Academic Resources for Undergraduates
Academic CALENDAR.
Click the red button under a specific semester to produce a very detailed list of important dates.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS contains the official listings of requirements for all MSU degrees.
Biological Sciences Program.
The Biological Science Program administers the introductory biology courses that serve as prerequisites for many Zoology courses.
CHANGE your major:
- less than 56 credits: go to the the Student Academic Affairs office of the Undergraduate University Division (UUD) closest to where you live.
- over 56 credits: fill out the appropriate form at the Academic Student Affairs Office of the College of Natural Science, 103 Natural Science.
DEGREE NAVIGATOR
can provide a quick look at your progress towards completing your degree.
Caution: the system is still under construction. If what you see does not match where you think you are in your academic program, schedule an advisor appointment to discuss any discrepancies.
Goals and Competencies for Zoology Students (PDF)
GRADING Systems at MSU.
According to Academic Programs, "Michigan State University employs three systems of grading: a numerical system, a supplemental credit-no credit system, and a limited pass-no grade system."
NOTE: All courses taken to fulfill a University, College or Department requirement must be completed with the numerical grading system.
For further descriptions of these systems, please see Academic Programs.
Go to "General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations,"
then "General Procedures and Regulations,"
then "Grading Systems."
GRADUATION.
The application and other information (e.g. about Spring /Summer graduation) is on the Registrar's webpage. Students must apply to graduate in the first week of the semester in which they expect to complete their degree requirements. Each year, there are two Commencement ceremonies for MSU degree candidates: one in Fall and one in Spring.
HONORS COLLEGE Students
KELLOGG BIOLOGICAL STATION (KBS)
offers field-based courses in the summers and early fall. Students may apply for scholarships for studying at KBS. Housing on-site is available. A part-time job working in the library or research labs may be possible.
MSU EVENTS Calendar lists upcoming seminars, lectures and other events across campus.
NO SEAT AVAILABLE in a Class [or section] ?
PRE-PROFESSIONAL Students
REPEATing a Course
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
There are many student-run groups at MSU. The Department of Student Life web page has links to the MSU student government and a list of student organizations.
STUDY ABROAD
MSU TESTING Center,
207 Student Services Building, offers MSU placement tests, national tests and various other tests.
TRANSCRIPTS:
Official copies of your transcrpt can be sent to other academic institutions or employers. Request can be made to the Registrar's Office electronically or by "snail" mail.
TUTORing and STUDY assistance:
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER
provides many services (tutoring, connections to study groups or help you prepare for the GRE). It also conducts seminars and workshops to assit you with many other academic issues.
SCIENCE RESOURCES:
Jennifer Malinowski, Academic Specialist for Environmental Sciences in the Learning Resources Center has compiled this list of internet resources which can help you with concepts you encounter in your scisnce classes.
CHEMISTRY RESOURCES
Scroll down to the heading "Instructional Materials, Aids, and Resources." Here the Chemistry Department has on-line tools to help you with topics such as Acid-Base Equilibria, Nucleophilic Substitution or Organic Reactions. There are also Cycloalkane and Carbohydrate Visualizations.