Course Basics - Biology Symposium BIO 201 (Spring 2026)

Sep 2, 2026

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Course Basics for Biology Symposium BIO 201 outlines how the class supports Biology majors in building professional career-ready materials. The course introduces major resources, develops a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter, and guides students to complete Ball State Career Ready Certificate components via the Career Center. Delivery is primarily in person with scheduled remote weeks. Grading follows Credit/No Credit with PASS at 70% or higher, and weekly units are organized with Canvas-based materials, readings, assignments, and due dates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatDOCX

Pages10

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

Course Basics

Course Information

Course Description

Prerequisites

Course Objectives

Course Modality/Structure

Course Materials

Assignments and Assessments

Course Assignments

Grading Scale

University Statements and Policy

Disability Statement

Attendance Policy

Excused Absences

BIO 201 Symposium (1 hr) Spring 2026 Course Basics Biology Symposium BIO 201, Section 1 & Section 2, 44815 & 44816, Spring 2026 Class meeting days and times, building, and room will be posted on Canvas Instructor Information Dr. Nouran Amin Department of BiologyBall State University, Muncie, IN Contact, student help hours, and office information will be posted on Canvas Course Information Course Description This course intends to: 1) introduce students to the Biology major, 2) prepare a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter, and 3) complete the Ball State Career Ready Certificate sponsored through the Career Center. Although this course is not content-driven, it is designed to help students prepare professional materials for career opportunities after graduation. Prerequisites Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in HYPERLINK "https://bsu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/bio-biology/100/bio-111" BIO 111 and HYPERLINK "https://bsu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/bio-biology/100/bio-112" BIO 112, or equivalent from another institution. Course Objectives 1) Students will become familiar with the resources available for their academic program. Including class schedules, the academic advising system, and possible and suitable elective courses. 2) Students will begin to develop a professional Curriculum Vitae that can be used for employment opportunities or Graduate School applications. 3) Students will learn to create a professional Cover Letter that can be used for employment opportunities or Graduate School applications. 4) Students will learn how to search for appropriate employment opportunities in the student’s chosen field of study and/or identify potential Graduate School Programs of interest. 5) Students will complete portions of the Career Ready Program offered through the Career Center. 6) Students will complete activities related to their concentration or focus area that allow them to survey subfields within the discipline and reflect on potential career interests. Course Modality/Structure This course is delivered primarily in person, with class meetings held once per week on campus. Some weeks will be designated as remote work weeks, during which students will complete assigned activities independently from home rather than meeting in person. All changes to the weekly format will be communicated in advance through Canvas. The course is organized into weekly units, each focused on a specific topic or set of skills. Weekly units begin on Monday and conclude on Friday. Course materials, instructions, and assignments for each unit will be available at the start of the week. Assignments are typically due Fridays by 11:59 PM or during class time unless otherwise stated. Course Materials No required text. You will be provided with appropriate handouts or directed to sources of information for background reading. For more information about obtaining required course materials, see HYPERLINK "https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/business-and-auxiliary-services/first-day" \t "_blank" \o "https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/business-and-auxiliary-services/first-day" Ball State First Day. Course Assignments and Assessments Course Assignments Assignment details, including instructions, relevant readings, due dates, and grading criteria/rubrics, will be posted and updated on Canvas. Please check Canvas regularly to stay informed and on track. Assignments: 1. Professional Application Materials – 25% CV / Resume, Cover Letter / Personal Statement 2. Interview Skills & Reflection – 25% Practice Interview, Interview Reflection 3. Career Ready Competencies – 25% Career Ready Competency Modules (Career Center program) 4. Career Exploration & Symposium Activities – 15% 5. Attendance & Classroom Engagement – 10% Attendance & Classroom Engagement; Final Course Reflection Course Grading Scale This course is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis. To earn credi

FAQs

What is the course’s main purpose and how is it intended to help students?

The course introduces the Biology major, prepares professional Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter materials, and helps students complete the Ball State Career Ready Certificate through the Career Center to support career opportunities after graduation.

What are the key course objectives students are expected to complete?

Students learn major academic resources and elective options, develop a professional CV, create a professional Cover Letter, learn how to search for employment or Graduate School programs, complete Career Ready program portions, and complete concentration-focused activities for career reflection.

How does the course work weekly, and when are assignments typically due?

The course runs weekly units beginning Monday and ending Friday. Materials and instructions are available at the start of the week, and assignments are typically due Fridays by 11:59 PM or during class time unless stated otherwise.

Sep 2, 2026

Upload by Eden