CBS dated credit policy
It is expected that students will complete their B.S. degree in four years. Occasionally, students leave the University and later decide to return to the College of Biological Sciences to complete their degree. In these situations, course content and requirements may have changed significantly, and previously completed courses may no longer represent the thinking and teaching in theses areas of study. New information in biology is expanding at a rapid rate and advanced-level courses are continually modified and updated.
Each department in the College of Biological Sciences has an established policy for evaluation of dated credits, defined as upper division courses in the major that were completed 6 or more years prior to the current academic year (depending upon major, see policies below). Students in departmental majors may need to retake dated courses or take other courses to bring their education up-to-date. All courses required for CBS majors must be taken for a letter grade and the student must receive a C- or better in those courses.
Process
Discontinued students who wish to return to the University after a lapse of enrollment should schedule an initial meeting with an adviser in CBS Student Services to develop a sound academic plan for returning to school. After reviewing previously completed courses and the current curriculum for their major with a CBS adviser*, students may schedule an appointment to discuss any dated credits with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in their major. To make an appointment with a CBS adviser, please call 612-624-9717.
Dated credit guidelines for CBS majors
Biology: Students majoring in Biology may use any previously completed credits toward that degree, provided that courses in the major were completed with grades of C- or better.
Biochemistry: Students majoring in Biochemistry who have completed coursework required for the major more than ten years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Biochemistry.
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior: Students majoring in EEB who have completed coursework required for the major more than seven years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for EEB.
Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development: Students majoring in GCD who have taken 4xxx- and 5xxx-level courses required for the major more than ten years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for GCD. All remaining courses in the major will count toward the degree, provided that they were completed with grades of C- or better.
Microbiology: Students majoring in Microbiology who have completed coursework required for the major more than seven years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Microbiology.
Neuroscience: Students majoring in Neuroscience who have completed coursework required for the major more than six years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Neuroscience.
Plant Biology: Students majoring in Plant Biology are allowed to use any previously completed credits toward their degree, provided that courses in the major were completed with grades of C- or better.
* Please note that the U of M policy regarding Leave of Absence (LOA) states that students with an approved LOA who return to school after two or more years must follow new major requirements upon their return. Discontinued students without an approved LOA must apply for readmission to their college and follow new major requirements after a one-year absence from school. See Leave of Absence policy for more information.
