and to get into the school
of your choice; don’t simply assume you are what
they are looking for.
Things to
Consider Then…
Books:
College is expensive even if you receive
scholarships. Be advised, books are extremely
expensive, particularly in the sciences. A couple
weeks before each semester begins books go on sale.
Show up early to get first dibs on “used” books or
the newest copies if you prefer that kind of thing.
Until books are obsolete we must contend with
this…<cough>internet<cough>
Scheduling:
A full time course load consists of a minimum of
12 credit hours per semester, but you can take more
credits at your discretion. If you work part-time
be sure to figure this in with your average hours
spent in class and studying. You do not want to
burn yourself out in your first year. Also, be sure
to check your programs requirements to figure out
the best schedule per semester, if possible get a
good advisor in your field.
Study Time:
College courses require you to commit yourself
to studying outside of your class period. An
example would be the foreign language courses, which
require you to learn and practice the language
before class to review during class. You will also
have homework, the gift that keeps on giving, and
depending on your course load you may have a lot.
The volume of material you are expected to learn is
quite large and this will be an adjustment from high
school.
Campus:
Learn the layout of campus as soon as you can. This
may seem like a no-brainer but room changes and
multiple buildings can cause you to be late.
Attendance does count in some courses, and can even
hurt your grade, so the better you know your
surroundings the more likely you are to avoid these
mishaps. It will also make you feel more
comfortable at school and better able to utilize
your environment.
Social Environment:
We may not have dormitories but the
University of Michigan-Flint supports an
amaizing social environment with an enormous
amount of clubs and activities. You’ll see friends
from high school and make many new friends as you
advance through your education. Take advantage of
what the school has to offer and express yourself
through club activities and don’t be afraid to be
yourself, just don’t let it interfere with your
studies.
TAKE IT
SERIOUSLY!!: Seems like a point beaten
to death but take your college career seriously.
These years will influence the steps you take after
graduation and your opportunities. Many fields
beyond the undergraduate level are highly
competitive and you’re only hurting yourself if you
screw around now. Not to mention, you’re paying for
this, so make the most of your money and do your
best.
At
the University of Michigan – Flint:
Programs in Biology
Information on Pre-Professional Programs
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Pre-Medical
Program
-
Pre-Dental
Program
-
Pre-Veterinary
Program
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Pre-Physical
Therapy Program
-
Pre-Physician
Assistant Program
The following courses
complete the typical Biology core sequence:
The primary
science courses, and most of your courses as a
science major, will consist of three, fifty-minute
lectures per week. Labs usually are held once per
week for an average of three hours. The courses
below are the main courses for most biology and
non-degree programs.
111.
Organismal Biology. LECTURE/LAB/REC
4 Credits. Introduction to basic
principles of biology relating to biodiversity.
Survey of microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals,
including aspects of classification, development,
structure (anatomy) and function (physiology).
Lecture and laboratory emphasizing guided discovery
and critical thinking.
113.
Principles of Biology. LECTURE/LAB/REC
4 Credits. Introduction to basic
principles of biology relating to cell structure and
function, cell reproduction and mechanisms
underlying patterns of inheritance, ecology and
evolution. Lecture and laboratory emphasizing guided
discovery and critical thinking.
326.
(211). Cell Biology. LECTURE/LAB
4 Credits. Biological systems from
molecular to gross cell structure: such concepts as
energy conversion, organization, growth,
homeostasis, and cellular interactions. Examples
from both animal and plant kingdoms. Lecture and
laboratory.
327.
(221). Ecology. LECTURE/LAB 4
Credits. Study of the ecological
interactions that determine the distribution and
abundance of organisms. Includes evolutionary
principles, abiotic and biotic limiting factors,
population growth and regulation, community
structure and change, and energy flow and nutrient
cycling. Lecture and laboratory.
328.
(261). Genetics. LECTURE/REC 4
Credits. Principles of inheritance from
molecular through population levels. Gene action,
cytoplasmic inheritance, parthenogenesis, mutation,
and homeostasis. Lecture and discussion.
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